Champurrado is not just a drink; it’s a warm hug in a mug! This thick Mexican hot chocolate is a delightful blend of chocolate, masa, and spices, and it has a rich history that resonates deeply with Mexican culture. Traditionally enjoyed during the colder months or festive celebrations, champurrado brings families together, filling homes with its comforting aroma. Trust me, there’s nothing like curling up with a steaming cup of champurrado on a chilly evening. It’s creamy, rich, and utterly satisfying—perfect for cozy nights or festive gatherings. Once you take that first sip, you’ll understand why this beloved beverage has a special place in so many hearts!
Ingredients for Champurrado
To whip up a delicious batch of champurrado, you’ll need a few simple ingredients that come together to create this delightful drink. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 cup masa harina: This fine corn flour gives champurrado its signature thickness and a lovely texture.
- 4 cups water: Just plain water to start mixing everything together.
- 2 cups milk: I love using whole milk for extra creaminess, but feel free to use your favorite milk alternative.
- 1 cup Mexican chocolate, chopped: Make sure to use authentic Mexican chocolate for that rich, distinctive flavor. You can find it in blocks at your local grocery store!
- 1/2 cup sugar: This sweetness balances the rich chocolate; adjust according to your taste.
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon: A warm hint of spice that elevates the overall flavor profile.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Just a pinch to enhance all those lovely flavors!
Gather these ingredients, and you’re already on your way to creating something utterly comforting and delicious. Let’s get cooking!
How to Prepare Champurrado
Making champurrado is a delightful process, and I can’t wait to share the steps with you! Just follow this simple guide, and you’ll have a cozy cup of this delicious drink in no time.
- First, in a medium pot, combine 1 cup of masa harina with 4 cups of water. Stir it well until you have a smooth mixture. This is where the magic begins!
- Next, gradually add 2 cups of milk to the pot, stirring continuously. I usually do this over medium heat to ensure everything blends beautifully without clumping. Keep an eye on it!
- Once the milk is mixed in, it’s time to add 1 cup of chopped Mexican chocolate, 1/2 cup of sugar, 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. I love how the chocolate melts into the warm mixture, filling the kitchen with an irresistible aroma.
- Now, here’s the key: stir constantly as the mixture heats up! This helps to prevent any sticking or burning at the bottom of the pot. You’ll notice the champurrado starting to thicken after about 10–15 minutes.
- When it reaches your desired thickness—creamy and luscious—remove it from the heat. It should be nice and warm, perfect for sipping!
- Serve the champurrado hot in your favorite mugs. You can’t go wrong with a sprinkle of extra cinnamon on top!
And there you have it! A rich, velvety champurrado that’s sure to warm your heart and fill your home with comfort. Enjoy every sip!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Rich flavor: The combination of chocolate, masa, and spices creates a deeply satisfying taste that lingers beautifully.
- Comforting warmth: There’s nothing like a steaming cup of champurrado on a chilly day to wrap you in cozy bliss.
- Easy preparation: With just a few simple steps, you can whip up this delightful drink in no time.
- Customizable: Feel free to adjust sweetness or add your favorite toppings for a personal touch!
Tips for Success
To make your champurrado truly shine, here are a few handy tips! First, don’t rush the heating process; stirring consistently is key to achieving that perfect creamy texture. If you want a richer flavor, try using dark chocolate instead of traditional Mexican chocolate—it adds a lovely depth! Also, feel free to adjust the sugar to your liking; I often start with less and add more after tasting. For an extra twist, a splash of vanilla extract or a sprinkle of nutmeg can elevate the flavors beautifully. Enjoy experimenting until you find your perfect cup of champurrado!
Variations of Champurrado
One of the best things about champurrado is how versatile it is! If you want to switch things up, consider trying different types of chocolate. Dark chocolate can give your drink a deeper, more intense flavor, while milk chocolate results in a sweeter treat. You can also add a splash of vanilla extract for a lovely aroma or even a pinch of nutmeg for a warm, spiced twist. Feeling adventurous? Toss in some cayenne pepper for a hint of heat! The possibilities are endless, so feel free to get creative and make it your own!
Nutritional Information
Keep in mind that nutritional values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use, so these estimates are just a guide. For a typical serving of champurrado, you can expect about 290 calories, 8g of fat, 6g of protein, and 52g of carbohydrates. Always adjust based on your own preferences and ingredients!
FAQ About Champurrado
Got questions about champurrado? Don’t worry—I’ve got you covered! Here are some common queries I often hear:
Can I make champurrado ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare it in advance and simply reheat it on the stove when you’re ready to serve. Just be sure to stir it well to restore that creamy texture.
What if I can’t find masa harina?
If masa harina is hard to come by, you can substitute it with cornstarch or a gluten-free flour, although it may change the texture a bit. But trust me, masa harina is worth the search for that authentic consistency!
How can I store leftover champurrado?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Just remember to give it a good stir when reheating, as it may thicken in the fridge.
Can I use regular chocolate instead of Mexican chocolate?
You can, but it won’t have the same depth of flavor. If you have bittersweet or semisweet chocolate, you can mix in a bit of cinnamon to mimic that rich taste!
Is champurrado only served hot?
While it’s traditionally enjoyed warm, you can also serve it chilled for a refreshing twist, especially on warmer days. Just add some ice and enjoy!
Serving Suggestions
Champurrado is delicious on its own, but pairing it with some tasty treats can enhance your experience even more! I love to enjoy mine with warm churros or freshly baked pan dulce for that perfect sweet contrast. You can also serve it alongside a slice of rich tres leches cake or even some buttery popcorn for a delightful twist. Trust me, these pairings will take your champurrado moment to the next level!
Print
Champurrado: 6 Heartwarming Sips for Cozy Nights
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Champurrado is a thick Mexican hot chocolate drink. It combines chocolate, masa, and spices for a rich flavor.
Ingredients
- 1 cup masa harina
- 4 cups water
- 2 cups milk
- 1 cup Mexican chocolate, chopped
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- In a pot, mix masa harina with water until smooth.
- Gradually add milk and heat over medium heat.
- Add chopped chocolate, sugar, cinnamon, and salt.
- Stir constantly until chocolate melts and mixture thickens.
- Serve hot in mugs.
Notes
- Adjust sugar to taste.
- Use dark chocolate for a richer flavor.
- Top with whipped cream if desired.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Beverage
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: champurrado, Mexican hot chocolate, thick chocolate drink
