What Are Churros?

Churros are fried dough pastries that originate from Spain and Portugal, with versions also popular in Latin American countries. Traditional churros are long, ridged sticks of dough which are fried until crispy on the outside but soft and fluffy on the inside. They are then tossed in sugar for sweetness.

Churros are made from just a few basic ingredients – flour, water, oil for frying, and sugar or cinnamon for coating. So while they may look fancy, they’re actually quite easy and budget-friendly to prepare at home!

Different Types of Churros

There are a few variations when it comes to the look, shape, and coating of churros:

Traditional long sticks
Long, ridged sticks are the most common shape for churros. They’re easy to hold and fun to dunk into warm chocolate sauce!

Short sticks or “porras”
In some regions, churros are cut into smaller 3-4 inch pieces rather than long sticks.

Wheels or loops
Round, doughnut-shaped churros are also popular. These are sometimes called “rosquillas” or “buñuelos”.

Sugar coating
Most churros are simply rolled in regular white granulated sugar after frying. The sugar adds sweetness and a nice crunch.

Cinnamon sugar
For extra flavor, try coating your churros in a cinnamon sugar mixture instead. Delicious!

Flavored sugars
You can also get creative with your coating and use flavors like chocolate, strawberry, or pumpkin spice sugar.

No matter what shape or coating you choose, homemade churros always make for a tasty, comforting treat!

Churros Ingredients

As mentioned, churros require just a few basic kitchen staples:

Flour
All-purpose (plain) flour works best. Bread flour can also be used.

Water
Warm water is used to form the dough.

Eggs
Eggs help add structure and richness to the dough. They’re optional, but recommended.

Sugar
White granulated sugar for rolling the fried churros.

Cinnamon sugar
To make this sweet coating, simply mix granulated sugar with ground cinnamon.

Oil for frying
Any neutral-flavored oil like canola, vegetable, or peanut oil.

Salt
A pinch of salt enhances the flavor.

Vanilla (optional)
A teaspoon of vanilla extract adds extra flavor to the dough.

That’s truly all you need! Now let’s get into some easy homemade churros recipes.

Simple Homemade Churros Recipe

This basic churros recipe produces sweet, golden Spanish fritters that will impress any crowd. You’ll be a churros pro in no time!

Makes 15-20 churros

Ingredients

• 1 cup water
• 8 tablespoons (1 stick) unsalted butter
• 1⁄4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 3 large eggs
• 2 quarts neutral frying oil
• 1 cup white sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Instructions

1) In a medium saucepan, bring the water, butter, and salt to a boil. Remove from heat once boiling. Add the flour all at once and stir vigorously with a wooden spoon until combined into a thick, sticky dough that pulls away from the sides of the pan.

2) Transfer dough to the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment. Beat on medium speed for about 1 minute to release excess steam and cool slightly. Add the eggs one at a time, allowing each egg to fully incorporate before adding the next. Continue beating until the dough becomes sticky again and stretches when lifted.

3) Transfer the dough into a piping bag fitted with a large star tip. Pipe the dough into long strips, cutting them into 4-5 inch pieces with a pair of kitchen shears as you go.

4) In a high-sided pot or Dutch oven, heat oil over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F on a deep-frying thermometer. Working in batches, fry churros for 1-2 minutes per side until deeply golden.

5) Drain churros on a paper towel-lined plate before rolling them in a mixture of cinnamon and sugar. Serve warm. Enjoy!

Tips for Frying Perfect Churros:

• Use a thermometer to maintain proper oil temperature. This prevents uneven cooking.
• Fry churros in small batches to allow ample room to cook. Don’t overcrowd.
• Turn over churros during frying to achieve an evenly crispy texture.
• Let excess oil drain off for a few seconds before coating in sugar.
• Roll warm churros (not hot!) in sugar mixture so it adheres nicely.

How to Serve Churros

Churros are best enjoyed fresh and warm! Here are some delicious ways to serve them:

• Simply dusted with cinnamon sugar
• Served with warm chocolate or dulce de leche dipping sauce
• Topped with ice cream for an impromptu churros sundae
• Layered with fruit and whipped cream for a tasty churros parfait
• Sprinkled with colorful decorating sugars for a festive dessert
• Offer an assortment of fun dipping sauces like raspberry, caramel, lemon curd, etc.

