Churro

A churro is a fried-dough pastry associated with Spanish and Portuguese cuisine.

A churro is a fried-dough pastry associated with Spanish and Portuguese cuisine. It is typically made from choux-style dough piped through a star-shaped nozzle, fried until crisp, and often coated in sugar or cinnamon sugar. Churros are also common in Latin American cuisines and in regions influenced by Spanish and Portuguese migration, and they are frequently found in Canadian cities through cafés, markets, and fairs.

Description

Churros are elongated fried pastries made from a flour-based dough. They are usually crisp on the outside and soft inside, with ridges created by the piping tip used to shape them.

History and origin

Most sources describe churros as originating in Spain and Portugal, but the exact origin is disputed. Some accounts link them to Spanish shepherds, while others suggest earlier influences from Chinese fried dough traditions.

Preparation and variations

Traditional churros are made from a simple dough of flour, water, salt, and oil, then fried and coated with sugar. Modern versions may be filled, curved, looped, or served with chocolate sauce and other toppings.

Cultural presence

Churros became widespread in Latin America and in other regions with Spanish and Portuguese cultural influence. They are commonly sold by street vendors, in cafés, and at fairs.