Description
Rich, silky Italian hot chocolate invites winter warmth with its luxurious chocolate depth. Smooth cocoa promises pure comfort in each creamy spoonful, drawing you into a sweet Mediterranean embrace.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 3.5 ounces (100 grams) high-quality dark chocolate (at least 70% cocoa), finely chopped
- 2 cups (480 milliliters) whole milk
Thickening Agents:
- 2 tablespoons (15 grams) cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons (10 grams) unsweetened cocoa powder
Sweeteners and Seasonings:
- 2 tablespoons (25 grams) granulated sugar
- 1 pinch sea salt
Optional Toppings:
- Whipped cream
- Grated chocolate
- Cocoa powder
Instructions
- Meticulously dice the dark chocolate into fine fragments to guarantee seamless melting.
- Create a silky cornstarch mixture by blending it with a minimal amount of milk, ensuring no lumps remain.
- In a robust saucepan, merge milk, cocoa powder, sugar, and salt, whisking vigorously to dissolve all components thoroughly.
- Warm the mixture over gentle heat, maintaining a temperature just below boiling point to preserve delicate flavors.
- Introduce the cornstarch emulsion into the simmering liquid, stirring continuously to prevent potential clumping.
- As the mixture gradually thickens, lower the temperature and incorporate the finely chopped chocolate, stirring until achieving a luxurious, velvety texture.
- Allow the decadent liquid to simmer gently, stirring constantly for 2-3 minutes until reaching a consistency reminiscent of soft pudding.
- Adjust thickness by adding a splash of milk if the mixture becomes overly dense.
- Transfer the molten chocolate into traditional espresso-style vessels, embracing authentic Italian serving practices.
- Enhance the presentation with optional garnishes like airy whipped cream, delicate chocolate shavings, or a subtle cocoa powder dusting.
Notes
- Select high-percentage dark chocolate (70-85%) for intense, authentic flavor and rich texture.
- Thoroughly mix cornstarch with cold milk to prevent lumps and ensure smooth, velvety consistency.
- Heat mixture gently to avoid scorching chocolate, maintaining low-medium heat throughout preparation.
- Replace dairy milk with almond, oat, or coconut milk for lactose-free version; use sugar alternatives like stevia for lower-calorie option.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Desserts, Snacks
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2
- Calories: 392
- Sugar: 11 g
- Sodium: 50 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 13 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 36 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 8 g
- Cholesterol: 45 mg