You really can’t go wrong when topping or serving churros – they pair well with so many sweet treats!

Pro Tips for Churros Success

Here are some extra churros tips and tricks for making sure each batch turns out perfectly crunchy and delicious:

• Use a piping bag or zip top bag with corner snip to pipe uniform churro shapes. This also helps speed up the frying process.
• Chill the piped churro dough for at least 30 minutes (or up to overnight) before frying for less chance of deformed shapes.
• Use a combo cooker or other deep, high-sided pan to safely fry. Maintain oil temperature between 350-375°F.
• Fry churros in small batches so they don’t overcrowd and cool down the oil.
• If churros aren’t crisping up enough, increase oil temp slightly. For more crispness, fry an extra 20-30 seconds.
• Cool fried churros for 1-2 minutes before coating in sugar. The sugar won’t stick as evenly if too hot.
• Store leftover uncoated churros in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Re-fry to crispen up before enjoying.

Now you know everything needed to bake up a perfect batch of churros! With this handy guide, you’ll be whipping up these classic Spanish treats at home in no time.

From easy homemade recipes to pro sugar-coating tips, you have all the tools to fry, coat and serve spectacular churros that will impress any crowd. I sincerely hope you find this “Churros Recipes and Ingredients” article helpful.

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Tacos al pastor are bursting with complex flavors from the marinade used to season the meat. The trompo method of cooking also gives the pork a unique taste and texture. When done right, the pork will be lightly charred on the outside while remaining juicy on the inside. Tacos al pastor make for a satisfying meal or snack any time of day.

While tacos al pastor likely originated in central Mexico, they have become popular across the country. You can find tacos al pastor being sold at street food carts, food trucks, and small taquerias or taco stands. They are an integral part of Mexican street food culture.

History and Origins

Tacos al pastor have their roots in shawarma, the famous Middle Eastern meat dish. This influence comes from Lebanese immigrants who brought shawarma to Mexico in the early 20th century. The traditional vertical rotisserie cooking method used for shawarma was adapted to pork instead of lamb, resulting in what we now know as tacos al pastor.

The name “al pastor” literally means “in the style of the shepherd” in Spanish. This is a reference to the rotisserie and vertical spit used to cook the meat, which somewhat resembles a shepherd’s staff.

Over time, tacos al pastor took on their own uniquely Mexican identity. The marinade, salsas, and way of serving the meat in corn tortillas differentiated them from their Middle Eastern cousin. They are now one of the most beloved and ubiquitous street foods in Mexico.

Key Ingredients

These are the key ingredients that go into authentic tacos al pastor:

Pork
The traditional meat used is pork shoulder or leg. It needs to have a decent amount of fat content to stay moist and flavorful during cooking.

Pineapple
Pineapple is added to the marinade and sauce. It gives tacos al pastor their signature sweet and sour taste.

Dried chilies
Ancho, guajillo, and chipotle chilies are used to make the vibrant red adobo marinade/sauce. This infuses the meat with smoky chili flavor.

Spices and aromatics
The marinade also contains spices like cumin, cloves, cinnamon, and oregano plus aromatics like garlic and onion.

Corn or flour tortillas
The sliced meat is wrapped in small soft corn or flour tortillas to make tacos. Corn tortillas are more traditional.

Onions and cilantro
Chopped raw white onion and cilantro add freshness and texture when topped on the tacos.

Salsas
Salsa verde, salsa roja, or other Mexican salsas can be added as extra flavor.

Limes
Lime wedges are squeezed over the tacos for some bright acidity to cut through the richer flavors.

Pineapple Tacos al Pastor Marinade Recipe

This marinade can be used to flavor pork before roasting tacos al pastor on a vertical rotisserie. It utilizes dried chilies, spices, garlic, onion, orange juice, pineapple, and more to create an intensely flavorful adobo sauce.

