Description
Experience the rich and indulgent delight of Italian Hot Chocolate, a thick, velvety drink made with dark bittersweet chocolate and whole milk, sweetened lightly and thickened with cornstarch. Perfect for cozy evenings or as a luxurious treat, this comforting beverage offers a decadent twist on traditional hot chocolate with its intense chocolate flavor and smooth texture.
Ingredients
Scale
Chocolate Mixture
- ¾ cup (4oz/115 grams) dark bittersweet chocolate, coarsely chopped
- 1 cup (235ml) whole milk
Sweetener and Thickener
- 2 tablespoons granulated white sugar
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch
- ½ cup (115ml) whole milk
Instructions
- Melt the Chocolate: Into a small saucepan, place the coarsely chopped dark bittersweet chocolate and 1 cup of whole milk. Place over low heat and stir occasionally until the chocolate melts completely and blends smoothly with the milk.
- Add Sugar: Stir in the granulated white sugar until it dissolves thoroughly into the chocolate mixture, enhancing the sweetness.
- Prepare Cornstarch Mixture: In a small bowl, combine the remaining ½ cup of whole milk with the cornstarch. Whisk briskly to dissolve all lumps and ensure a smooth mixture.
- Incorporate Thickener: Remove the saucepan from the heat. Stir the cornstarch and milk mixture well just before adding it to the chocolate milk to prevent settling, then pour it into the saucepan and mix thoroughly.
- Thicken the Hot Chocolate: Return the saucepan to low to medium heat. Stir continuously as the mixture warms and thickens. Bubbles will appear around the edges, and it will come close to simmering but do not let it boil. The drink will thicken sufficiently through this gentle heating.
- Adjust Sweetness: Taste the hot chocolate and add more sugar if you prefer it sweeter. Alternatively, serve additional sugar on the side for guests to sweeten to their liking.
- Serve: Pour the thickened Italian hot chocolate into small cups or espresso cups. Serve with a spoon on the side for scooping the rich, velvety drink.
Notes
- Note 1: Use high-quality dark bittersweet chocolate with at least 60-70% cocoa content for the best rich flavor.
- Note 2: Whole milk is recommended for a creamy texture, but you can substitute with plant-based milk for a non-dairy option.
- Note 3: Adjust sugar according to your taste preference or substitute with alternative sweeteners.
- Note 4: Cornstarch is essential for achieving the thick, pudding-like consistency characteristic of Italian hot chocolate; ensure it is fully dissolved to avoid lumps.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Beverage
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Keywords: Italian hot chocolate, thick hot chocolate, dark chocolate drink, rich chocolate beverage, cozy drink
