Champurrado
Champurrado is a rich, velvety Mexican hot chocolate thickened with masa harina and scented with cinnamon and vanilla. This version is deeply comforting, lightly spiced, and just thick enough to feel luxurious without becoming heavy.
Ingredients
Base
- 500 mlwhole milk
- 250 mlwater
- 70 gpiloncillo, chopped or grated
- 1 small (about 5 g)cinnamon stick
- 5 mlvanilla extract
- 1 pinchfine salt
Masa slurry
- 35 gmasa harina
- 60 mlcold water
Chocolate finish
- 60 gdark chocolate (about 70%), finely chopped
Instructions
- 1
Prepare all ingredients: chop or grate the piloncillo if needed, finely chop the dark chocolate so it melts quickly, and measure the milk, water, masa harina, vanilla, and salt. In a small bowl, whisk the masa harina with the cold water until completely smooth and lump-free.
- 2
In a medium saucepan, combine the milk, water, piloncillo, cinnamon stick, vanilla extract, and salt. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat, whisking occasionally, until the piloncillo has fully dissolved and the milk is fragrant, about 6 to 8 minutes. Do not let it boil hard, or the milk may scorch.
- 3
Whisk the masa slurry again, then slowly pour it into the simmering milk while whisking constantly. Cook for 3 to 5 minutes, whisking often, until the drink thickens slightly and no raw masa taste remains. The texture should coat the spoon lightly but still be pourable.
- 4
Lower the heat and add the chopped dark chocolate. Whisk until fully melted and smooth, about 1 to 2 minutes. If you want a silkier texture, whisk vigorously to aerate slightly in the traditional style.
- 5
Remove the cinnamon stick. Let the champurrado rest for 2 minutes to settle and thicken a touch more, then whisk once more and pour into 2 mugs. Serve hot.
Nutrition per serving
Notes
- •If piloncillo is unavailable, use 60 g dark brown sugar; the flavor will be slightly less complex.
- •For a thicker champurrado, increase the masa harina to 45 g; for a lighter drink, reduce it to 25 g.
- •Keep the heat moderate after adding masa and chocolate, and whisk often to prevent sticking on the bottom of the pan.
- •Champurrado is excellent with pan dulce, conchas, or tamales.
Background
Champurrado is a traditional Mexican atole enriched with chocolate, with roots that trace back to pre-Hispanic masa-based drinks later blended with cacao, cinnamon, and sugar after Spanish influence. It remains a beloved warming beverage, especially during holidays, early mornings, and celebrations such as Dia de Muertos and Las Posadas.
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