Description
Rich and velvety Italian hot chocolate (cioccolata calda) delivers a luxurious dessert drink from Milan’s café culture. Chocolate lovers savor this thick, silky beverage that warms hearts with authentic Italian indulgence.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 2.1 ounces (60 grams) good quality dark chocolate (72% cacao)
- 1.5 cups (360 milliliters) milk of choice (almond or soy milk recommended)
- 1.5 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
Thickening Agents:
- 3 teaspoons cornstarch
Flavor Enhancers:
- 1 small pinch of salt
- Additional sugar to taste (optional)
Instructions
- In a small bowl, blend cornstarch with a splash of milk, ensuring a completely smooth, lump-free mixture using a whisk.
- Pour remaining milk into a saucepan, warming gently over low heat until it reaches a soft simmer.
- Introduce chocolate pieces to the warm milk, stirring consistently until they dissolve completely and create a silky, uniform texture.
- Incorporate cocoa powder and a pinch of salt into the chocolate mixture, whisking thoroughly to integrate all flavors evenly.
- Gradually introduce the prepared cornstarch slurry into the chocolate base, continuing to stir constantly over medium-low heat for 3-4 minutes.
- Monitor the consistency carefully, stirring until the hot chocolate transforms into a luxuriously thick, velvety liquid that coats the back of a spoon.
- Remove from heat and transfer the rich, decadent beverage into prewarmed serving mugs, presenting immediately while piping hot.
Notes
- Cornstarch works magic for creating an ultra-thick, velvety texture that makes this hot chocolate luxuriously smooth.
- Opt for high-quality dark chocolate with at least 70% cocoa content to enhance the rich, intense chocolate flavor and create a more authentic Italian experience.
- For a lighter version, substitute whole milk with almond or oat milk, keeping the creamy consistency while reducing calories and making it dairy-free friendly.
- Control sweetness by gradually adding sugar and tasting, as different chocolate brands vary in natural sweetness and intensity.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 0mg