How to Make a Traditional Spanish Churro with Hot Chocolate Sauce
Churros, crispy and delicious, are a beloved snack in Spain. These deep-fried treats are often enjoyed for breakfast or as a late-night indulgence. Paired with a rich, thick hot chocolate sauce, churros offer a delightful combination of textures and flavors. Making churros at home might sound intimidating, but with the right ingredients and steps, you can enjoy this Spanish delicacy in your kitchen.
Ingredients for Churros:
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For the churros:
- 1 cup (240 ml) of water
- 2 tbsp (30 g) of unsalted butter
- 1 tbsp of sugar
- 1/2 tsp of salt
- 1 cup (120 g) of all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- Vegetable oil, for frying
- 1/2 cup of sugar, for coating
- 1 tsp of ground cinnamon (optional)
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For the hot chocolate sauce:
- 2 cups (480 ml) of whole milk
- 4 oz (120 g) of dark chocolate (preferably 70% cocoa)
- 2 tbsp of sugar (optional, based on your sweetness preference)
- 1 tbsp of cornstarch (optional for thickening)
Preparation Steps:
1. Prepare the Churro Dough:
- In a medium saucepan, combine the water, butter, sugar, and salt. Heat over medium heat until the butter melts and the mixture starts to boil.
- Once the mixture is boiling, remove the pan from the heat and stir in the flour all at once. Use a wooden spoon to mix it quickly. The dough will initially seem dry but continue to stir until it forms a smooth, thick dough.
- Let the dough cool for about 5 minutes. Then, add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. The dough should be smooth and slightly sticky but still firm.
2. Heat the Oil:
- Pour vegetable oil into a deep frying pan or a large pot, filling it about 3 inches (7.5 cm) deep. Heat the oil over medium-high heat. To check if the oil is hot enough, drop a small piece of dough into it. If it sizzles and floats to the top, the oil is ready.
3. Pipe the Churros:
- Transfer the churro dough into a piping bag fitted with a star-shaped tip. This will give the churros their signature ridged texture.
- Carefully pipe the dough into the hot oil, cutting them into strips of about 6-8 inches (15-20 cm) long. Fry them in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pan.
- Fry the churros for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy. Use a slotted spoon to remove them from the oil and drain them on a plate lined with paper towels.
4. Coat the Churros in Sugar and Cinnamon:
- While the churros are still warm, mix the sugar and cinnamon (if using) on a plate or shallow bowl. Roll each churro in the cinnamon-sugar mixture until well coated.
5. Prepare the Hot Chocolate Sauce:
- In a saucepan, heat the milk over medium heat until it starts to steam but not boil.
- Add the dark chocolate to the milk and stir continuously until it melts into the milk, creating a smooth and velvety sauce. If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can mix cornstarch with a bit of milk in a separate bowl and then stir it into the chocolate mixture. Allow the sauce to simmer for 3-5 minutes until it thickens to your liking. If you want a sweeter sauce, add sugar to taste.
- Remove from heat and set aside. The sauce should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon but still pourable.
Serving:
Serve the churros warm with the hot chocolate sauce on the side for dipping. The combination of crispy churros and rich, creamy hot chocolate sauce makes for an irresistible treat.
Tips for Perfect Churros:
- Consistency of Dough: If your dough is too runny or too thick, it can affect the texture of the churros. If it’s too thick, add a little more water, one tablespoon at a time. If it’s too runny, add a little extra flour.
- Oil Temperature: Make sure the oil is hot enough. If it’s too cold, the churros will absorb too much oil and become greasy. If it’s too hot, the churros will brown too quickly on the outside while remaining raw inside.
- Hot Chocolate Sauce: For a more authentic experience, the hot chocolate should be thick, almost like a pudding. If you like it thinner, you can adjust the amount of milk.
Conclusion:
Making traditional Spanish churros with hot chocolate sauce is a simple yet indulgent way to enjoy a piece of Spanish culture. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion or just because you crave a sweet treat, this recipe is sure to satisfy. The crispy churros paired with the rich, creamy hot chocolate sauce offer a perfect balance of flavors and textures, making it a memorable dessert or snack. Enjoy this Spanish favorite with family and friends!