How to Make Delicious Champurrado at Home

If you are looking for a comforting and warm drink during a cold winter day, champurrado might just be the answer! Champurrado is a traditional Mexican hot drink that is loved for its thick and creamy texture, as well as its rich chocolate and cinnamon flavors. In this article, we will guide you through how to make champurrado right in the comfort of your own home, so you can enjoy it whenever you want.

To make champurrado, you will need a few ingredients that you can easily find at any grocery store. The main ingredient is masa harina, which is a type of flour made from corn that is traditionally used in Mexican cuisine. You will also need cocoa powder, cinnamon, milk, and sweetener of your choice, such as sugar or honey. Don’t worry if you’ve never heard of masa harina before – we’ll explain everything step-by-step so you can make a delicious batch of champurrado without any trouble!

1. Equipment and Ingredients

What you will need:

Before learning how to make champurrado, make sure you have all the ingredients and equipment on hand. You’ll need:

• 4 cups of water
• 1 cup masa harina
• 3 cups of milk
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 1 tablet of Mexican chocolate
• 1/2 cup of brown sugar
• A medium-sized pot
• A wooden spoon
• A whisk
• A ladle

You can find the masa harina and Mexican chocolate in the international or Hispanic section of your grocery store. Alternatively, you can buy them online from specialty shops.

2. Preparing the Masa

Creating the Base

The key ingredient in champurrado is masa harina. It’s a type of corn flour that’s been treated with lime or ash. You’ll need to turn that flour into a dough-like consistency, which will be the base for your champurrado.

Begin by adding a cup of masa harina to a bowl. Then, add a cup of warm water and stir until you have a paste. Add another cup of water, and continue to stir. You want to create a smooth, thick consistency.

If it’s too thick, gradually add more warm water until you have a uniform paste. Once you’ve achieved a smooth consistency, set it aside and move on to the next step.

3. Boiling the Water

Get the water boiling

Fill a pot with four cups of water, add the cinnamon stick and the Mexican chocolate tablet, and bring them to a boil over medium-high heat. Be sure to stir frequently so that the chocolate dissolves into the water.

4. Adding the Masa to the Pot

Time to add it in

Lower the heat to medium, and slowly add the masa harina paste you created earlier to the pot. Use the whisk to stir everything together continuously. Don’t let the masa clump together, or else you will have lumps in your champurrado.

5. Adding Milk

Bring in the milk

After incorporating the masa paste, you can start adding the milk one cup at a time. Make sure you whisk thoroughly to avoid any lumps. It’s important to continuously stir the mixture as it heats up.

The mixture will begin to thicken as you add the milk, but that’s perfectly normal. Keep stirring until it reaches the consistency you want. You can adjust the consistency by adding more milk or masa, as needed.

6. Adding Brown Sugar

Adding sweetness

Once the mixture is fully combined and thickened, it’s time to add the final ingredient to make it sweet. Brown sugar is the sweetener of choice for most recipes, but you can also use white sugar or any other sweetener you prefer.

Add a half-cup of brown sugar to the pot and whisk it into the mixture. Continue to stir until the sugar is completely dissolved. The aroma of cinnamon and chocolate mixed with brown sugar will surely fill your home with a warm, sweet scent.

7. Time to Taste

Give it a quick taste

Before serving, give your champurrado a taste test. You may want to add more sugar or cinnamon if needed to suit your preferences.

8. Simmering Time

Keep it simmering

Once you’ve got the taste just right, let the mixture simmer on low heat for an additional 10-15 minutes. This allows all the flavors to blend together and the champurrado to develop an even richer taste.

9. Serving

Serve it up!

Using a ladle, pour your warm champurrado into a mug or a bowl. It’s best enjoyed with churros or sweet bread.

10. Storing

Save some for later

If you can’t finish all of your champurrado in one sitting, store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. When you’re ready to reheat it, simply pop it in the microwave and stir it until it’s nice and smooth again.

Now that you know how to make champurrado, why not whip up a batch for your family and friends and enjoy it together? It’s the perfect comfort drink on a cold winter day or anytime you’re craving something sweet and comforting.