Ingredients

• 3 dried ancho chilies, stemmed and seeded
• 3 dried guajillo chilies, stemmed and seeded
• 1 chipotle chili canned in adobo sauce
• 1 cup pineapple juice
• 1⁄2 cup orange juice
• 1⁄4 white onion, roughly chopped
• 4 garlic cloves
• 1 teaspoon Mexican oregano
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1⁄2 teaspoon ground clove
• 1⁄2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 cups diced fresh pineapple

Instructions

1) Heat a skillet over medium heat. Fry the ancho, guajillo, and chipotle chilies for 1-2 minutes per side until softened and fragrant. Transfer to a bowl and cover with hot water. Allow to rehydrate for 20 minutes until fully softened.

2) Drain the rehydrated chilies and transfer to a blender. Add the pineapple juice, orange juice, onion, garlic, Mexican oregano, cumin, clove, cinnamon, and bay leaf. Blend until completely smooth, adding a splash of water if needed. Season to taste with salt and pepper.

3) Place the marinade into a large bowl. Stir in the diced fresh pineapple.

4) Slice pork shoulder or leg into 1⁄4 inch thick slices. Add the pork to the marinade, tossing to evenly coat. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours up to overnight to marinate.

5) Thread the marinated pork onto metal skewers. Cook on a vertical rotisserie or trompo at medium-high heat for 12-15 minutes. Slice into thin strips and serve in warm corn tortillas with desired toppings.

Traditional Trompo Recipe

This recipe explains how to make traditional tacos al pastor cooked on a vertical rotisserie or trompo. This imparts smoky, charred flavors you can’t replicate otherwise.

Ingredients

• 3 lbs pork shoulder or leg, sliced into 1⁄4 inch strips
• 1 recipe pineapple tacos al pastor marinade (previous recipe)
• 1 white onion, thinly sliced
• 2 pineapples, peeled, cored, and sliced into rounds
• Corn or flour tortillas
• Chopped onion and cilantro (for serving)
• Lime wedges (for serving)

Instructions

1. Slice the pork shoulder or leg with the grain into long, 1⁄4 inch thick slices. Place in a large bowl. Pour over the marinade, turning to coat the meat. Cover and refrigerate for 2-12 hours.
2. Thread the marinated pork slices accordion-style onto the vertical rotisserie, packing tightly together. Alternate with slices of onion and pineapple. Load from the bottom up.
3. Cook over medium-high heat for 15-20 minutes, rotating slowly. Use a knife to shave off the outermost cooked slices.
4. Warm the tortillas on a comal or skillet.
5. To serve: Place several slices of the cooked pork into the warm tortillas. Top with chopped raw onion and cilantro. Squeeze over lime juice. Add salsa if desired. Fold up and enjoy right away!

Tips for Making Perfect Tacos al Pastor

Here are some helpful tips to achieve flavorful, authentic tacos al pastor:

• Use bone-in pork shoulder or leg for more flavor and moisture
• Marinate the meat for at least 2 hours, or up to 24 hours
• Cook on a rotating vertical spit if possible to achieve charred bits
• Alternate with sliced pineapple and onions to baste the meat
• Use smaller corn tortillas that won’t overpower the fillings
• Chop the onion and cilantro finely so they don’t fall out
• Serve with sliced radish, lime wedges, and spicy salsa on the side

With these tasty recipes and proper techniques, you’ll be able to achieve amazing tacos al pastor with complex flavors and textures. This iconic Mexican street food is simple to recreate at home for a flavorful meal. The aroma of the chile-pineapple marinated pork roasting over an open flame is sure to wow any guests. I sincerely hope you find this “Mexico Iconic Street Food Tacos al Pastor-Recipes and Ingredients” article helpful.

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Whether you’re craving an iconic NYC-style slice, a romantic candlelit dinner of lobster ravioli, or just a simple but sublime bowl of cacio e pepe, this sprawling city has it all. This are some of the best Italian restaurants according to Observer.

Cento Pasta Bar

921 W Adams Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90016

This tiny West Adams hideaway has quickly become a Michelin-approved hot spot for handmade pasta perfection since opening in 2020. At the intimate 14-seat chef’s counter, you can watch the meticulous preparation as satisfying dishes like the spicy pomodoro with creamy ricotta or pillowy gnocchi get crafted right before your eyes. The breezy back patio provides a romantic al fresco ambiance, while the signature banana tiramisu is an absolute must for dessert.

