How To Make Champurrado Drink

Introduction to Champurrado

Champurrado is a traditional Mexican hot chocolate drink that is thickened with masa harina (corn dough) and flavored with chocolate and spices. It is a comforting and rich beverage enjoyed during the colder months, especially around the holiday season. Champurrado is often served alongside tamales or pan dulce for a delightful treat.

Ingredients for Champurrado

Before diving into the process of making champurrado, it is essential to gather all the necessary ingredients. Here is a list of ingredients you will need:

• 2 cups of water
• 2 cups of milk
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 1 cup of masa harina (corn dough)
• 1 tablet of Mexican chocolate (such as Abuelita or Ibarra)
• ½ cup of brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
• A pinch of salt

Steps to Make Champurrado

Now that you have all the ingredients ready, let’s dive into the process of making champurrado:

1. Prepare the Chocolate Base:

In a saucepan, combine water and milk, then add a cinnamon stick and bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat. Once it starts simmering, reduce the heat to low and let it cook for about 10 minutes to infuse the flavors of the cinnamon.

2. Dilute Masa Harina:

In a separate bowl, mix the masa harina with a cup of water until it forms a smooth paste. This step is crucial to prevent lumps in the champurrado.

3. Add Chocolate and Sweetener:

Break the Mexican chocolate tablet into pieces and add it to the simmering liquid. Stir continuously until the chocolate is completely melted into the mixture. Then, add brown sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Mix well to combine all the ingredients.

4. Thicken the Champurrado:

Gradually pour the diluted masa harina into the saucepan, stirring constantly to avoid clumps. Cook the champurrado over low heat for about 15-20 minutes, or until it reaches your desired thickness. The masa harina will help thicken the drink and give it a unique texture.

5. Serve and Enjoy:

Once the champurrado reaches the desired consistency, remove the cinnamon stick and pour the drink into mugs. Serve hot and garnish with a sprinkle of ground cinnamon if desired. Champurrado is best enjoyed fresh and pairs well with traditional Mexican pastries or tamales.

Tips and Variations

• Experiment with different spices: You can customize your champurrado by adding spices like nutmeg, cloves, or even a hint of chili powder for a unique flavor profile.
• Adjust sweetness to taste: If you prefer a sweeter champurrado, feel free to increase the amount of sugar. Taste the drink as you go and adjust the sweetness according to your preference.
• Make it dairy-free: For a dairy-free version of champurrado, you can use almond milk, coconut milk, or any non-dairy alternative in place of regular milk.
• Experiment with different chocolates: While Mexican chocolate is traditionally used in champurrado, you can experiment with dark chocolate, milk chocolate, or even white chocolate for a unique twist on this classic drink.
• Store leftovers properly: If you have any leftover champurrado, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When ready to enjoy, simply reheat it on the stovetop and give it a good stir before serving.

Conclusion

Champurrado is a delicious and comforting drink that holds a special place in Mexican culinary traditions. By following the simple steps outlined above and adding your own personal touches, you can create a homemade version of this beloved beverage to enjoy with family and friends. Whether served during holidays or cold winter nights, champurrado is sure to warm both your body and soul.