There’s something magical about the warm, sweet aroma of churros wafting through the air, reminiscent of festive fairs and bustling street markets. One evening, as I strolled through a vibrant night market in Spain, I stumbled upon a charming little stand where the air was thick with cinnamon and sugar. The joyous laughter of children and the crackling sounds of fresh churros being fried drew me in. I knew I had to recreate that moment. But I wanted to add a twist to the classic churro, something that would elevate it to a new level of flavor. Thus, the Spiced Chocolate Churros with Citrus Sugar were born.
Ingredients
For the Churros:
– 1 cup water
– 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 2 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– Oil for frying
For the Chocolate Sauce:
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– 1 cup dark chocolate chips
– 1 tablespoon honey
– A pinch of sea salt
For the Citrus Sugar:
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– Zest of 1 orange
– Zest of 1 lemon
Instructions
To begin, combine the water, sugar, salt, and butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir the mixture until the butter melts completely and the mixture comes to a gentle boil. Next, remove the saucepan from heat and add the flour all at once. Stir vigorously until a dough forms, and it pulls away from the sides of the pan. Allow it to cool for a few minutes before adding the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Finally, stir in the vanilla extract and ground cinnamon until smooth and incorporated.
Prepare your frying oil in a deep pot or fryer, heating it to 375°F (190°C). While the oil heats, transfer the churro dough into a piping bag fitted with a star-shaped tip. When the oil is ready, carefully pipe 4 to 6-inch long strips of dough directly into the hot oil. Fry them until they are golden brown and crispy, about 2-3 minutes on each side. Use a slotted spoon to remove the churros and drain them on paper towels.
While the churros drain, prepare the citrus sugar by combining the granulated sugar with the zest of the orange and lemon in a shallow bowl. Toss the drained churros in the citrus sugar until well coated.
For the chocolate sauce, heat the heavy cream in a saucepan over medium heat until it begins to simmer. Remove it from the heat and add the dark chocolate chips, honey, and a pinch of sea salt. Stir until the chocolate is completely melted and the sauce is smooth.
Finally, arrange your churros on a beautiful plate, serve them warm alongside a small bowl of luscious chocolate sauce for dipping, and enjoy a taste of the fair right at home. Each bite is a delightful mix of crispy, sweet, and just a hint of citrus that dances on your palate, making every moment spent with these churros a cherished memory.