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Churros are a beloved treat that originated in Spain and have captured the hearts and taste buds of dessert lovers around the world. These delightful, deep-fried pastries are known for their crispy exterior and soft, fluffy interior, typically dusted with cinnamon sugar and enjoyed with a side of rich chocolate sauce for dipping. While traditional churros hold a special place in culinary culture, the rising trend of health-conscious eating has inspired innovative variations that maintain the essence of the original while offering a healthier alternative. Enter zucchini churros—a creative twist that allows you to indulge your sweet cravings without the guilt.

Zucchini Churros

Discover a healthier take on the classic churro with zucchini churros! These innovative treats blend the crunchy, cinnamon-sugar goodness of traditional churros with the nutrition of grated zucchini, making them both delicious and guilt-free. Perfect for dessert lovers and health-conscious eaters alike, this recipe guides you through preparation, cooking, and serving tips to create a delightful treat that adds a twist to your sweet cravings. Enjoy indulging without the guilt!

Ingredients
  

1 medium zucchini (7-8 inches), grated

1 cup all-purpose flour

2 tablespoons granulated sugar

1 teaspoon baking powder

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon nutmeg (optional)

1 large egg

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/4 cup milk

Vegetable oil for frying

1/2 cup sugar (for coating)

1 teaspoon cinnamon (for coating)

Instructions
 

Prepare the Zucchini: Grate the zucchini using a fine grater. After grating, place the zucchini in a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth. Squeeze out as much moisture as possible—this is a critical step to ensuring your churros remain crispy and do not become soggy.

    Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg (if using). Whisk the dry ingredients together until they are well mixed and no clumps remain.

      Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, beat one large egg, then add the vanilla extract and milk. Stir the wet ingredients together until they are fully integrated and smooth.

        Combine Mixtures: Gradually pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix. Once combined, fold in the grated zucchini to ensure even distribution throughout the dough.

          Prepare for Frying: In a deep pan or skillet, heat approximately 2 inches of vegetable oil over medium heat. To check if the oil is ready for frying, drop a small piece of dough into the hot oil; if it sizzles and rises to the surface, the oil is at the perfect frying temperature.

            Pipe the Churros: Transfer your churro batter into a piping bag fitted with a large star tip. Once the oil has reached the right temperature, carefully pipe strips of dough (about 4-5 inches long) into the hot oil. Fry the churros in small batches, avoiding overcrowding the pan to ensure they fry evenly.

              Fry Until Golden: Allow the churros to fry for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they turn a beautiful golden brown and are fully cooked through. Use a slotted spoon to remove the churros from the oil and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess oil.

                Coat the Churros: In a shallow dish, mix together 1/2 cup of granulated sugar with 1 teaspoon of cinnamon. While the churros are still warm, roll them thoroughly in the cinnamon sugar mixture until they are evenly coated.

                  Serve: Serve your delightful zucchini churros warm, accompanied by a side of rich chocolate sauce or creamy caramel for dipping. Enjoy these unique treats that are sure to impress!

                    Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 min | 30 min | 4 servings

                      - Presentation Tips: Arrange the churros in a decorative basket or on a beautiful platter with a small bowl of dipping sauce in the center for an appealing presentation. Garnish with fresh mint leaves for an added touch of freshness.