Churros

Churros are a type of fried-dough pastry, predominantly choux, based snack. They are traditional in Spain and Portugal, from where they originate, as well as the Philippines and Ibero-America. They are also consumed in the Southwestern United States, France, and other areas that have received immigration from Spanish and Portuguese-speaking countries.

History

The origin of churros is unclear. One theory suggests that they were brought to Europe by Portuguese sailors who discovered them in China. Another theory is that they were invented by Spanish shepherds, who needed a simple pastry that could be cooked in the mountains. The name "churro" is said to come from the churra sheep, whose horns the pastry resembles.

Preparation

Churros are made from a dough that is typically composed of flour, water, and salt. The dough is piped through a star-shaped nozzle into hot oil, where it is fried until it becomes crispy. Once fried, churros are often sprinkled with sugar or cinnamon. They can be served plain or filled with various sweet fillings such as chocolate, dulce de leche, or fruit preserves.

Varieties

There are several varieties of churros:

• Spanish Churros: These are typically thin and knotted, and are often served with a thick hot chocolate for dipping.
• Mexican Churros: These are usually longer and thicker than Spanish churros and are often filled with sweet fillings.
• South American Churros: In countries like Argentina and Uruguay, churros are often filled with dulce de leche or chocolate.

Cultural Significance

Churros are a popular snack and breakfast item in many Spanish-speaking countries. They are often sold by street vendors and are a common feature at fairs and carnivals. In Spain, churros are traditionally eaten for breakfast, dipped in hot chocolate or café con leche.

Related Pages

• Spanish cuisine
• Mexican cuisine
• Pastry
• Fried dough

See Also

• Dulce de leche
• Chocolate
• Pastry
• Fried dough