Champurrado
This creamy and rich atole, or corn-based drink, is made with Mexican chocolate, cinnamon and raw cane sugar, then thickened with toasted masa harina for a soothing hot drink that is often served in cooler months and for holidays like Día De Los Muertos and Las Posadas. Piloncillo, a cone-shaped raw cane sugar, is usually added for sweetness, but you can use brown sugar in a pinch. If you’d like to experiment, add warm, whole spices, such as cloves and star anise, or orange peel to the simmering pot. Traditionally, champurrado is prepared in a clay pot and mixed with a molinillo, a wooden whisk, to make the drink frothy, but for a similar effect, continually whisk the champurrado, or use an immersion blender to froth it up right before serving. Champurrado is often served with hot, crispy churros alongside.
- Preparation:
- Cooking:
- Total:
- Serves: 8 persons
Ingredients
- ¾cup masa harina
- 2to 4 ounces piloncillo (Tip 1), grated (about 1/4 to 1/2 cup packed), or an equal amount brown sugar
- 2(3-ounce) tablets Mexican chocolate
- 2(3-inch) cinnamon sticks, plus extra for serving (optional)
- 4cups milk, dairy or non-dairy (see Tip 2)
Instructions
Step 1
In a large pot or Dutch oven, toast the masa harina over medium heat, stirring constantly, until fragrant and lightly golden, about 3 minutes. Remove the pot from the heat and set aside to cool, about 2 minutes. Transfer the masa to a blender, add 1½ cups of warm water and blend until smooth. (Alternatively, whisk the toasted masa and water in a bowl until smooth.)Step 2
Wipe out the pot and add 2 cups water, the piloncillo, chocolate and cinnamon sticks. Bring to a boil, stirring occasionally, reduce to medium-low and simmer, stirring frequently, until the piloncillo dissolves and the chocolate melts, 3 to 5 minutes. Add the masa mixture and the milk. Increase heat to medium-high and bring to a boil, stirring frequently. Reduce heat to low and simmer, whisking frequently, or use a molinillo to make it frothy and prevent any lumps, until the champurrado thickens slightly, 5 to 8 minutes.Step 3
Discard the cinnamon sticks, and if not using a molinillo, use an immersion blender to make it frothier, if desired. Serve hot with a fresh cinnamon stick in each heat-proof mug. The champurrado will thicken more as it sits; to reheat, add a little water to thin it out, if necessary.