Oatmeal Churros

Oatmeal Churros

Ingredients for About 16 Churros (10 cm Long)

Step 1: The Churro Dough

• • 30g butter: Adds richness and helps bind the ingredients.
  • Pinch of salt: Enhances the flavor of the dough.

• • 150 ml water: To form the base of the dough.
  • 100g ground oats: A healthy alternative to traditional flour, providing fiber and nutrients.
  • 1 egg: Adds moisture and helps the dough rise.

• Vanilla extract (optional): For a touch of extra flavor.

Step 2: The Thick Chocolate Sauce

• • 1 cup milk or plant-based milk: For a creamy base.
  • 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder: For a rich, chocolaty flavor.

• • 1 tablespoon sweetener or stevia: To naturally sweeten the sauce without sugar.
  • ½ cup milk or plant-based milk: To dissolve the cornstarch for thickening.
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch: To thicken the sauce and make it velvety smooth.

Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Churro Dough

1. 1. Heat the Liquid: In a small saucepan, melt 30g of butter with a pinch of salt and 150 ml of water. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
   2. Add the Oats: Gradually stir in 100g of ground oats. Stir constantly over low heat until the mixture comes together into a dough and pulls away from the sides of the pan.
   3. Cool Slightly: Let the dough cool for a few minutes before adding the egg to avoid scrambling.

1. Add the Egg: Beat in 1 egg and vanilla extract (if using), mixing until the dough becomes smooth and slightly sticky.
2. Form the Churros: Transfer the dough to a piping bag fitted with a star-shaped nozzle. Pipe churros (about 10 cm long) onto a parchment-lined baking sheet.

Step 2: Bake the Churros

6. 6. Bake: Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Bake the churros for about 15-20 minutes, or until they are golden and slightly crispy on the outside.

Step 3: Prepare the Chocolate Sauce

7. 7. Make the Chocolate Sauce: In a small saucepan, heat 1 cup of milk (or plant-based milk) over medium heat. Stir in 2 tablespoons of unsweetened cocoa powder and 1 tablespoon of sweetener (or stevia). Stir until the cocoa powder is fully dissolved.
   8. Thicken the Sauce: In a separate bowl, dissolve 1 tablespoon of cornstarch in ½ cup of cold milk. Slowly add this mixture to the saucepan, stirring constantly until the chocolate sauce thickens, about 2-3 minutes.
   9. Serve: Serve the warm churros with the thick chocolate sauce for dipping!

Nutritional Information (Per Churro):

• • Calories: Approximately 70 kcal
  • Fat: 3g
  • Carbohydrates: 8g

• • Protein: 2g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Sugar: 0g (depending on the sweetener used)

Cooking Tips:

• • Customize the Flavor: Add a sprinkle of cinnamon or a pinch of nutmeg to the dough for a more aromatic flavor.
  • Avoid Over-Baking: Keep an eye on the churros while baking. They should be golden, not overly crispy, for the perfect soft interior.
  • Healthy Sweetener Options: You can use maple syrup, honey, or any other natural sweetener in the chocolate sauce instead of stevia.

Storage Tips:

• Refrigerate Leftovers: Store any leftover churros in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven for a few minutes to restore their texture.
• Freeze for Later: You can freeze the unbaked churro dough by piping it onto a baking sheet and freezing the pieces until solid. Transfer to a freezer-safe bag and bake directly from frozen when ready to enjoy.