Why This Recipe Works?
Unlike regular cocoa, this uses unrefined chocolate balls (chokola) for that signature rich, creamy texture.
Recipe Details:
Prep: 5 mins
Cook: 10 mins
Total: 15 mins
Servings: 2-4 servings
To make Haitian chocolate taste just right, it’s important to start with the right kind of chocolate. If you can, use chocolate that hasn’t been messed with too much, you the processed stuff!
This kind of chocolate keeps its strong, rich taste. If you’re buying chocolate from a store, try to find one that’s as natural as possible.
When it comes to adding spices, we’re using some traditional ones like cinnamon and nutmeg. But remember, you can change how much you use to make it taste the way you like. If there’s a spice you’re not too fond of, it’s okay to leave it out.
This way, you can enjoy your Haitian chocolate just the way you prefer!
How to make Haitian Chocolate?
To make Haitian chocolate, also known as “chokola ayisyen,” you’ll gather a few special ingredients.
This rich and comforting drink is a favorite in Haiti, perfect for breakfast or warming up on cool nights.
Follow these steps for a simple version:
Feel Free to pair your Haitian hot chocolate with some fresh bread, Haitian butter Cake or cassav.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups of unsweetened, grated dark chocolate
- 4 cups of water
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 2 star anise pods
- 1/4 teaspoon of grated nutmeg
- A pinch of salt
- 4 cloves
- 1/2 cup of evaporated milk or coconut milk
- Sugar to taste (optional)
What tools will you Need:
- A grater for the chocolate
- A medium or large pot
- A wooden spoon or whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- A fine mesh sieve or strainer
- Mugs for serving
Chokola ayisyen Steps:
- Grate the Chocolate: First, grate your chocolate until you have about 2 cups.
- Boil Water with Spices: Next, boil water in a pot and add the cinnamon stick, star anise, nutmeg, and salt. Let them boil for 2-3 minutes.
- Melt the Chocolate: Lower the heat and add your grated chocolate to the pot, stirring until it melts completely and the mix is smooth.
- Simmer: Let the mixture simmer for about 5 minutes, stirring now and then.
- Add Milk: Turn the heat down and stir in the milk until everything is warm.
- Sweeten: Taste it and add sugar if you like it sweeter.
- Serve: Strain the hot chocolate to remove the spices, then serve it in mugs.
Haitian chocolate recipe | Easy and Quick
Ingredients
- 2 cups of grated Haitian chocolate (or unsweetened dark chocolate if Haitian chocolate is unavailable)
- 4 cups of water
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 2 star anise pods
- 1/4 teaspoon of grated nutmeg
- 1 pinch of salt
- 14 oz of coconut milk, optional
- 1/2 cup of evaporated milk or coconut milk (for a dairy-free version)
- Sugar to taste (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chocolate: If starting with a whole cacao or unsweetened dark chocolate bar, grate it finely to make about 2 cups of grated chocolate.
- Boil Spices: In a medium pot, bring the water to a boil. Add the cinnamon stick, star anise, grated nutmeg, cloves, and a pinch of salt. Let these spices boil for about 2-3 minutes to infuse the water with their flavors.
- Add Chocolate: Lower the heat to medium and add the grated chocolate to the pot, stirring continuously until the chocolate is completely melted and the mixture is smooth.
- Simmer: Once the chocolate is melted, allow the mixture to simmer for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. This helps the flavors meld together and thickens the chocolate slightly.
- Add Milk: Reduce the heat to low and stir in the evaporated milk or coconut milk. Continue to heat the mixture until it’s warm but not boiling.
- Sweeten: Taste the chocolate and add sugar according to your preference. Some Haitian chocolate bars might already include sugar, so it’s important to adjust this to your taste.
- Serve: Strain the hot chocolate through a fine mesh sieve to remove the whole spices. Serve hot in mugs.
- Optional Garnish: For an extra touch, you can garnish each serving with a sprinkle of cinnamon or a cinnamon stick.
Notes
I was born and grew up in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, where my grandmas, mom, and aunts taught me everything about cooking. Now, I live in the US, and I love hiking, reading, and making meals for my family.
Brandon Barbor
I'm passionate about cooking and hiking, with over 20 years of professional culinary experience. I reside in North Carolina with my family, where the diverse landscapes inspire both my hobbies and my cooking
