Italian Hot Chocolate Recipe

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Indulge in the ultimate cup of hot chocolate with this easy-to-make Italian recipe! Crafted with smooth, decadent dark chocolate and a touch of cornstarch for a delightful gluten-free treat, this rich and creamy beverage is ready in just 10 minutes.

Prep Time5

Cook Time5

Total Time10

Servings: servings

Ingredients

¾ cup (4oz/115 grams) dark bittersweet chocolate ((coarsely chopped) See Note 1 and 2)
1 ½ cups (350ml) whole milk (See Note 2)
2 tablespoons granulated white sugar (See Note 3)
2 teaspoons cornstarch (See Note 4)

Instructions

Into a small saucepan place the chocolate and 1 cup of milk.
Place over low heat and allow the chocolate to melt stirring from time to time.
Add the sugar and stir to dissolve.
In a small bowl, put the remaining ½ cup of milk and the cornstarch. Whisk to combine, ensuring all the lumps are dissolved and the mixture is smooth.
Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the cornstarch mixture. Be sure that the cornstarch is still mixed through the milk as it tends to settle to the bottom so give it a little stir before adding to the chocolate milk mixture.
Return the saucepan to a low to medium heat and stir until the mixture thickens. Some bubbles will start to form around the edges and it will start to come to a simmer. However you don’t need to let it come to a boil it will thicken anyway.
Taste for sweetness. Add more sugar if you prefer. Or serve with sugar so that each can add sugar to their liking.
Pour into small cups or espresso cups to serve with a spoon on the side for scooping.

Notes

I prefer to use chocolate with 70% cocoa; however, if you like a sweeter hot chocolate, use milk chocolate or even white chocolate. For a mild chocolate taste, use chocolate with 60% cocoa or less.
Chopping the chocolate helps it dissolve faster.
Use 2% milk, or whole milk for a richer taste.
This recipe is not very sweet, so only a little sugar is added. Adjust to your preference.
Cornstarch (also known as cornflour in some countries) thickens this hot chocolate. Don't confuse it with corn flour, which is finely ground cornmeal.
Adjust the thickness to your liking. If it’s too thick, stir in a splash of hot milk. If it’s too thin, whisk a little cornstarch into cold milk, then add to the hot chocolate and simmer until it thickens.

Variations

For added flavor, try including a few drops of vanilla, peppermint oil or a splash of rum, brandy, or your favourite liqueur like Amaretto.

Nutrition