A holiday favorite for many people is to enjoy a mug of hot chocolate. What many people don’t know is that hot chocolate originated out of South America and Mexico. However, the hot chocolate we know is not like how it was traditionally serviced. There are a number of different hot chocolate recipes that vary throughout the different regions. Today Eddie’s Mexican Restaurant would like to one of these traditional hot chocolate recipes, the Champurrado, and see if it can help light up your holiday season.
What is Champurrado Made Of?
Champurrado is a warm Mexican drink that is made with the perfect balance of heated milk, Mexican chocolate, piloncillo, vanilla extract, and Mexican cinnamon. Later these ingredients are then mixed with water, and masa harina. When you drink this warm mixture, you will quickly notice its rich flavor and thick and creamy texture. This is a beverage that is most enjoyed during the holiday and during those cold and chilly days. Champurrado is not just a drink but is also a satisfying meal and many people will even enjoy a glass of Champurrado for breakfast.
What Ingredients Does Mexican Chocolate Have in It?
Milk: One of the base ingredients is milk. It is highly recommended to use whole milk for its thickest and more creamy texture. However, you can substitute whole milk with either 2% milk if desired or for the vegans, almond milk will also work. However, the texture will not be nearly as thick or creamy. Nonetheless, it will still taste great.
Piloncillo: This is simply whole cane sugar which has more of an earthy and caramel like taste. Piloncillo is a common Mexican baking ingredient and can be found in Mexican grocery stores.
Mexican Chocolate: Not just any chocolate will do, but you will need a Mexican chocolate which is made into a paste. Mexican chocolate is made from cacao nibs, sugar and cinnamon and is made to be an ingredient and not to be eaten.
Masa Harina: Another staple in Mexican cuisine and is a necessary ingredient is masa harina. Masa harina is dried maize corn which is used to make a number of items which means you should be able to find it in most Mexican or Hispanic stores.
Warm Water: Warm water is mixed with the masa harina which helps to thicken the Champurrado.
Seasoning and Spices: The last ingredients to our Champurrado is vanilla, a cinnamon stick and salt to taste. These spices and seasonings are what helps provide the amazing flavor in the Champurrado and cannot be missed.
How to Make Champurrado
Step 1. You will heat up the milk, the piloncillo, the cinnamon stick and Mexican Chocolate in a medium sauce pan. Heat until the chocolate and piloncillo are dissolved and then remove the cinnamon stick.
Step 2. Combine the warm water with the masa harina until they become smooth. Then add the masa harina mixture into the sauce pan with the chocolaty mixture. Finally, add the vanilla and salt.
Step 3. Heat the mixture to a simmer and then lower the heat until the mixture is a creamy and smooth texture. Pour into a mug and top it with a touch of cinnamon and enjoy!
Authentic Mexican Cuisine in Las Vegas, Nevada (Just Minutes from Summerlin, North LV, Paradise, Lone Mountain & Henderson, NV)
We hope you have an enjoyable holiday season. To help satisfy your carvings come on down to Eddie’s Mexican Restaurant and drink some horchata, dine on tamales and enjoy your other favorites. Come spend some of the holiday season with us!
