Churros: a delicious treat with an ancient history

Published August 31, 2023

The ubiquitous churro is a favorite snack in both Mexico and Spain. Sticks of fried dough rolled in sugar and cinnamon are eaten throughout both countries. One bite of this deliciousness and you will also be a fan of the delectable treat. Traditionally, Spaniards and Mexicans dip churros in their cup of hot chocolate, but they can also be dipped in the chocolate-based atole called champurrado, dulce de leche or café con leche.

Given its popularity in Mexico, many believe that the churro originated here. In fact, though its origins are controversial, we know that neither churros nor fried dough were invented in Mexico. One theory holds that fried dough first appeared in Ming dynasty China (1368- 1644) as youtiao and was brought back to the Iberian Peninsula by Portuguese traders.

Spanish chef Jose Antonio Navarro, who has worked in both Hong Kong and Spain, believes churros were influenced by the fried dough made in China. “The Portuguese likely brought the concept to Spain and through the centuries we mastered the technique to make them.  I think we mastered a recipe originating in China,” he told the South China Morning Post in 2021.

Another theory however is that churros were invented by Spanish shepherds as a substitute for fresh baked bread. Shepherds spent most of their time in the mountains and churros were convenient to make as they could be fried over an open fire. This theory is bolstered by the fact that churros resemble the horns of the Spanish Churra sheep, and their descendants, the Navajo-Churro sheep.

Read more […]