Getting Your Ingredients

Champurrado is made from a few simple ingredients that you can easily find in your local grocery store. The star of the show is masa harina, a type of corn flour that’s typically used for making tortillas. Here’s what you’ll need to make a batch:

Masa Harina

Masa harina is the foundation of champurrado. This nixtamalized corn flour is essential in creating the velvety texture that makes champurrado so delicious. Be sure to use a fine ground masa harina for the best results.

Piloncillo

If you’ve never heard of piloncillo, then you’re in for a treat. This unrefined cane sugar is often used in Latin American desserts because of its rich, caramel-like flavor. It’s a key ingredient in champurrado, providing a deep sweetness that marries perfectly with the cocoa.

Cocoa Powder

Cocoa powder is what gives champurrado its chocolatey goodness. Use a high-quality, unsweetened powder for the best results. You can also use Mexican chocolate, which is already sweetened and flavored with cinnamon.

Cinnamon Sticks

Cinnamon is a classic pairing with chocolate, and it’s a must-have in champurrado. Use fresh cinnamon sticks for the best flavor. You’ll be simmering them in the champurrado mixture, infusing the drink with their warm, comforting aroma.

Cloves

Cloves bring a subtle, spicy note to champurrado. Use whole cloves, and be sure to remove them before serving. A little goes a long way, so use them sparingly.

Vanilla Extract

Vanilla extract is optional, but it adds a lovely depth of flavor to champurrado. Use a high-quality extract for the best results.

Water or Milk

You’ll need either water or milk to make champurrado. Some recipes call for a combination of the two, while others use one or the other exclusively. If you’re feeling decadent, use whole milk for a richer, creamier champurrado.

Whipped Cream and Cinnamon

This is an optional garnish, but it takes champurrado to the next level. Top each cup with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon, and you’ll have a drink that looks as good as it tastes.

Tools You’ll Need

Making champurrado is a relatively simple process, but you’ll need a few basic tools to get the job done. Here’s what you’ll need:

– Saucepan
– Whisk
– Strainer
– Measuring cups and spoons
– Mugs or cups to serve

Now that you have your ingredients and tools ready, it’s time to start making champurrado!

Ingredients for Champurrado

Making champurrado requires some specific ingredients that give it its unique flavor and creamy texture. Here are the ingredients you’ll need to make a delicious cup of champurrado:

Masa Harina

Masa harina is a type of flour made from dried corn kernels that have been treated with an alkaline solution, such as lime. It is commonly used to make tortillas and tamales. In champurrado, masa harina is used to add thickness and give it the traditional corn flavor.

Cocoa Powder

Cocoa powder is made from roasted cacao beans that have been ground into a fine powder. It is the main ingredient responsible for the rich chocolate flavor in champurrado.

Piloncillo or Brown Sugar

Piloncillo is an unrefined cane sugar commonly used in Mexican cuisine. It has a distinct caramel flavor that adds depth to the sweetness in champurrado. If piloncillo is not available, brown sugar can be used as a substitute.

Cinnamon Stick and Anise Star

Cinnamon and anise are two spices commonly used in Mexican cuisine for their warm and sweet flavors. They are simmered in the milk and cocoa mixture to infuse their flavor into the champurrado.

Milk and Vanilla Extract

Milk provides the creamy texture in champurrado. Whole milk is the best option for a rich and decadent flavor. Vanilla extract is added to balance out the spices and give it an extra touch of sweetness.

With these ingredients, you can make a delicious and traditional cup of champurrado. The next section will cover the steps to make this delectable drink.

Sip and Enjoy!

Now that you know how to make champurrado, the delicious Mexican hot chocolate drink, it’s time to put your newfound skills to the test! Remember to cook the mixture slowly and stir frequently to avoid any lumps. And if you make a mess, don’t worry, it adds to the fun! Thanks for reading and cheers to sharing this traditional drink with friends and family. Keep checking back for more tasty recipes and culinary adventures!