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Chocolat chaud

Thick Parisian hot chocolate made with real chocolate

Paris's grand tearooms have served chocolat chaud since the 1800s, and it is nothing like a powdered cocoa drink: dark chocolate is melted into hot milk and cream until it is thick, glossy and rich enough to coat the cup. Parisians drink it in small cups on cold afternoons, often with a pot of whipped cream on the side and a pastry. It is also a winter treat at home after a walk. Use chocolate you'd enjoy eating. Chef's tip: keep the heat low and whisk; letting it boil is the common mistake and the chocolate can turn grainy and catch on the bottom.
Total time
10 min
Difficulty
easy
Serves
2
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Ingredients

Serves2

Method

0/4 done
  1. Step 1: Heat 1 ½ cups whole milk and 3 ½ tbsp single cream in a small pan over a medium heat until steaming with small bubbles at the edge.

    4 min
  2. Step 2: Turn the heat to low and add 3 ½ oz dark chocolate (60–70% cocoa). Whisk constantly for 2–3 minutes, until it has melted and the drink is smooth and slightly thickened.

    3 min
  3. Step 3: Whisk in 1 tbsp sugar, 1 pinch salt and ½ tsp vanilla extract. Taste and add more sugar if you like.

  4. Step 4: Pour into small cups and top with 4 tbsp whipped cream.

Nutrition per serving

Calories
400 kcal
Protein
9 g
Carbs
30 g
Fat
28 g
Fibre
4 g

Nutrition values are estimates.

K
Recipe by

KrazyBadal

All recipes by this chef →

Good to know

How long does chocolat chaud take?
About 10 minutes in total: 2 minutes to prepare and 8 minutes to cook.
How many people does it serve?
2 as written. Change the servings above the ingredients and every amount scales to match.
Is it vegetarian?
Yes. It has no meat or fish.
Is it gluten free?
Yes, as written. Check the labels on stock, sauces and spice mixes, which sometimes contain gluten.
What can I use instead of whole milk?
Semi-skimmed milk with 1 tbsp cream per 240ml (1 cup).
What can I use instead of single cream?
Half double cream, half milk.

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