There’s something magical about the combination of warm, crispy churros and rich chocolate. Inspired by the vibrant streets of Spain, where churros are a beloved treat, I decided to elevate this classic dessert by infusing the dough with dark chocolate and pairing it with a spiced orange dipping sauce. The result is a delightful twist that not only looks stunning but also dances on the palate with unexpected flavors. Let’s embark on this chocolate adventure!
Ingredients
For the Chocolate Churros:
– 1 cup water
– 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
– 2 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– Vegetable oil, for frying
– Extra granulated sugar, for coating
– Ground cinnamon, for coating
For the Spiced Orange Dipping Sauce:
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– 4 oz dark chocolate (70% cacao), chopped
– Zest of 1 orange
– 1 tablespoon fresh orange juice
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– A pinch of cayenne pepper (optional)
Instructions
Begin by preparing the churro dough. In a medium saucepan, combine water, granulated sugar, and sea salt. Bring to a gentle boil over medium heat. Once boiling, remove from heat and stir in the flour and cocoa powder until fully combined and a dough forms. Allow it to cool for a few minutes.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs and vanilla extract. Gradually add the egg mixture to the dough, stirring until smooth and glossy. The dough should be thick but pliable.
Transfer the churro dough into a piping bag fitted with a star-shaped tip. This will give your churros those iconic ridges.
In a deep saucepan or frying pot, heat vegetable oil to 375°F (190°C). Carefully pipe strips of dough directly into the hot oil, cutting them to your desired length with scissors. Fry until they turn golden brown and crispy, about 2-3 minutes per side. Use a slotted spoon to remove them from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
While the churros are still warm, mix granulated sugar and ground cinnamon in a shallow dish. Roll each churro in the mixture until fully coated.
Now, let’s create the spiced orange dipping sauce. In a small saucepan over low heat, warm the heavy cream until it’s just about to simmer. Remove from heat and add the chopped dark chocolate, stirring until melted and smooth.
Incorporate the orange zest, orange juice, ground cinnamon, and if you dare, a pinch of cayenne pepper for an unexpected kick. Stir well to combine.
To serve, arrange the chocolate churros on a beautiful platter and serve with a small bowl of the spiced orange dipping sauce. The contrast of flavors and textures will surprise and delight anyone lucky enough to indulge in this artistic dessert.
Enjoy your culinary masterpiece! This chocolate-infused churro experience is sure to captivate the senses and spark joy in every bite.