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Indulging in Homemade Churros with Spicy Chocolate Sauce

Churros, those delightful ridged pastries that crunch on the outside yet are soft on the inside, are a classic treat that have captured the hearts (and taste buds) of many. Originating from Spain, these golden sticks of dough have travelled far and wide, becoming popular across various cultures. While they are often enjoyed dusted with sugar or dipped in rich chocolate sauce, today, we are adding a twist to this traditional recipe by pairing churros with a spicy chocolate sauce that provides an invigorating kick.

The Perfect Churro Dough

Ingredients:

• 250ml water
• 100g unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons caster sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 175g plain flour
• 3 large eggs
• Sunflower oil, for frying
• Caster sugar, for dusting
• Ground cinnamon (optional)

Method:

1. Prepare the Dough: In a medium saucepan, combine the water, butter, caster sugar, and salt. Bring the mixture to a vigorous boil, ensuring the butter is completely melted. Once boiling, remove from heat and quickly add the plain flour. Stir vigorously with a wooden spoon until a smooth dough forms and it begins to pull away from the sides of the pan.

2. Incorporate the Eggs: Allow the dough to cool slightly before adding the eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition until the dough is smooth and glossy. This can be quite an arm workout, so don’t shy away from using a stand mixer if you have one.

3. Prepare to Fry: Heat sunflower oil in a deep, heavy-bottomed saucepan to 180°C (350°F). You can test if the oil is ready by dropping in a small piece of dough; if it rises and bubbles immediately, you’re good to go.

4. Pipe the Churros: Fit a piping bag with a large star nozzle and fill it with your churro dough. Carefully pipe strips of dough (around 10cm long) into the hot oil. Fry them until they are golden brown, about 2–3 minutes per side. Cook in batches, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan.

5. Drain and Dust: Once fried, remove the churros with a slotted spoon and place them on kitchen paper to drain excess oil. While still warm, toss them in a mixture of caster sugar and ground cinnamon if you like.

Spicy Chocolate Sauce

Ingredients:

• 200g dark chocolate (minimum 70% cocoa), chopped
• 100ml double cream
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
• Pinch of sea salt

Method:

1. Melt the Chocolate: In a small saucepan over low heat, combine the chopped chocolate and double cream. Stir slowly until the chocolate is completely melted and the mixture is smooth.

2. Add the Spice: Remove from heat and stir in the cinnamon, cayenne pepper, and a pinch of sea salt. Taste the sauce and adjust the spiciness according to your preference.

3. Serve the Sauce: Pour the spicy chocolate sauce into a small bowl for dipping, and allow your warm churros to shine alongside it.

The Perfect Pairing

Serving churros with a spicy chocolate sauce not only elevates this beloved treat but also adds an exciting dimension to the experience. The sweetness of the churros contrasts beautifully with the rich, spicy chocolate, creating a harmony of flavours that is both comforting and invigorating.

Enjoying Your Churros

This delightful combination is perfect for a cosy night in, a weekend gathering, or as a treat for guests that are sure to impress. The beauty of making homemade churros lies not only in the delicious taste but also in the satisfaction of crafting something special from scratch.

So, gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and get ready to indulge in the warm crunch of churros dipped in a luscious, spicy chocolate sauce. Your taste buds will thank you!