A Spicy Twist to Your Christmas-Season Fare
Nothing warms you up like a mug of piping hot chocolate, especially now that the Christmas season is upon us. But what if we were to tell you that the recipe below adds a distinctly Malaysian twist to the beverage by incorporating cili padi?
The Origins of Spiced Hot Chocolate
Spiced hot chocolate is not something new. Dating back to 460AD, the earliest traces of hot chocolate can be found in the Mayan tombs of Guatemala, when it was made using a paste ground from cocoa seeds, cornmeal and chillies.
The Benefits of Chilli and Chocolate
Besides being the perfect pick-me-up, there are health benefits to be gained from each sip of this delicious concoction. Research has shown that chilli and chocolate are good for improving blood flow to the brain.
The Recipe
To make this spicy hot chocolate, you will need the following ingredients:
- 240ml (1 cup) milk
- 8g (1/2 cup) imported chocolate chips
- 6g (1 teaspoon) gula Melaka or palm sugar
- 1/2 cili padi, deseeded and thinly sliced
- Pinch of salt
Method
- Pour the milk into a small pot and place on the stove on medium heat. Heat until you see a gentle simmer, about 1 minute.
- When the milk starts to bubble, add the chocolate chips and gula Melaka. Continuously stir so the chocolate chips do not form clumps at the bottom of the pot.
- When the milk and chocolate chips have formed a rich, thick mixture, add the cili padi.
- Add a bit of salt to up the “yum!” factor.
- And that’s it. Remove from stove, pour into mugs and enjoy!
Tips
- If you are a fan of coffee, add 1/2 teaspoon coffee powder to give it a little caffeine kick.
- For a cold beverage that heats you up at the same time, add ice and top with whipped cream.
Conclusion
This recipe adds a unique twist to the traditional hot chocolate recipe by incorporating cili padi, a staple spice in Malaysian cuisine. With its rich and thick texture, this hot chocolate is sure to warm your spirits this Christmas season.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is cili padi?
A: Cili padi is a type of chilli pepper commonly used in Malaysian cuisine.
Q: Can I adjust the amount of cili padi to my taste?
A: Yes, you can adjust the amount of cili padi to your taste. If you prefer a milder flavor, use less cili padi. If you prefer a spicier flavor, use more cili padi.
Q: Can I use other types of chocolate chips?
A: Yes, you can use other types of chocolate chips, such as dark chocolate or white chocolate. However, the flavor may differ slightly from the original recipe.
Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can make this recipe ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply reheat it before serving.