Dark Chocolate Recipe – Easy Indian-Style Hot Chocolate Drink

Last Updated on 2 months by Neha Deshmukh

Dark Chocolate Recipe – Easy Indian-Style Hot Chocolate Drink

Hello friends! If you’re anything like me, a cozy night in with a warm drink is pure bliss. And honestly, nothing beats a rich, decadent cup of hot chocolate. I’m sharing my go-to recipe for an Indian-style dark chocolate drink – it’s unbelievably easy and so comforting. It’s the perfect treat on a chilly evening, or whenever you need a little chocolate hug!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This isn’t your average hot chocolate. It’s quick to whip up – seriously, under 10 minutes! – and uses just a handful of ingredients you probably already have in your pantry. The dark chocolate gives it a lovely depth of flavour, and the little touch of vanilla extract… well, that just takes it to another level. Plus, it’s totally customizable – I’ll share all my favourite variations later!

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this dreamy dark chocolate drink:

• 1 cup milk (about 240ml)
• 1 tsp corn flour (about 5 grams)
• 40-50 gm dark chocolate, chopped
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract (about 2.5ml)
• 1 tsp sugar (about 4 grams)

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk ingredients! Choosing the right ones makes all the difference.

• Dark Chocolate: I prefer using a dark chocolate with around 70% cocoa content. It gives a lovely balance of sweetness and bitterness. You can experiment with different percentages, though! Some people love a really intense dark chocolate, while others prefer something a little milder.
• Milk: Traditionally, in India, we often use full-cream milk for richer desserts. But you can absolutely use toned milk or even skim milk if you prefer. It will slightly affect the creaminess, but it’ll still be delicious.
• Vanilla Extract: A little vanilla extract is a staple in Indian sweets and desserts. It just enhances all the other flavours beautifully. Don’t skip it! You can even use vanilla bean paste for an even more intense flavour.
• Corn Flour: This is our secret weapon for a perfectly smooth and slightly thickened hot chocolate. Don’t worry, you won’t taste it!

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get cooking! It’s super simple, I promise.

1. First, in a saucepan, combine the milk and corn flour. Whisk, whisk, whisk! You want to make sure there are absolutely no lumps. Nobody wants a lumpy hot chocolate!
2. Place the saucepan on low heat. Now, add the chopped dark chocolate. Keep whisking constantly until the chocolate is completely melted and the mixture is glossy and smooth. This is where the magic happens! Heat until it’s steaming, but don’t let it boil.
3. Stir in the vanilla extract and sugar. Mix well until everything is combined. Once it’s all melted and blended, remove the saucepan from the heat.
4. Pour into your favourite mug and enjoy immediately! Seriously, this is best enjoyed while it’s still warm and rich.

Expert Tips

Here are a few things I’ve learned over the years:

• Low and Slow: Melting the chocolate on low heat is key. It prevents it from burning and ensures a smooth, glossy texture.
• Constant Whisking: Don’t stop whisking while the chocolate is melting! It’s the best way to prevent sticking and ensure everything blends beautifully.
• Adjust to Your Liking: Taste as you go! Feel free to add more sugar if you have a sweet tooth, or a pinch of salt to balance the flavours.

Variations

This recipe is a blank canvas for your creativity! Here are a few ideas to get you started:

• Spice Level: My friend, Priya, loves adding a tiny pinch of cardamom or even chili powder for a warming kick. It’s surprisingly delicious!
• Vegan Adaptation: For a vegan version, simply use your favourite plant-based milk (almond, soy, or oat milk all work well) and make sure your dark chocolate is vegan-friendly.
• Sugar Level: I like to keep it relatively low, but feel free to adjust the sugar to your taste. You can also use honey or maple syrup as a natural sweetener.
• Festival Adaptation: During winter festivals like Lohri or Makar Sankranti, we love serving this warm with a sprinkle of chopped nuts on top. It’s the perfect festive treat!

Serving Suggestions

This dark chocolate drink is wonderful on its own, but here are a few ideas to elevate your experience:

• Top with whipped cream and a sprinkle of chocolate shavings.
• Serve with a side of homemade cookies or biscotti.
• Enjoy it with a good book and a cozy blanket!

Storage Instructions

This is best enjoyed fresh, but if you happen to have leftovers (unlikely, I know!), you can store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. You might need to reheat it gently and give it a good stir before enjoying.

FAQs

Let’s answer some common questions:

• Is this recipe suitable for kids? Yes, absolutely! You might want to reduce the amount of dark chocolate or use a milder variety.
• Can I make this ahead of time? It’s best enjoyed fresh, but you can prepare the milk and corn flour mixture ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator.
• What type of dark chocolate works best? I recommend a dark chocolate with 70% cocoa content, but feel free to experiment!
• Can I use cocoa powder instead of dark chocolate? You can, but the flavour won’t be quite as rich and complex. You’ll need to adjust the amount of sugar accordingly.
• How can I adjust the thickness of the hot chocolate? If you want it thicker, add a little more corn flour. If you want it thinner, add a little more milk.

Enjoy your delicious, homemade dark chocolate drink! I hope it brings a little warmth and happiness to your day. Let me know in the comments if you try it, and what variations you come up with!