Mexican champurrado is a traditional and delicious hot chocolate beverage that is popular during the holiday season in Mexico. It is made with a few key ingredients that come together to create a rich and flavorful drink.
The main ingredient in champurrado is Mexican chocolate. Mexican chocolate is characterized by its unique blend of cocoa, sugar, and spices such as cinnamon and sometimes even a hint of chili. This combination gives the champurrado its distinct flavor profile, with a subtle hint of warmth and spiciness.
In addition to the Mexican chocolate, champurrado also incorporates sugar cane, which adds sweetness to the drink. This can be in the form of sugar cane sticks or cane sugar, depending on personal preference and availability. The sugar cane adds a touch of natural sweetness and complements the flavors of the chocolate and spices.
Another key ingredient in champurrado is cinnamon. Cinnamon is a common spice used in Mexican cuisine, and in champurrado, it adds a warm and comforting aroma and taste. The cinnamon helps to balance the sweetness of the chocolate and sugar cane, creating a well-rounded flavor.
To create the thick and smooth texture of champurrado, a mixture of corn flour, milk, and water is used. The corn flour, also known as masa harina, gives the drink a slightly thicker consistency and adds a subtle corn flavor that pairs well with the other ingredients. The milk and water are used to dilute the corn flour and create a creamy base for the champurrado.
To prepare champurrado, the Mexican chocolate, sugar cane, and cinnamon are dissolved in a saucepan with the mixture of corn flour, milk, and water. The mixture is then heated and stirred until the chocolate is fully melted and the drink reaches a desired consistency. The champurrado is typically served hot in mugs, making it the perfect beverage to warm up with on a cold winter day.
In my personal experience, I have had the pleasure of enjoying champurrado during my travels to Mexico. The aroma of the cinnamon and chocolate combined with the creamy texture and rich flavors make it a truly delightful drink. It is a staple during the holiday season and is often enjoyed alongside traditional Mexican foods such as tamales.
To summarize, Mexican champurrado is made with Mexican chocolate, sugar cane, cinnamon, corn flour, milk, and water. These ingredients come together to create a thick and smooth hot chocolate beverage with a rich and flavorful taste. Whether you are celebrating the holidays or simply want to indulge in a delicious and comforting drink, champurrado is a perfect choice.