If you love rich, thick, and indulgent hot chocolate, this Italian-style hot chocolate (Cioccolata Calda) is going to be your new favourite. It’s silky, smooth, and made with real dark chocolate — perfect for winter evenings or your chocolate cravings!

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☕ Servings: 1 cup

⏱ Prep Time: 2 minutes

🔥 Cook Time: 5 minutes

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⭐ Ingredients

• Milk – ½ cup

• Sugar – 1½ tbsp

• Cocoa powder – 1 tbsp

• A pinch of salt

• Dark chocolate – 50 g

• Cold milk – ¼ cup

• Cornstarch – 1 tsp

• Whipped cream – for topping

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🥣 Instructions

1. Prepare the Slurry

Mix cornstarch with cold milk until smooth. Keep it aside.

2. Heat the Base

In a saucepan, add:

• ½ cup milk

• Sugar

• Cocoa powder

• Salt

• Chopped dark chocolate

Heat on medium flame and stir continuously.

3. Add the Cornstarch Mixture

Once it comes to a gentle boil, pour in the cornstarch slurry while stirring to avoid lumps.

4. Thicken the Hot Chocolate

Cook for another 1–2 minutes until it turns thick, silky, and rich — just like authentic Italian hot chocolate.

5. Serve

Pour into a cup, top with whipped cream, and enjoy it hot.

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🍫 Tips for Best Results

• Use good-quality dark chocolate for a deeper flavour.

• Adjust thickness by increasing or reducing the cornstarch.

• Add a splash of vanilla or cinnamon for extra warmth.