The Yummy Lounge: Italian Hot Chocolate Recipe | How to Make Thick and Creamy Hot Chocolate

Italian Hot Chocolate

It is believed that the Hot Chocolate drink was first made by the Mayan people about 2000 years ago. The drink became popular in Europe after being brought from Mexico into the New World and has changed a lot since then. Today, Hot Chocolate is used around the world and comes in multiple variation.

Italian Hot Chocolate is thicker, creamier and generally much richer than other traditional hot chocolates. which is less dense and milkier. it is made with a few key ingredients: Cocoa, sugar and milk.

How do you eat Italian Hot Chocolate?

The hot chocolate in Italy is almost as thick as pudding. It is drinkable. But use the baby spoon or dessert spoon served on the little plate.

What is the difference between Italian Hot Chocolate and American Hot Chocolate :

The Italian Hot Chocolate is thicker and richer than American Hot Chocolate. A mixture of cocoa powder and corn starch is added to thicken the hot chocolate drink. Melted dark chocolate is also added to milk to give nice creamy texture. It can be drunck from a pretty cup or served as a dessert and enjoyed with a spoon.

Ingredients required to make Italian Hot Chocolate:

Milk : 500 ml

Dark Chocolate : 100 gms shredded

Corn starch : 1 tbsp

Cocoa powder : 2 tbsp

Sugar : 2 ½ tbsp

Marshmallow : For garnishing

Choco wafer sticks : For garnishing

Easy Way of Making Thick and Creamy Italian Hot Chocolate:

1. In small mixing bowl, add corn starch, cocoa powder and 2-3 tbsp of milk and make thick slurry.

2. Heat sauce pan, add remaining milk. When you see bubbles, add sugar and corn starch and cocoa powder slurry. stir continuously.

3. Give one boil.

4. when this starts to thicken up, slow the flame and add dark chocolate.

5. Stir continuously till chocolate melts.

6. Once chocolate melts, turn off the flame.

Note: Lumps should not be there.

7. You can also add pinch of salt at this stage. This step is completely optional.

8. Creamy, Smooth, Thick ITALIAN HOT CHOCOLATE is ready to serve.

To garnish with marshmallow,

Turn a gas burner to medium - low heat, place a marshmallow on a skewer or on a fork, and carefully keep it near the flame and toast all the sides. Be careful while doing this because it may blacken if it gets too hot.