Transport yourself to the vibrant streets of Costa Rica with this delectable Churros recipe that promises to tantalize your taste buds with every crispy, cinnamon-dusted bite. Originating from Spanish culinary traditions, churros have become a beloved treat in Costa Rica, enjoyed by locals and visitors alike. With a crispy exterior and a soft, doughy interior, these fried delights are perfect for breakfast, dessert, or any time you're craving a sweet indulgence. Follow along as we guide you through the steps to recreate the magic of authentic Costa Rican churros in your own kitchen. Prepare to embark on a culinary journey filled with warmth, flavor, and a touch of Latin American charm.

Ingredients:

For the churros:

• 1 cup water
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs
• Vegetable oil, for frying

For the sugar coating:

• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

For the chocolate sauce:

• 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions:

1- Prepare the chocolate sauce: In a small saucepan, heat the heavy cream over medium heat until it begins to simmer. Remove from heat and add the chocolate chips. Let it sit for 1-2 minutes, then stir until smooth. Stir in the vanilla extract. Set aside to cool slightly.

2- In a separate saucepan, combine water, butter, sugar, and salt. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally.

3- Once the mixture reaches a boil, reduce the heat to low and add the flour all at once. Stir vigorously with a wooden spoon until the mixture forms a smooth dough and pulls away from the sides of the pan, about 1-2 minutes.

4- Remove the dough from the heat and let it cool for 5 minutes. Then, add the eggs, one at a time, stirring well after each addition until fully incorporated. The dough should be smooth and glossy.

5- Transfer the dough to a piping bag fitted with a large star tip.

6- Heat vegetable oil in a deep pot or fryer to 375°F (190°C).

7- Pipe strips of dough directly into the hot oil, using a knife or scissors to cut them to your desired length. Fry the churros in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pot, until they are golden brown and crispy, about 3-4 minutes per batch. Use a slotted spoon to remove them from the oil and transfer them to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

8- In a shallow dish, combine sugar and cinnamon for the coating. Roll the warm churros in the cinnamon sugar mixture until evenly coated.

9- Serve the churros warm with the chocolate sauce for dipping. Enjoy these irresistible Costa Rican treats as a delightful dessert or anytime snack!

Nutritional Values:

Here are the approximate nutritional values for the ingredients used in the Costa Rica Churros recipe:

1 cup water:

• Calories: 0
• Total Fat: 0g
• Sodium: 0mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 0g
• Protein: 0g

benefits: Essential for hydrating the body and aiding in various bodily functions, including digestion and circulation.

1/2 cup unsalted butter:

• Calories: 1020
• Total Fat: 116g
• Sodium: 16mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 0g
• Protein: 1.2g

benefits: Provides a rich flavor and texture to the churro dough. Butter contains fat-soluble vitamins such as A, D, E, and K, along with fatty acids necessary for brain function and hormone regulation.

1 tablespoon granulated sugar:

• Calories: 49
• Total Fat: 0g
• Sodium: 0mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 12.6g
• Protein: 0g

benefits:Adds sweetness to the churro dough and helps to caramelize the exterior during frying. However, excessive consumption of sugar should be moderated as it can contribute to health issues like obesity and diabetes.

1/4 teaspoon salt:

• Calories: 0
• Total Fat: 0g
• Sodium: 581mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 0g
• Protein: 0g

benefits:Enhances the flavor of the churro dough and balances the sweetness. It also contains essential minerals like sodium and chloride, which are necessary for fluid balance and nerve function.

1 cup all-purpose flour:

• Calories: 455
• Total Fat: 1.2g
• Sodium: 2mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 95g
• Protein: 12.9g

benefits:Provides the structure and bulk to the churro dough. Flour is a good source of carbohydrates, which are the body's primary source of energy.

2 large eggs:

• Calories: 143
• Total Fat: 9.5g
• Sodium: 142mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 1.1g
• Protein: 12.6g

benefits:Act as a binding agent in the churro dough, helping to hold it together during frying. Eggs are a rich source of protein and contain essential nutrients like vitamins A, D, and B12.

Vegetable oil, for frying:

• Nutritional values may vary depending on the amount of oil absorbed during frying.

benefits:Used for frying the churros, vegetable oil provides the necessary medium for achieving a crispy exterior. Different vegetable oils offer varying levels of unsaturated fats, which can be beneficial for heart health when consumed in moderation.

1/2 cup granulated sugar:

• Calories: 396
• Total Fat: 0g
• Sodium: 0mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 99.8g
• Protein: 0g

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon:

• Calories: 6
• Total Fat: 0.1g
• Sodium: 0.1mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 2g
• Protein: 0.1g

benefits:Adds warmth and flavor to the sugar coating of the churros. Cinnamon is known for its antioxidant properties and may help regulate blood sugar levels.

1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips:

• Calories: 400
• Total Fat: 24g
• Sodium: 0mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 48g
• Protein: 4g

benefits:Used for making the chocolate dipping sauce, semi-sweet chocolate chips provide a rich and indulgent flavor. Dark chocolate, like semi-sweet chocolate, contains antioxidants called flavonoids, which may have various health benefits, including improving heart health.

1/2 cup heavy cream:

• Calories: 400
• Total Fat: 40g
• Sodium: 40mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 4g
• Protein: 2g

benefits:Used to create a creamy texture in the chocolate sauce, heavy cream adds richness and smoothness. While high in saturated fat and calories, heavy cream can be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract:

• Calories: 6
• Total Fat: 0g
• Sodium: 0mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 0.3g
• Protein: 0g

benefits:Enhances the flavor of both the churros and the chocolate sauce. Vanilla extract is derived from vanilla beans and adds a sweet and aromatic flavor to desserts.

Please note that these values are approximate and may vary based on specific brands and variations in ingredients used.