If you're a fan of sweet, crispy, and delicious churros but you follow a vegan diet, you might think that this traditional Spanish dessert is off-limits. However, with a few simple substitutions and a good recipe, you can enjoy vegan churros that are just as tasty as the classic version. In this article, we'll show you how to make vegan churros step by step, including some useful tips and tricks to get the perfect texture and flavor. Whether you're a vegan or not, you'll love this recipe, which is perfect for breakfast, dessert, or a snack.
What Are Churros?
Before we dive into the vegan churros recipe, let's briefly explain what churros are and where they come from. Churros are a type of fried dough pastry that originated in Spain, but they are also popular in other Spanish-speaking countries and regions such as Mexico, Argentina, and the Philippines. The dough is typically made of flour, water, and salt, and it is piped into a star-shaped nozzle to create long, thin sticks that are deep-fried until golden and crispy. Churros are usually coated in cinnamon sugar and served with a dipping sauce such as chocolate, caramel, or dulce de leche. They are a beloved street food and a classic dessert that can be enjoyed on their own or with a hot beverage.
What Makes Churros Not Vegan?
Traditionally, churros are made with simple ingredients that are vegan-friendly, such as flour, water, and salt. However, some recipes may include non-vegan ingredients such as eggs, milk, or butter, which are used to enrich the dough and add richness and flavor. For example, some recipes call for the addition of egg yolks or whole eggs to the dough, which can make it more tender and creamy. Others use milk or butter to make the dough softer or to enhance the flavor. Additionally, the dipping sauce may contain dairy or animal-based products such as cream or honey, which can also make churros non-vegan.
To make vegan churros, we'll need to substitute these animal-based ingredients with plant-based alternatives that can provide similar or better results. Here are some of the most common substitutions for non-vegan churro ingredients:
- Eggs: Instead of using eggs, we'll use a combination of water and oil or aquafaba (the liquid from a can of chickpeas), which can act as a binding agent and help the dough rise. These substitutes can also make the dough lighter and fluffier.
- Milk: Instead of cow's milk, we'll use a non-dairy milk such as soy milk, almond milk, or oat milk, which can add creaminess and flavor to the dough. We'll also use vegan butter or margarine to replace dairy butter, which can make the dough softer and more pliable.
- Dipping sauce: Instead of using dairy-based dipping sauce, we'll make a vegan chocolate sauce using plant-based chocolate chips and non-dairy milk, or we'll use a fruit-based sauce such as raspberry or strawberry jam.
Now that we know what ingredients we'll need, let's move on to the recipe.
Vegan Churros Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup water
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Oil for frying (such as canola oil or vegetable oil)
Instructions:
In a medium saucepan, combine the water, oil, and salt and bring to a boil
Remove from heat and add the flour all at once. Stir vigorously with a wooden spoon until the dough comes together and forms a ball.Transfer the dough to a piping bag fitted with a star-shaped nozzle. If you don't have a piping bag, you can use a plastic bag with one corner cut off.
Heat the oil in a large pot or deep fryer over medium-high heat until it reaches 375°F (190°C).
Pipe the dough directly into the hot oil, using scissors or a knife to cut the dough into 4-6 inch pieces. Be careful not to overcrowd the pot, as the churros need space to cook evenly.
Fry the churros for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and crispy. Use a slotted spoon or tongs to transfer the churros to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess oil.
In a small bowl, mix the sugar and cinnamon together. Roll the warm churros in the cinnamon sugar mixture until they are coated evenly.
Serve the churros immediately with your favorite vegan dipping sauce.
Tips and Tricks
Make sure the oil is hot enough before frying the churros. If the oil is too cool, the churros will absorb more oil and become soggy. If the oil is too hot, the churros will cook too quickly on the outside and remain raw on the inside.
If you don't have a star-shaped nozzle, you can use a round nozzle or a plain tip to pipe the dough. The shape of the churros will be slightly different, but they will still taste delicious.
If you want to make the churros ahead of time, you can freeze them after frying and then reheat them in the oven or air fryer for a few minutes before serving. This will make them crispy again.
You can also experiment with different flavors and spices to customize your churros. For example, you can add vanilla extract or almond extract to the dough, or sprinkle some nutmeg or cardamom in the cinnamon sugar mixture.
Vegan churros are a delicious and easy dessert that you can make at home with a few simple ingredients and some basic cooking skills. By substituting non-vegan ingredients with plant-based alternatives, you can enjoy this classic Spanish treat without compromising on taste or texture.
Whether you're a vegan or not, this recipe is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth and impress your friends and family. So grab your piping bag and get ready to fry some churros – your taste buds will thank you!