Thick Italian Hot Chocolate (Print version)
A rich, spoonable Italian hot chocolate made with dark chocolate, cocoa, milk, and cornstarch in about 12 minutes.
# Ingredients:
For the hot chocolate
01 -
2 cups (480 ml) whole milk, divided
02 -
1 1/2 tablespoons (12 g) cornstarch
03 -
2 tablespoons (12 g) unsweetened cocoa powder
04 -
2 tablespoons (25 g) granulated sugar, plus more to taste
05 -
Pinch of fine salt
06 -
3.5 oz (100 g) dark chocolate, 60 to 70 percent, finely chopped
07 -
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Optional topping
08 -
Whipped cream, for serving
09 -
Shaved dark chocolate or cocoa powder, for serving
# Instructions:
01 -
In a small bowl, whisk the cornstarch, cocoa powder, sugar, salt, and 1/2 cup of the cold milk until completely smooth.
02 -
Pour the remaining 1 1/2 cups milk into a small heavy saucepan. Warm over medium-low heat until steaming around the edges, about 2 minutes.
03 -
Slowly whisk the cocoa slurry into the warm milk. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes, whisking constantly, until the mixture begins to thicken.
04 -
Add the chopped dark chocolate and keep whisking over low heat until melted, glossy, and smooth, about 1 to 2 minutes.
05 -
Remove from the heat when the hot chocolate coats a spoon but still pours. Stir in the vanilla, pour into 2 small cups, and top with whipped cream if desired.
# Good to know:
01 -
Serve in small cups because the drink is rich and spoonable.
02 -
The hot chocolate thickens more as it cools, so remove it from the heat before it looks fully set.