Churro Crustado

Introduction

The Churro Crustado is a delightful creation that combines the traditional Spanish churros with the concept of a flaky crust. This fusion dish is perfect for those who love the sugary goodness of churros but also crave the texture of a pie. Perfect as a dessert or a sweet snack, the Churro Crustado offers a rich history drawing from Spanish and Latin American culinary influences.

Churros originated in Spain and Portugal but became a beloved treat throughout Latin America. Traditionally enjoyed as a breakfast food or a snack, churros are typically dough-based that are deep-fried and coated with sugar. The Crustado twist on churros was inspired by the American classic pie, bringing an extra layer of enjoyment to this beloved pastry.

Ingredients

• Flour - 2 cups
• Water - 1 cup
• Butter - 1/2 cup
• Sugar - 1/4 cup
• Eggs - 3 large
• Cinnamon - 1 teaspoon
• Oil for frying - about 2 cups
• Sugar for coating - 1/2 cup
• Cinnamon for coating - 1/2 teaspoon
• Milk - 2 tablespoons

Preparation

Making the Dough

Start by boiling 1 cup of water in a saucepan. Add 1/2 cup of butter and 1/4 cup of sugar, and stir until the sugar is dissolved. Slowly add 2 cups of flour, mixing vigorously to form a smooth dough. Remove from heat and let the dough cool slightly.

One by one, incorporate 3 large eggs into the mixture, ensuring each is fully mixed before adding the next. This will yield a sticky yet smooth dough that forms the base of our Churro Crustado.

Crafting the Crust

Roll out the dough into a large, flat piece. Use a round cutter to shape the dough into a circular crust that will fit into your pie plate. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.

Fit the dough into a pie plate. Prick the base with a fork to prevent bubbles from forming during baking. Bake for 10 minutes just to set the shape without cooking it fully.

Frying the Crust Shards

Heat 2 cups of oil in a large pan suitable for frying. Cut the remaining dough into vertical strips resembling traditional churros. Make sure the oil is hot by placing a small piece of dough; it should sizzle immediately.

Fry the dough strips until golden brown, ensuring they float and turn occasionally for even cooking. This process should take about 5 minutes per batch. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the churros to a paper towel-lined plate once done frying.

Assembling the Churro Crustado

Once you have baked the crust shell and fried the churro strips, you're ready to assemble. In a bowl, mix 1/2 cup of sugar with 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon. Sprinkle this mixture liberally over the fried churros, ensuring each piece is well-coated.

Fill the pre-baked crust base with your choice of custard or pastry cream, creating a smooth layer that will work as a rich filling. Then, carefully arrange the coated churro strips over the cream layer, creating a crunchy churro crown on top.

Baking and Serving

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Return the entire assembly to the oven and bake for another 12-15 minutes until the churro crown is warm and the interior cream sets further.

Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving. To enjoy the perfect contrast of flavors and textures, serve your Churro Crustado warm with a side of melted chocolate or dulce de leche for dipping.

Enjoying Your Churro Crustado

The beauty of enjoying a Churro Crustado is in the contrast of tastes. With each bite, you get the light, crispy churro crust and the creamy, sweet interior.

This dish pairs excellently with a cup of hot chocolate or a latte, making it perfect for a cozy afternoon treat or a standout dessert for your next dinner party. Remember, the joy is in savoring each delicious bite!