Azerbaijani-inspired Churros with Cardamom Sugar

Ingredients

In this Azerbaijani-inspired version of churros, we incorporate the use of cardamom, a popular spice in Azerbaijani cuisine. The addition of cardamom to the sugar coating adds a unique and aromatic flavor profile to the churros, giving them a distinct Azerbaijani twist. We alse have the original recipe for Churros, so you can check it out.

• 1 cup (240ml) water 1 cup (240ml) water
• 1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter 1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter
• 1/4 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup (120g) all-purpose flour 1 cup (120g) all-purpose flour
• 3 large eggs 3 large eggs
• Vegetable oil, for frying Vegetable oil, for frying
• 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cardamom 1 teaspoon ground cardamom

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 350 kcal / 1465 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 18g, 10g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 43g, 25g
• Protein: 4g
• Fiber: 1g
• Salt: 0.2g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a saucepan, bring the water, butter, and salt to a boil.
2. 2.
   Remove from heat and add the flour. Stir vigorously until the mixture forms a ball.
3. 3.
   Transfer the dough to a mixing bowl and let it cool for a few minutes.
4. 4.
   Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition until the dough is smooth and glossy.
5. 5.
   Heat vegetable oil in a deep pan or pot to 180°C (350°F).
6. 6.
   Spoon the dough into a piping bag fitted with a star tip.
7. 7.
   Pipe 4-5 inch strips of dough into the hot oil, cutting them with scissors.
8. 8.
   Fry the churros until golden brown, turning them occasionally for even cooking.
9. 9.
   Remove the churros from the oil and drain on a paper towel.
10. 10.
    In a separate bowl, mix the granulated sugar and ground cardamom.
11. 11.
    Roll the warm churros in the cardamom sugar mixture until coated evenly.
12. 12.
    Serve the churros warm and enjoy!

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Cardamom — Use freshly ground cardamom for the best flavor.
• All-purpose flour — Make sure to measure the flour accurately for the perfect dough consistency.
• Eggs — Use large eggs at room temperature for easier incorporation into the dough.
• Vegetable oil — Choose a neutral-flavored oil with a high smoke point for frying.
• Granulated sugar — For a more pronounced cardamom flavor, you can increase the amount of ground cardamom in the sugar coating.

Tips & Tricks

• Make sure the oil is at the right temperature before frying the churros to ensure they cook evenly and become crispy.
• Pipe the churro dough directly into the oil for a more authentic shape.
• Serve the churros immediately after coating them in the cardamom sugar for the best texture and flavor.
• If you don't have a star tip for piping the dough, you can use a plain round tip or even a plastic bag with a corner snipped off.
• Experiment with different spices in the sugar coating, such as cinnamon or nutmeg, to create your own unique twist.

Serving advice

Serve the Azerbaijani-inspired churros warm as a delightful dessert or snack. They are perfect on their own, but you can also serve them with a side of chocolate sauce or dulce de leche for dipping.

Presentation advice

Arrange the churros on a platter or in a basket, dusted with a sprinkle of powdered sugar for an elegant touch. You can also garnish with a few fresh mint leaves or edible flowers to add a pop of color.