Colapasta

1241 5th St, Santa Monica, CA 90401

This under-the-radar Santa Monica gem sources local, organic ingredients to create decadent Italian specialties with a unique twist. Fan favorites include the beautiful beet-stuffed casunziei (half-moon ravioli in browned butter) and the heavenly moringa agnolotti, bathed in an earthy truffle cream your taste buds won’t soon forget. With its warm, rustic vibe and intimate environs, Colapasta offers the ideal setting for a celebratory date night or special occasion splurge.

Angelini Osteria

7313 Beverly Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90036

For over 20 years, this iconic Beverly Grove establishment has remained one of LA’s essential upscale Italian dining destinations. Originally hailing from Italy, chef Gino Angelini now also has a second Osteria location in Pacific Palisades, but his original classic still can’t be topped. From sublime antipasti like swordfish carpaccio to the legendary lasagna verde, Angelini’s satisfies with elegant, refined takes on Old World staples. Just be sure to pick up some jars of the famous lemon tagliolini sauce from the adjoining gourmet shop on your way out.

Donna’s

1538 Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90026

This new-ish Echo Park hotspot seamlessly channels old-school NYC Italian-American vibes with a menu that checks all the boxes for red sauce joint perfection. Sip on one of their playful signature spritzes while sharing an order of cheese-stuffed peppadew peppers, followed by decadent entrees like shrimp scampi, chicken parmesan, or the classic meatballs. But no matter what, save room for dessert – the tiramisu here is possibly the best in the entire city.

Ospi Venice

2025 Pacific Ave, Venice, CA 90291

This modern Italian stunner from the brilliant minds behind acclaimed restaurants like Felix, Kratogo and Petit Trois takes a more refined, contemporary approach to the country’s culinary canon. While you can’t go wrong with any of the top-notch pastas like the signature spicy rigatoni alla vodka, the real star is the crispy provolone starter drowned in addictive vodka sauce that you’ll want to sop up with their fresh-baked focaccia. End with an espresso martini and the sublime Nutella mousse for a next-level sweet finish.

Felix Trattoria

1023 Abbot Kinney Blvd, Venice, CA 90291

Speaking of Felix, chef Evan Funke’s homage to the timeless pasta palaces of Rome has emerged as one of LA’s preeminent temples of Italian gastronomy. Between the open kitchen’s giant pasta-making window, the puffy wood-fired pizza crusts, and showstopping plates like the trofie pesto or tagliatelle ragu, this Abbot Kinney institution offers the complete sensory experience for any pasta aficionado. Just don’t skip the famous caesar salad with crunchy breadcrumbs or the decadent lemon linguine.

Antico Nuovo

4653 Beverly Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90004

With its exposed wood beams, crackling fireplace, communal tables, and open kitchen with wood-burning grill lending smoky char to every dish, Antico Nuovo absolutely nails that welcoming, countryside vibe every trattoria aspires to. Dishes rotate frequently based on what’s fresh and seasonal, but mainstay highlights include pillowy housemade focaccia, rich beef cheek pappardelle in red wine sauce, and creamy hand-churned gelato to finish. Their all-Italian wine list provides the perfect accompaniment.

Forma Restaurant

1610 Montana Ave, Santa Monica, CA 90403
110 Navy St, Venice, CA 90291

Don’t sleep on these Westside sister restaurants offering refined Cal-Italian fare in chic yet relaxed settings. While you could make an entire meal out of the decadent starters like fried pizza dough with burrata or crispy artichoke hearts with lemon, be sure to save room for heavenly pasta plates like the signature truffle tortellini. Heartier proteins like the seared branzino with salsa verde also satisfy, while the bubbling olive oil cake transports you to the Amalfi Coast with every bite.

With so many amazing Italian restaurants to choose from across Los Angeles, there’s really no excuse not to carbo-load like a proper paisano on the regular. From show-stopping $30+ pasta tasting menus to walk-up slices that rival NYC’s finest, LA truly offers something to satiate every Italian cuisine craving at any budget. I sincerely hope you like reading this “Craving Italian, Check Out LA Best Italian Restaurants-Your Taste Buds Will Thank You” article.

