Lately we have been with a lot of salty Mexican recipes. We love them but like any party, you need a dessert. Zamorano chongos are a cold delight with a mild sweetness. Its name has a particular and unexpected origin and the recipe… is very very easy and with ingredients that you probably have at home. They will want to run out and do it without a doubt.
About Zamorano chongos
What are Zamorano chongos?
Zamorano chongos are a traditional dessert originating from the Municipality of Zamora, Michoacán, Mexico, which has become a symbol of Mexican cuisine. They are sweet, soft and gelatinous in texture, known for their characteristic white color and sweet and sour flavor. They are a very popular dessert at parties in Mexico and other Latin American countries.
They are typically served cold, either as a stand-alone dessert or as a complement to other dishes. They can also be eaten alone or accompanied with piloncillo syrup, simple syrup, dulce de cajeta (similar to dulce de leche) or fruits.
This recipe is appreciated both for its unique flavor and for its rich cultural heritage in Mexican gastronomy.
The combination of simple but carefully selected ingredients, with the skill in preparing milk, makes this dessert unmatched.
What and how are Zamorano chongos made of?
This recipe usually includes simple ingredients like milk, sugar, cinnamon, and lemon zest. Its preparation is laborious and requires time, since the milk is cooked slowly until it thickens and forms small “chongos” or lumps, hence its name.
These buns are sweetened with sugar and flavored with cinnamon and lemon, which gives it its characteristic flavor. Regarding its composition, Zamorano chongos are made mainly with fresh milk, which is the main ingredient that gives it its distinctive texture and flavor.
The milk curdles and thickens during the cooking process, creating the characteristic “chongos” that give the dessert its name. Although the basic recipe includes milk, sugar, cinnamon and lemon zestmay vary slightly depending on the region and the chef’s preference, but the dairy base is essential in its preparation.
What is a Mexican chongo and why is it associated with this dish?
And “mexican chongo” is a characteristic hairstyle made with hair, usually gathered at the back of the head or at the nape of the neck, and secured with an elastic band or barrettes. Often adorned with traditional or decorative elements, it is used on different occasions in Mexico and is an integral part of the fashion culture in the country.
Its shape gave rise to calling chongos the lumps that occur in the Zamorano chongos recipe.
The particular flavor of Zamorano chongos and the sweetness that characterizes them
Zamorano chongos have a distinctive flavor that combines sweet and bittersweet elements in a harmonious way, which makes them a unique and delicious dessert. The main flavor experienced when tasting them is, without a doubt, sweetness. Fresh milk and sugar combine to create a sweet and creamy base that is smooth on the palate.
In addition to their sweetness, Zamorano chongos have a subtle and balanced bittersweet touch. Cinnamon and lemon zest provide a nuance of spice and citrus that cuts through the sweetness, providing a unique depth of flavor. This sweet and sour note adds complexity to the flavor and prevents it from being cloying.
The flavor of Zamorano chongos is also characterized by its softness and gelatinous texture.. The small lumps of curdled milk provide a delicate mouthfeel, which complements the enriching taste experience.
Where did this dessert called chongos zamoranos come from?
Los “Zamorano Chongos” are named after the city of Zamora, which is located in the state of Michoacán, Mexico. This traditional dessert originates from this region and has gained fame over the years, bearing the name of the city where it originated.
The name “chongos” refers to the characteristic texture that this dessert has. During its preparation, the milk is slowly cooked until it curdles and forms small lumps or “chongos”, which gives it its distinctive name. These chongos are then sweetened with sugar and flavored with cinnamon and lemon zest to create the characteristic flavor of Zamorano chongos.
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Zamorano chongos recipe
Yield: 6 servings
Preparation time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Ingredients
- 1 liter of whole milk
- 1 cup of sugar
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 1 small piece of lemon peel
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 2 egg yolks
How to make Zamorano chongos in 4 steps
- In a large pot, heat the milk over medium heat. Add the cinnamon and lemon peel and let the milk heat without boiling. In a separate bowl, beat the egg yolks and vanilla. Reserve.
- Remove the cinnamon and lemon peel, add the sugar and mix well until the sugar is completely dissolved. Pour a little of the hot milk over the mixture, stirring constantly.
- When it is homogeneous, add it to the pot and cook for 30-40 minutes, stirring constantly over low heat until it thickens and the characteristic “chongos” form.
- Remove from heat and let cool to room temperature for a few minutes. Serve the Chongos Zamoranos in individual containers and refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving.
Source: www.paulinacocina.net