Description
Authentic Italian Hot Chocolate (Cioccolato Caldo) is a rich, velvety beverage made with high-quality dark chocolate, cocoa powder, and milk, thickened to a pudding-like consistency. This indulgent treat is perfect for chilly days and can be garnished with chocolate shavings or whipped cream for extra decadence.
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 Mixture and Milk
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 cups 2% milk, divided (1/4 cup for slurry, 1 3/4 cups for simmering)
Optional Garnish
- Chocolate shavings
- Whipped cream
Instructions
- 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 to create a slurry.
- Melt the Chocolate: Heat a medium saucepan over medium-low heat and bring the remaining 1 3/4 cups of milk to a gentle simmer, watching closely for bubbles forming around the edges. Once simmering, add the chocolate mixture into the milk and stir continuously with a wooden spoon or heat-proof spatula until the chocolate fully melts and the mixture is smooth, approximately 4 minutes.
- Add the Slurry: Whisk in the cornstarch and milk slurry gradually into the simmering chocolate mixture. Continue stirring constantly until the mixture thickens, which should take about 1 minute. This process gives the drink its characteristic creamy, pudding-like consistency.
- Let Cool: Remove the saucepan from heat and allow the hot chocolate to cool down for about 5 minutes. If a skin forms on the surface, whisk it to maintain a smooth texture.
- Serve: Pour the hot chocolate into heat-proof cups or mugs. Garnish with chocolate shavings and/or whipped cream if desired. Serve immediately while warm and enjoy this rich Italian treat.
Notes
- Italian hot chocolate thickens as it cools; enjoy it warm for the best texture.
- To reheat, warm gently over low heat in a small saucepan, stirring occasionally, or savor it with a spoon like pudding.
- This drink is very rich and dense; smaller serving cups are recommended instead of large mugs.
- For authentic Mediterranean ingredients used in similar recipes, consider browsing specialty shops offering olive oils, honey, jams, and spices.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 recipe (about 6 ounces)
- Calories: 190
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
