Hot chocolate is an all-time favorite during cold months. I’m gonna show you this classic with a Middle Eastern twist: spiced with cinnamon and cardamom, for a rich and creamy hot chocolate.
Contents
Ingredients
Here’s a list of ingredients to make Middle Eastern inspired hot chocolate milk.
- Milk: For a creamy hot chocolate, preferably use whole milk (3.5 % fat or more), not skimmed / fat-free milk.
- Chocolate drops: For the best result, use chocolate drops, not powder.
- Seasonings: We’ll infuse the milk with cardamom pods and a cinnamon stick which give this hot chocolate its unique, warm flavor with a hint of Middle East. Preferably use whole spices, not powdered spices.
- Sugar: Sugar is optional. The amount of sugar depends on the sweetness of your chocolate drops, and your personal preference.
- Toppings: Optionally, you can add whipped cream or marshmallows on top.
Quantities can be found in the recipe card at the end of this recipe and can be adjusted according to the amount of servings you’d like to make.
How to Make Hot Chocolate (Step-by-Step)
I’ll show you how to hot chocolate in a conventional saucepan on the stovetop, as that’s what most people have at home. This method is easy and fast, as the cooking time is relatively short. No need for any fancy equipment here.
Ready to get cooking? Let’s get started! You’ll find the detailed step-by-step instructions below. For a shorter version (to print out), simply scroll down to the recipe card.
Step 1: Infuse milk with whole spices
If you use cardamom pods, it’s important to crack them open before you add them to the milk so as they can release their flavors. The easiest way to do this is by cracking them up with a pestle, but you could also use a knife. Don’t break them, just crack them open.
Add milk to a small saucepan, along with the whole spices: cinnamon stick and cardamom pods.
Heat over medium heat to allow the flavors to enfold. Simmer on low-medium for 4-5 minutes until the milk is hot, but not boiling. Stir occasionally to prevent it from burning.
After a couple of minutes, the whole spices will have released their aroma to the milk. You’ll have a delicious cinnamon-cardamom infused milk at this point.
Step 2: Remove spices, add chocolate drops
Once the milk is heated and almost boiling, turn off the stove. Remove the cinnamon stick and cardamom pods from the milk and discard them.
Add chocolate drops to the hot milk, and if you like it very sweet, some additional sugar. Turn the heat back on and stir until the chocolate has completely melted.
Step 3: Serve
Pour the chocolate into large mugs. If you like it fancy, top it off with whipped cream or marshmallows.
Any Questions or Feedback?
If you liked this recipe, I’d appreciate it if you could leave a star rating ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ below. In case you’ve any questions or feedback, please leave me a comment (down the page). I’m happy to help you make delicious Middle Eastern food at home.
Learn Middle Eastern Cooking
Are you a new to Middle Eastern cuisine? Then this Middle Eastern cookbook is what you need! In addition to a varied choice of recipes, the cookbook offers plenty of insights on ingredients, cooking techniques and Middle Eastern food culture.
Spiced Hot Chocolate
Ingredients
- 500 ml (2 cups) milk
- 6 tbsp chocolate drops
- 1 cinnamon stick small
- 2 cardamom pods
- 2 tsp sugar optional
- Handful marshmallows optional for garnish
Instructions
- Combine milk, cinnamon stick and cardamom pods (cracked open) in a saucepan.
- Heat over medium heat. To allow the flavors to combine, simmer on low for 4-5 minutes until the milk is hot but not boiling. Stir occasionally to prevent it from burning.
- Turn off the stove. Remove the cinnamon stick and cardamom pods from the milk.
- Add chocolate drops and sugar (optional) to the hot milk. Turn the heat back on and stir until the chocolate has completely melted.
- Pour into large mugs.
- Optionally, top with whipped cream or marshmallows.
Video
Notes
- The amount of chocolate drops can be adjusted to your personal preference. 3 tablespoons of chocolate drops for 250 ml (1 cup) of milk yields a rich and creamy hot chocolate. Use more to make it extra indulgent, or less to make it less chocolaty.
- Sugar is optional. The amount of sugar depends on the sweetness of your chocolate drops, and your personal preference.
- Cardamom pods: Use 1-2 cardamom pods for a subtle cardamom flavor.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is only a rough estimate and may vary depending on factors such as the cooking method, exact weight, type, and brand of ingredients used.
