Hot chocolate: many recipes also lactose-free and gluten-free

Special Hot Chocolate: Classic, Vegan, or Cardamom-Flavored? Each to their own favorite recipe.

It has always been a favorite drink for both young and old, perfect for enjoying a moment of relaxation during the winter.

In addition to the classic version, you can also prepare tasty variations, such as cardamom-flavored hot chocolate, or versions without animal-derived ingredients.

3 Hot Chocolate Recipes

Here’s how to prepare it at home, with three recipes to satisfy everyone’s tastes.

Classic Hot Chocolate

Here’s the recipe for the classic cup of hot chocolate:

250 ml whole milk
10 grams cornstarch
60 grams 70% dark chocolate
10 grams sugar
10 grams cocoa powder

Preparation: Pour the milk into a saucepan and gradually add the sifted cornstarch and cocoa powder. Whisk to prevent lumps from forming, and add the sugar. Meanwhile, melt the chopped dark chocolate (either in the microwave or using a double boiler).

Before the milk reaches boiling temperature, add the melted chocolate and whisk everything together to obtain a smooth and dense mixture.

Enjoy your hot chocolate and, if you like, add a dollop of whipped cream.

Vegan Hot Chocolate

INGREDIENTS:

250 ml soy or rice milk
1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon cane sugar

Preparation: In a saucepan, combine the sifted flour, sugar, and cocoa powder. Heat over low heat, stirring the ingredients, then gradually pour in the soy milk while continuing to whisk to avoid lumps.

Once the hot chocolate reaches the desired consistency and thickness, you can enjoy it while it’s still hot.

Cardamom Hot Chocolate

This is a slightly more unique variation. We’ll use green cardamom, which also has the power to aid digestion. You’ll need:

20 grams dark chocolate
1 teaspoon butter (can be vegan butter)
1 cup milk (can be plant-based milk)
3 green cardamom pods
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Preparation: After crushing the cardamom pods with a knife, heat them together with the milk in a saucepan. Let them simmer over low heat for about 10 minutes while simultaneously heating the butter and chocolate in another saucepan over medium-low heat. Continue stirring until you have a smooth mixture.

At this point, remove the cardamom pods and add the cardamom-infused milk to the chocolate, stirring well to combine all the ingredients.

Finally, add the vanilla and enjoy your spiced hot chocolate.

Q&A: Answers to Your Questions

And now, let’s address some of your questions about this recipe.

Can you make lactose-free or gluten-free hot chocolate?

Yes, it’s absolutely possible to adapt the recipe to dietary needs or food intolerances. You can even make it using just water and chocolate or cocoa powder, which will be more intense and less creamy.

Here are some options:

Lactose-free: You can use lactose-free milk or plant-based alternatives such as almond milk, soy milk, or lactose-free rice milk. Choose lactose-free dark or milk chocolate or lactose-free cocoa powder. Make sure to check the ingredient labels to be certain.
Gluten-free: For gluten-free hot chocolate, you need to pay attention to the ingredients used. Use gluten-free natural cocoa powder or gluten-free dark chocolate. Similarly, the milk should be gluten-free, such as rice milk, almond milk, or coconut milk.

What spices or flavors can I add to make it even more delicious?

Here are some suggestions:

Cinnamon: A versatile spice that pairs well with chocolate. You can add a pinch of cinnamon directly to the hot chocolate or place a cinnamon stick in the liquid while heating it to infuse its aroma.
Chili pepper: If you like a spicy kick, you can add a small amount of chili powder or finely chopped fresh chili pepper to the hot chocolate.
Vanilla extract or vanilla seeds can be added to give it a sweet and delicate aroma. You can add the extract directly to the mixture or grate the seeds from a vanilla pod and boil them in the liquid.
A small amount of grated nutmeg or a pinch of nutmeg powder can enhance the flavor.
As mentioned, you can lightly crush cardamom pods and boil them in the hot chocolate to obtain a fragrant aroma.
Add a small amount of freshly grated ginger or a touch of ginger powder for a slightly spicy and refreshing taste.