Description
Spanish hot chocolate, or chocolate a la taza casero, is a rich and silky smooth hot drink made from melted dark chocolate and milk, thickened with cornstarch. This indulgent beverage is denser and more luxurious than typical hot chocolate, making it perfect to enjoy alongside freshly fried churros for an authentic Spanish treat.
Ingredients
Hot Chocolate
- 2 cups whole milk
- 5 ounces dark chocolate (at least 70% cocoa)
- 1 1/4 teaspoons cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons milk (for dissolving cornstarch)
- 1-2 tablespoons granulated sugar (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare Chocolate: Break the dark chocolate into small pieces to ensure it melts evenly and quickly when added to the hot milk.
- Heat Milk: Pour the 2 cups of whole milk into a small pot and bring it to a boil over medium heat on the stovetop, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching.
- Melt Chocolate: Remove the pot from the heat and immediately add the broken chocolate pieces. Stir occasionally until the chocolate is fully melted. If the mixture cools too much, briefly return the pot to low heat to gently warm it, but avoid overheating.
- Dissolve Cornstarch: In a separate mug, mix the cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of milk until fully dissolved to avoid lumps.
- Combine and Sweeten: Add the dissolved cornstarch mixture to the pot with melted chocolate and milk. Stir in granulated sugar if you prefer a sweeter hot chocolate.
- Thicken Mixture: Place the pot back on low heat and whisk constantly for 5 to 10 minutes. Watch for simmering bubbles breaking through the liquid as a sign of thickening. This step ensures the hot chocolate becomes wonderfully thick and creamy.
- Serve: Once thickened, remove from heat and pour immediately into mugs. Enjoy warm, ideally with homemade churros for a perfect Spanish indulgence.
Notes
- The cornstarch thickens the drink after several minutes; be patient but don’t leave it on heat too long or it may thin again.
- This Spanish hot chocolate is much thicker and richer than traditional versions, so smaller servings are satisfying.
- Adjust the sugar amount depending on your taste preference or the sweetness of your chocolate.
- Serve fresh and hot for the best texture and flavor experience.
