Indulge in a heartwarming hug with every sip of this Italian Hot Chocolate recipe. Creamy, rich, and satisfyingly sweet, this drink is the perfect way to cozy up on a cold day.
Servings
1
Ready In:
6 min
Calories:
168
Good For:
Snack
Italian Hot Chocolate
By: Silvana Lanzetta
Have you ever been to Italy in the wintertime and tried our heavenly hot chocolate? If you have, you know what I’m talking about! It’s dark, creamy, and the perfect comfort drink for those long and chilly afternoons. Honestly, it’s one of my all-time favourite winter treats that reminds me of home and warmth.
Ingredients
- 3 tsp good quality cacao powder
- 3 tsp sugar
- Half tsp unmodified potato starch
- 150 ml milk
For me, it’s more than just a winter treat. It’s a reminder of home and cosiness. Whenever I drink it, I’m transported back to my childhood, where my parents and grandparents would sip their coffee while I had my cup of hot chocolate.
Even now, it’s hard for me to resist a cup of this luscious drink. Sadly, my kids don’t share my passion for Italian hot chocolate and prefer regular chocolate milk instead. But hey, more for me, right?
Since leaving Italy, it’s been difficult to find a good cup of hot chocolate, but thankfully, it’s easy to make at home. You don’t need to buy pre-made sachets from Italian delis, which are often loaded with additives and expensive. All you need are a few simple ingredients you likely already have in your cupboard. Here’s my recipe for a deliciously smooth Italian hot chocolate.
Nutrition
Italian hot chocolate is not typically a low-calorie beverage due to its sugar content, so it should be consumed in moderation as part of a balanced diet. Additionally, the use of cacao powder provides some potential health benefits, such as antioxidants and minerals like iron and magnesium.
- Proteins 17%
- Carbs 55%
- Fats 28%
Make a delicious cup of Italian hot chocolate
Step by Step Instructions
Step 1
Start by mixing all the dry ingredients and passing them through a fine sieve to get rid of any lumps.
Step 2
Then, add a little milk to the mixture and stir with a wooden spoon until you get a thick paste. Gradually add the rest of the milk while stirring continuously until it’s all absorbed
Step 3
Put the saucepan on medium heat and continue stirring until the milk boils. Reduce the heat and let it bubble for a minute while stirring vigorously.
Follow me
Step 4
Pour the hot chocolate into small teacups (not mugs) and enjoy!
Tips!
If you’re feeling fancy, you can add a sprinkle of cinnamon or whipped cream on top. My personal favourite is to crush a couple of amaretto biscuits into crumbs and sprinkle them over the hot chocolate for a little crunch.
One tip: to get the best flavour, use good-quality cacao powder and avoid instant powders like Nesquik. Potato starch is the best thickener to use because it’s light and doesn’t leave an aftertaste, but plain flour or cornflour can also work.
If you find your hot chocolate is too thick, simply reduce the amount of starch to a quarter of a teaspoon. Now, go ahead and treat yourself to a cup of rich and delicious Italian hot chocolate – you won’t regret it!
Italian hot chocolate
- Total Time: 6 minutes
- Yield: 1 portion 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Indulge in the rich and creamy goodness of Italian hot chocolate with this easy-to-follow recipe. With just a few simple ingredients and some stirring, you can recreate the taste of Italy in your own kitchen.
Ingredients
- 3 tsp good quality cocao powder
- 3 tsp sugar
- Half tsp unmodified potato starch
- 150 ml milk
Instructions
- Begin by combining all the dry ingredients and sifting them through a fine sieve.
- Once any lumps have been removed, slowly add a small amount of milk and stir until a thick paste forms.
- Gradually incorporate the rest of the milk while stirring constantly until it is fully absorbed.
- Next, place a saucepan over medium heat and continue stirring until the milk begins to boil.
- Reduce the heat and let it bubble for a minute while vigorously stirring. Serve the hot chocolate in small teacups.
Notes
Consider adding a dash of cinnamon or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra treat. For a delightful crunch, try crumbling some amaretto biscuits over the top.
For optimal flavor, be sure to use high-quality cacao powder and avoid instant powders.
While potato starch is the best thickener due to its light texture and lack of aftertaste, plain flour or cornflour can also be used.
If your hot chocolate is too thick, simply decrease the amount of starch to a quarter of a teaspoon.
- Prep Time: 10minute
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Cuisine: Italian
Keywords: hot chocolate, creamy treat, creamy chocolate, gluten-free, italian hot chocolate
