Description
Rich Italian hot chocolate promises pure indulgence with its velvety, dark chocolate depths. Silky and intense, this luxurious drink wraps you in warm comfort reminiscent of cozy Roman cafes.
Ingredients
Scale
Chocolate:
- 3.5 ounces (100 grams) dark chocolate (60% cocoa), chopped
- 3 tablespoons (21 grams) unsweetened cocoa powder
Dairy:
- 4 cups (960 milliliters) whole milk
Sweeteners and Thickeners:
- ¼ cup (50 grams) granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon (8 grams) cornstarch
Flavor Enhancers:
- 1 teaspoon (5 milliliters) vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon (1.5 grams) salt
Instructions
- Prepare a medium-sized saucepan and combine whole milk (or 840 milliliters), unsweetened cocoa powder, granulated sugar, and a pinch of salt, creating a rich base for the hot chocolate.
- Place the saucepan over medium heat, whisking the ingredients consistently to ensure the sugar dissolves completely and the mixture becomes smooth and uniform.
- Carefully chop high-quality dark chocolate into small, uniform pieces to facilitate faster melting and smoother integration into the milk mixture.
- Gradually introduce the chopped dark chocolate into the warm milk, stirring continuously until the chocolate melts entirely and blends seamlessly with the liquid.
- In a separate small bowl, create a cornstarch slurry by whisking remaining milk (or 120 milliliters) with cornstarch until no lumps remain, ensuring a silky thickening agent.
- Slowly pour the cornstarch slurry into the chocolate mixture, stirring constantly to prevent any potential clumping or uneven thickening.
- Reduce heat to low and simmer the mixture for 1-2 minutes, allowing the cornstarch to activate and thicken the hot chocolate to a luxuriously dense consistency.
- Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in pure vanilla extract, which will enhance the depth of flavor and provide a subtle aromatic finish.
- Immediately pour the hot chocolate into warmed mugs, serving while rich and velvety for the most indulgent experience.
Notes
- Chocolate selection matters hugely, picking high-quality dark chocolate ensures rich, luxurious flavor.
- Cornstarch acts as secret weapon, transforming thin liquid into velvety, dense hot chocolate texture.
- Stirring constantly prevents scorching and guarantees silky smooth consistency without lumps.
- Temperature control is critical, medium heat allows ingredients to blend seamlessly without burning.
- Serving immediately preserves optimal thickness and warmth, creating perfect indulgent drinking experience.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Drinks
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 290 kcal
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 100mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 10mg