Description
Indulgent Thick Italian Hot Chocolate wraps comfort and richness into one luxurious mug, promising pure chocolate bliss. Silky smooth depths of Italian tradition invite passionate chocolate lovers to savor each warm, velvety sip with delightful Mediterranean charm.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 2 cups (480 ml) whole milk
- ½ cup (85 g) dark chocolate (70% cocoa or higher), finely chopped
Thickening and Sweetening Agents:
- 2 tablespoons (15 g) unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 tablespoons (25 g) granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon (8 g) cornstarch
Additional Ingredients:
- 1 pinch of salt
Topping (Optional):
- Whipped cream
- Chocolate shavings
- Marshmallows
Instructions
- Whisk cornstarch with a small portion of milk in a separate vessel until achieving a silky, lump-free consistency, creating a smooth thickening agent for the decadent beverage.
- Select a medium saucepan and gradually warm the remaining milk over moderate temperature, monitoring carefully to ensure it steams without reaching a boiling point.
- Incorporate cocoa powder, granulated sugar, and a delicate sprinkle of salt into the warming milk, stirring diligently until each ingredient dissolves completely, creating a rich chocolate base.
- Lower the heat to a gentle simmer and introduce finely chopped dark chocolate, stirring continuously until the chocolate melts seamlessly into the liquid, producing a velvety, glossy mixture.
- Slowly stream the prepared cornstarch liquid into the chocolate mixture, whisking consistently to prevent any potential clumping or separation of ingredients.
- Maintain low heat and continue stirring for approximately 2-3 minutes, allowing the hot chocolate to thicken and develop a luxurious, pudding-like texture that coats the back of a spoon.
- Transfer the luscious hot chocolate into warm mugs, crowning each serving with a dollop of fluffy whipped cream, scattered marshmallows, or delicate chocolate shavings for an indulgent finishing touch.
Notes
- Customize the cocoa intensity by experimenting with different dark chocolate percentages for varying richness and depth of flavor.
- Transform this decadent drink into a dairy-free version by substituting whole milk with almond, oat, or coconut milk for a creamy alternative.
- Control the thickness by adjusting the cornstarch amount – less cornstarch creates a silkier texture, while more creates an ultra-dense pudding-like consistency.
- Elevate the drink’s complexity by adding a splash of espresso, cinnamon, or orange zest to introduce subtle complementary flavor notes.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Drinks, Snacks, Desserts
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2
- Calories: 419
- Sugar: 17g
- Sodium: 100mg
- Fat: 23g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 60mg