Chocolate Santandereano (Santander-Style Hot Chocolate)

Recipe category
Country
Region
Source
Gran Libro de la Cocina Colombiana
Preparation time
90 minutes
Difficulty
Medium
Ingredients
1 kg cacao beans
1 kg sugar, more or less to taste
Directions
  1. Moisten the cacao beans and toast in a hot iron griddle (turn continuously).
  2. Once the shell is loose, remove and peel by hand.
  3. Then grind the beans, add the sugar, grind again, and knead well until the butter or oil is released.
  4. Finally, make small balls that are left to air dry on a wooden tray.
  5. Store in a cloth bag, hung in a cool place.
  6. To prepare the drink, place one ball for every two cups of water, or milk (or water-milk) to boil, beating constantly with a whisk.
  7. When the balls have completely dissolved and it is foamy, serve.
  8. It is traditional to drink chocolate in the afternoons, accompanied by tamales and sweets.