As the end of the year draws near, one might come across two kinds of people – those who are hyper-focused on becoming the best versions of themselves and those who like to treat themselves to an indulgent
food. The festive season can make this worse, as there are a lot of yummy treats that are readily accessible and are only available at this time of the year.
Well, this hot chocolate recipe is perfect for either of the above-mentioned categories of people.
If you don’t believe that a healthy hot chocolate can be just as cosy and indulgent as the classic version, without relying on heaps of sugar or cream, then you just might be mistaken. By using whole ingredients like dates, almonds, and good-quality dark chocolate, you can add natural sweetness, healthy fats, and antioxidants to this winter must-have and turn it into a winter treat into something that actually nourishes your body and you soul.
This version is rich, thick, and satisfying, perfect for late-night reading, movie marathons, or a gossip session with friends. It’s also easy to scale up for family and friends.
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Ingredients:
- 500 ml milk (regular or plant-based)
- 1 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
- 5–6 dates, pitted
- 3–4 almonds
- 1/3 cup good-quality dark chocolate, chopped (at least 60–70% cocoa, if possible)
Method:
- In a pan, add the milk and cocoa powder. Whisk well to remove all lumps, then bring to a gentle boil.
- In a separate bowl, soak the dates and almonds in a little milk for 1–2 hours.
- Blend the soaked dates and almonds into a smooth paste.
- Add this paste to the cocoa-milk mixture, whisk, and simmer on low flame for 8–10 minutes until it starts to thicken.
- Stir in the chopped dark chocolate and whisk continuously, simmering for another 8–10 minutes until silky and creamy.
- Pour into mugs and serve hot. Enjoy your guilt-free hot chocolate!
