As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchasesDiscover the savory taste of duros, the popular Mexican snack also known as chicharrones de harina. This is usually found in most grocery stores or sold by street vendors. It is made from pasta, and these bite-sized treats are incredibly simple to prepare by deep-frying, microwaving, or toasting.
With an array of seasonings available, you can choose from a wide variety of flavors to suit your taste. Whether you prefer to buy chicharrones de harina from a street vendor, buy them pre-packaged, or make them from scratch, the cooking process only takes less than 10 minutes to create this delicious snack. Before they’re cooked, these small, hard pieces look like uncooked pasta, but once they’re done, they’re crispy and delicious.
Try out one of the four cooking methods: deep frying, air frying, microwaving, or baking in the oven, and indulge in the ultimate chicharrones de harina Mexican snack.
What are Duros Made From?
Duros, also known as chicharrones de harina, is made from pasta, which is typically made from wheat flour and water and fried in hot oil. The pasta dough is then extruded into various shapes, including the small, hard pieces that are used to make duros.
These Mexican pinwheel chips paired with lime juice and hot sauce, are a popular snack in Mexico and can be found in most national and Mexican grocery stores.
What Does Duros Taste Like?
Duros has a unique taste and texture that sets it apart from traditional Mexican food. When prepared, chicharrones de harina become incredibly crispy and crunchy, with a satisfying crunch that’s reminiscent of crackers or potato chips.
The hot sauce, chili powder, and lime juice add a burst of flavor, ranging from savory to spicy and everything in between, making them a versatile snack. The taste of duros de harina also varies depending on how they are cooked, with deep-fried duros having a richer, more intense flavor compared to air-fried or microwaved versions.
Overall, Duros are delicious snacks with a delightful crunch and an explosion of flavors that will leave your taste buds wanting more.
What Does Duros Look Like?
Duros are small, bite-sized pieces that are typically in the shape of Mexican wagon wheels or pinwheels. They are usually about 1-2 inches in diameter and less than half an inch thick. The shape of the duros allows them to puff up when fried or toasted, giving them a light and crispy texture that makes them perfect for snacking.
How Can I Make Duros From Scratch?
If you plan to make chicharrones de harina or duros, it’s relatively easy, and you can do it with just a few ingredients in the comfort of your home. Here’s how:
Ingredients:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp baking powder (baking soda optional)
- 1/4 cup warm water
- Vegetable oil for frying
- Seasonings of your choice (such as chili powder, hot sauce, garlic powder, or lime juice)
- Pork rinds (optional toppings)
Instructions:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, salt, and baking soda and powder.
- Slowly add in the warm water while mixing the ingredients until a smooth, elastic dough is formed.
- On a floured surface, roll the dough into small, bite-sized pieces or any desired shape.
- In a deep frying pan or a wok, heat up enough vegetable oil for deep frying.
- Once the oil is hot, carefully add in the Duros pieces, a few at a time, and fry until golden brown and crispy, about 2-3 minutes, over medium heat.
- Using a slotted spoon, remove the Duros from the oil and place them on a plate with paper towels to drain any excess oil.
- While the Duros are still warm, sprinkle a small handful of your desired seasonings, like chili powder and lime juice, and toss them to coat evenly.
- Allow them to cool and enjoy your freshly made Duros as a tasty snack.
Note: Be careful when handling hot oil, and ensure that the Duros are cooked all the way through before consuming. Dry it with paper towel to ensure that there is no excess oil.
Below are four different methods you can use to help you make chicharrones de harina from scratch.
- Deep Fryer
If you want to make duros from scratch, the easiest way is to deep fry them with vegetable or canola oil in a medium-high heat. If you use a skillet, you have to be extra cautious and continuously flip them. My tip would be to drop a duros into the oil to check if it starts puffing up, then the oil temperature is ready.
The easiest way is to use a deep fryer. All you need to do is to drop the basket into the hot oil and wait a minute or two. Then using a paper towel, wipe off excess oil.
- Air Fryer
If you can’t handle heavy oils because they cause digestive problems, you’re lucky air fryers exist. To make duros, set your air fryer on the right setting (make sure to preheat to 390 F) and let them warm, and air fry for about 5-10 minutes. It’s important to take the basket out every 3-4 minutes and shake the duros so they can crisp all the way. If you want them extra crunchy, add a small tablespoon of olive oil!
- Microwave
If you can’t be bothered making duros from scratch and want an easy-to-cook snack, then a microwave is the right solution for you. Place the duros on a plate, ensuring they don’t touch each other, so they won’t stick together and start puffing up. In less than 2 minutes, your snack will be ready.
- Oven
The oven gives you the flexibility to both toast and cooks the duros. Plus, you don’t need oil. Put it on a baking sheet or a pan and bake them at 375 F for about 5-10 minutes. Then you can flip them so that the chicharrones de harina can cook evenly.
Where Can I Store My Leftover Duros?
If you have leftover duros, it’s essential to store them properly to keep them fresh and crispy. The best way to store leftover duros is in an airtight container or a ziplock bag.
Ensure that the container is tightly sealed to prevent moisture from getting in, which can cause the duros to become soft and lose their crunchiness. It’s also crucial to store the duros in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and heat sources.
Properly stored duros can last for up to several weeks, making them a convenient snack to have on hand for when hunger strikes. Whether you plan to store them for a few days or a few weeks, following these simple storage tips will help you enjoy your leftover duros as a tasty and crunchy snack.
Since it’s incredibly easy to make duros, consider making them in small batches to avoid them getting soggy quickly due to hot sauce and avoiding leftovers.
Conclusion
Making duros from scratch is easy and can be done in the comfort of your own home with just a few ingredients. The dough is made from flour, salt, and water and can be shaped into bite-sized pieces before being fried in oil or cooked in an air fryer, microwave, or oven.
The resulting snack is crispy, crunchy, and bursting with flavor, thanks to the wide variety of seasonings available. Whether you prefer a savory, spicy, or tangy taste, duros can be tailored to suit your taste buds.
So, why not try it and indulge in the ultimate delicious snack from Latin America?
