Italian Hot Chocolate (Cioccolata Calda)
Servings: 2 servings
Calories:
Here's a simple recipe for a whole food plant-based Italian Hot Chocolate (Cioccolata Calda). This version avoids processed ingredients and dairy while still maintaining a rich and creamy texture. It is known for its thick and creamy consistency, making it almost like a liquid chocolate dessert.
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Equipment
- Small sauce pan
Ingredients
- 2 cups plant-based milk such as almond, soy, oat, or cashew
- 3-4 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2-3 tablespoons pure maple syrup or date syrup adjust to taste
- 2 ounces high-quality dark chocolate (at least 70% cocoa), finely chopped about 60 grams
- 1 tablespoons arrowroot powder or cornstarch optional, for extra thickness
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract optional
- frothed plant-based milk optional topping
- chocolate shavings optional topping
Instructions
- Gather your ingredients.
- In a small bowl, mix the cocoa powder with a few tablespoons of plant-based milk to create a smooth paste. This helps prevent lumps in the hot chocolate.
- In a small bowl, mix the cornstartch or arro root with a few tablespoons of plant-based milk to create a slurry.
- In a saucepan, heat the remaining plant-based milk over medium heat until it's warm but not boiling.
- Add the cocoa paste to the warm milk, stirring constantly to combine.
- Add the chopped dark chocolate to the mixture, continuing to stir until the chocolate is completely melted and the mixture becomes smooth.
- If you want a thicker consistency, you can add 1-2 tablespoons of whole grain flour or a thickening agent like arrowroot powder. Whisk well to avoid lumps.
- Sweeten the hot chocolate with pure maple syrup or date syrup to taste. Adjust the sweetness according to your preference.
- If using, add vanilla extract for extra flavor. Stir well.
- Continue to heat the mixture over medium-low heat, stirring frequently, until it reaches your desired temperature.
- Once the hot chocolate is ready, pour it into cups and serve immediately.
- Optional Toppings 1: For a low-calorie topping, froth some plant-based milk and pour on top of hot chocolate, sprinkle with shaved chocolate.2: Place a dollop of plant-based whipped cream or a sprinkle of cocoa powder for an extra treat.
Notes
Spice things up by adding a 1/4 tsp of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cayenne pepper, or any other spices to compliment the chocolate.