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As a famed restaurateur, cookbook author and TV personality (NBC’s Today, Iron Chef America), Tila holds six culinary Guinness World Records. He stars in Food Network’s Ready Jet Cook and his latest cookbook, 101 Thai Dishes You Need to Cook Before You Die, follows multiple bestsellers.

Here, Tila shares his favorite dishes from iconic L.A. restaurants:

Bossam Platter at Yi Cha

“Yi Cha LA blends Asian-meets-French technique through chefs like unsung hero Debbie Lee. Her Bossam plate with seasoned, meltingly tender pork belly plus homemade banchan, kimchi and pickles is outstanding.”

$49 (serves 3-4) 3705 Sunset Blvd., Silver Lake yicha-la.com

Heritage Pork Chop at Redbird

“Neal Fraser’s Grace helped hone my early cooking. His Iron Chef prowess proves no one bests his pig cookery! Redbird’s Heritage Pork Chop with beluga lentils, bacon, charred cabbage and mustard jus recalls my Grace days and has an awesome cocktail menu.”

$48-114 E. 2nd St., Little Tokyo redbird.la

Signature Pot Roast at Jar

“I’ve eaten at Jar since 2011. Suzanne Tracht’s proteins are legend, but my comfort go-to is her pot roast! For a Tila twist, pair it with Jar’s duck fried rice.”

$49-8225 Beverly Blvd., Beverly Grove thejar.com

Whether you’re a longtime Angeleno or just visiting, let Chef Jet Tila’s picks guide you to some of the most crave-worthy flavors in Los Angeles. From French-Asian fusion to perfected American classics, these three dishes showcase the city’s incredible culinary diversity through the eyes of one of its most renowned chefs. I sincerely hope you like reading this “Chef Jet Tila Must-Try Dishes in Los Angeles? Find Out Here” article.

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Deep-Fried Candy Bars…On a Stick

You likely remember the chocolate-dipped bacon craze from fairs past. Well now, the deep fryers are focused on your favorite candy bars like Snickers, Twix, Milky Ways and 3 Musketeers. The rich candy is frozen first before being dipped into a sweet batter and fried to a golden crisp.

As if that wasn’t enough, it then gets stuck on a stick for easy walking and eating! These deep-fried delights have been all over social media with over 5,000 likes on the LA County Fair’s Instagram post revealing them.

Spicy Elote Ice Cream

Ice cream with a kick! This special ice cream flavor takes inspiration from Mexican street corn elote, with mixes of sweet corn, lime, chili powder and cotija cheese. Food vlogger @foodiegirl went wild for this creation in her YouTube review, saying “You get the creaminess of ice cream followed by the explosion of elote flavors…my mouth is on fire but I can’t stop eating it!” It’s exclusive to the LA County Fair so you’ll have to get it while you can.

The 1-Foot Hot Dog

Hot dog lovers can rejoice in the famous 1-foot hot dog from Chicken Charlie’s. This foot-long beef hot dog is loaded with toppings like bacon, onions, peppers, nacho cheese and more. It was the crown jewel of Chicken Charlie’s stand last year, with customers begging for its return in 2024. Now it’s back and bigger than ever for the adventurous eaters out there daring to take on the challenge. Just be warned – you might need to unbutton your pants for this one!

Cookie Dough-Stuffed Cookie Milkshakes

Milkshakes stuffed with cookies? That’s already a win. But the LA County Fair is taking it to the next level this year with milkshakes that have DOUGH stuffed inside! The cookie milkshake is blended with generous chunks of chocolate chip cookie dough before getting topped with an entire cookie sandwich, whipped cream and sprinkles. Early photos have over 30,000 likes on Twitter and many comments from users saying “I NEED this!” and “This looks life changing!” Definitely a must-try treat this year.

As you can see, the 2024 LA County Fair is not holding back on food that makes your eyes pop and your stomach growl! Which crazy fair creation are you most looking forward to trying? Let the deep-fried, ice cream, and cookie-stuffed adventures begin.

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