Champurrado Mexican Chocolate Beverage Recipes

CHAMPURRADO

Steps:

• Bring water, cinnamon stick, clove, and star anise to a boil in a saucepan; remove from heat and allow spices to steep until water is fragrant, about 10 minutes. Strain.
• Heat milk, chocolate, and pinole in another saucepan over medium heat, whisking until chocolate is dissolved and liquid is thickened, about 10 minutes. Remove from heat and add piloncillo; let rest until sugar is dissolved, about 5 minutes more. Pour cinnamon water into chocolate mixture and stir to combine.

MEXICAN HOT CHOCOLATE ATOLE CHAMPURRADO

Steps:

• Combine 2 cups water and cinnamon in a saucepan over medium-high heat. Bring to a boil; let boil for 7 minutes. Drop in chocolate tablet and stir until dissolved, 5 to 6 minutes. Reduce heat to medium and cook for 2 minutes more.
• Combine cornstarch and cold water in a small container with a lid; shake until mixed well.
• Stir evaporated milk and sugar into the chocolate mixture in the saucepan. Add cornstarch mixture and stir well. Increase heat to a simmer and cook until slightly thickened, about 3 minutes.

CHAMPURRADO (MEXICAN CHOCOLATE BEVERAGE)

Steps:

• NOTE: If Mexican chocolate is unavailable, you can substitute by mixing 4 ounces of dark bitter chocolate (minimum 70% cocoa solids) with 1/4 cup ground almonds, 1/4 cup sugar and 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon. Process in food processor to fine powder.
• Grind the chocolate to a fine powder. I use a cheese grater to grate the chocolate first then whirl the chocolate in a clean coffee mill.
• Put the milk and water in a heavy saucepan, heat on medium, and gradually stir in the masa harina until a smooth paste is formed. Use a molinollo or a wire whisk for frothing the liquid.
• Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to an almost boil, stirring constantly untl the frothy drink thickens.
• Stir in the powdered chocolate, then add the sugar. Serve immediately. Garnish with a cinnamon stick if desired.

CHAMPURRADO, OR CHOCOLATE ATOLE

Steps:

• In a mixing bowl combine the masa or masa harina with 1 cup of the water-milk mixture, stirring until smooth.
• In a medium saucepan combine the masa mixture, the remaining 4 cups water, and the salt.
• Bring to boil over medium heat, stirring constantly.
• Reduce the heat to low and simmer, stirring occasionally, until the mixture is thickened to the consistency of thin cooked cereal, 15 to 20 minutes.
• Add the chocolate and continue to stir until melted and thoroughly combined.
• Optional: Remove from the heat and beat with a whisk, egg beater, handheld electric mixer, or a traditional wooden molinillo.
• Continue to whick until a thick froth forms on top.
• Pour into cups and spoon some foam on top.

CHAMPURRADO

Steps:

• Bring 4 cups water, piloncillo (or brown sugar), and 1 small cinnamon stick to a boil. Reduce heat to medium-low; simmer, stirring occasionally, until sugar dissolves (about 10 minutes for piloncillo, 3 to 4 for brown sugar).
• Stir in chocolate and cook, stirring a few times, until melted. Pour milk into a medium bowl and whisk in masa harina; slowly whisk into chocolate mixture.
• Return to a simmer and cook, whisking often, until frothy and thickened slightly, 3 to 5 minutes. Remove cinnamon stick and pour evenly into mugs.