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Rich Italian Hot Chocolate Recipe

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  • Author: Emily
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 5 minutes
  • Total Time: 10 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x
  • Category: Beverage
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Italian

Description

Indulge in a rich and velvety cup of Italian Hot Chocolate, known as Cioccolato Caldo. This decadent beverage is made with high-quality dark chocolate, cocoa powder, and a touch of sugar, thickened with cornstarch to create a luxuriously creamy texture. Perfect for chilly days, it’s traditionally served warm with optional garnishes like whipped cream or chocolate shavings for an extra special treat.

Ingredients

Scale

Chocolate Mixture

  • 6 ounces dark chocolate (70-74%), finely chopped
  • 2 teaspoons granulated sugar
  • 4 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
  • Pinch of kosher salt

Cornstarch Slurry

  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 1/4 cup 2% milk

Milk

  • 1 3/4 cups 2% milk

For Garnish (Optional)

  • Chocolate shavings
  • Whipped cream

Instructions

  1. Get ready: In a small bowl, combine the finely chopped dark chocolate, granulated sugar, unsweetened cocoa powder, and a small pinch of kosher salt. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch with 1/4 cup of the 2% milk until smooth.
  2. Melt the chocolate: Heat a medium saucepan over medium-low heat and bring the remaining 1 3/4 cups of 2% milk to a gentle simmer, watching closely for bubbles forming around the edges. Add the chocolate mixture into the simmering milk and stir continuously with a wooden spoon or heat-proof spatula until the chocolate has fully melted and the mixture is smooth, approximately 4 minutes.
  3. Add the slurry: Whisk in the cornstarch and milk mixture into the saucepan. Continue stirring until the entire mixture thickens, which should take about 1 minute. The texture should be creamy and slightly thickened.
  4. Let cool: Remove the saucepan from heat and allow the Italian hot chocolate to cool for 5 minutes. If a skin begins to form on the surface during this time, whisk the mixture gently to maintain a smooth texture.
  5. Serve: Pour the hot chocolate into heat-proof cups or mugs. Optionally, garnish with chocolate shavings and/or whipped cream for an extra indulgent experience. Serve immediately while warm.

Notes

  • Visit our shop to explore quality Mediterranean ingredients, such as olive oils, honey, jams, and spices to elevate your cooking.
  • Italian hot chocolate thickens further as it cools, making it delightfully rich and pudding-like if left to set.
  • To reheat, warm gently over low heat in a small saucepan, stirring occasionally, or enjoy it chilled like a spoonable pudding.
  • This drink is very rich and concentrated; serve in smaller cups rather than large mugs to savor it best.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cup (approximately 150 ml)
  • Calories: 190
  • Sugar: 10 g
  • Sodium: 50 mg
  • Fat: 11 g
  • Saturated Fat: 7 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 19 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 4 g
  • Cholesterol: 15 mg

Find it online: https://emilyquickdinners.com/rich-italian-hot-chocolate-recipe/