Who doesn’t love hot chocolate on a chilly winter day (or night even)! It is quite unsurprising that several countries would have their own versions of the traditional hot chocolate which the locals love. Each of these showcases its own little twists that bring out the cultures of that particular place. So forget the simple hot chocolate and give some ethnic adventures to your tastebuds.
Champurrado- Mexican Hot Chocolate
Let’s begin with the place where the beloved chocolate originates. It is believed that Mayans began to make and savour their chocolaty beverage as a cold, beer-type drink and later on made a hot version of it. This traditional hot chocolate has Masa Harina and of course chocolate as the main ingredients that make the drink thick and warm, apart from spices like cinnamon, star anise and the Mexican sweetener called panela.
Colombian Hot Chocolate- hot chocolate with a salty twist
Okay, hear me out. Chocolate and cheese are a heavenly combination! The Colombians are here to back me up! Well, to be fair, sweet and salty ingredients have gone along really well since the beginning. So why not be a little adventurous and try out this indulging combo?
Parisian Hot Chocolate- the most decadent
Leave it to the experts of the food world when it comes to making the most decadent hot chocolate. This recipe calls for at least 70% dark chocolate. It is then combined with milk and cream to get a thick and smooth hot chocolate. You can of course add sugar to your sweetness requirement. After drinking this you’ll surely be in the French heaven.
Tsokolate- Filipino Hot Chocolate
Cacao has been an essential crop since the first trees were brought to the country by the Spanish. This hot and sweet drink is adored for its thick, grainy and frothy texture. Tablets of pure roasted cocoa called tableaare almost dissolved in the milk and then the remaining chunks are whisked to create a distinct texture.
Cioccolatacalda- Italian Hot Chocolate
A thick, chocolaty, pudding-like texture that is still pourable? Bring it on! This is what Italians have mastered in their version of hot chocolate. Apart from the usual chocolate, milk, and sugar, they go an extra step and add cornstarch to make it incredibly thick and decadent. Add to it some whipped cream and chocolate shavings, you are in for a cosy time in the winters.
I’m sure this list will help you experiment in the kitchen and make your cosy winters a little more happening.
