How to cook cocoa 16 step-by-step recipes: milk, water

Cocoa is a very famous and beloved drink in many countries. And he is also very useful. After all, cocoa contains many microelements and vitamins. Cocoa contains substances that cause the human body to produce endorphins (happiness hormones). Therefore, it will come in handy when you are in a bad mood or depressed. It is also useful for skin tone and elasticity. Sometimes cocoa is even called the “drink of youth.”

Cocoa has a beneficial effect on brain activity, strengthens blood vessels and the heart, and reduces high blood pressure. According to doctors, cocoa is also used to prevent diabetes and cancer. It can satisfy the feeling of hunger and give a boost of energy. This is a tonic drink, but unlike coffee, cocoa does not contain harmful caffeine. Both adults and children love him.

It’s useful to know, read: – What is the current GOST for cocoa powder in Russia?

But not everyone knows how to cook cocoa correctly. To obtain a flavorful drink, it should be prepared exclusively from natural cocoa powder and always fresh. Therefore, when purchasing, be sure to pay attention to the date of manufacture. You should give preference only to trusted manufacturers. Questionable quality will not bring any benefit, and the added chemicals threaten to harm the body.

There are several technologies for preparing this tasty and aromatic drink - based on milk or water. The result is a different taste, so it’s a matter of choice for everyone.

How to cook cocoa with water

It is not difficult. Dissolve a few tablespoons of cocoa powder in hot, just boiled water. You need to make sure that no lumps form. For 1 glass of water take 2 teaspoons of cocoa. Those who like sweet drinks can add about 2 teaspoons of sugar. You can add cream, milk or condensed milk to the finished drink. But the main thing here is not to overdo it, because the drink may turn out too sweet.

Simple recipe

Ingredients:

100 g cocoa powder;
1 liter of purified water;
3 tbsp. l. powdered sugar.

It is recommended to cook in a small ladle or pan with handles to make stirring convenient.

How to make delicious cocoa without adding milk:

Pour water into the selected container and bring to a boil.
Mix powdered sugar and cocoa powder.
Add the bulk mixture in small portions to hot water, constantly stirring the mixture until all the grains are dissolved.

Pour the finished drink into mugs, decorate with small marshmallows on top or add 1 tsp. condensed milk - this will give the chocolate dessert a unique aftertaste.

Cocoa with cinnamon and vanilla

This recipe is especially popular during the winter cold. We prepare cocoa in the traditional way, but before removing from the stove, add a little cinnamon or vanilla to the drink, or both of these components at your discretion.

Maybe you will be interested in reading and learning about the composition and beneficial properties of cocoa butter, how to take it for children and adults: – Cocoa butter for cough.

How to choose a good product and check its quality

In stores you can find two types of cocoa:

powder to be boiled;
dry mixture for quick preparation.

Natural powder is healthier for your health. It does not contain sugar or preservatives. When choosing, evaluate the fat content (on the packaging): it should be at least 15% in the product, shelf life. The remaining quality criteria can be assessed for the product already purchased.

Mandatory characteristics of cocoa include:

The smell of chocolate. It must be strong and clean, without foreign inclusions.
There should be no lumps. Their presence indicates improper storage.
Grinding He's supposed to be very small. To assess the quality, you can rub the powder between your fingers. Good cocoa should stick to the skin and not crumble into dust.
The color can only be brown.

It is advisable to taste a little of the product before cooking. A rancid or other unpleasant aftertaste indicates that it is unsuitable for food.

After preparing the drink, the suspension in the liquid should not settle before two minutes.

Cocoa with marshmallows

Brew classic cocoa. Before removing from heat, add a few pieces of chocolate to the drink and stir until dissolved. Pour the cocoa into refractory cups and place a few marshmallows in each. Place the cups with the drink in the oven preheated to 180 degrees, wait until the marshmallows brown and remove from the oven. Drizzle chocolate syrup over the surface of the drink in patterns.

With condensed milk

Cocoa with condensed milk turns out incredibly tasty, tender and creamy. The cooking method is simple. For two servings you only need a little - half a liter of milk, two tablespoons of powder, 20 g of dark chocolate and a few teaspoons of condensed milk to taste. You can decorate hot cocoa with cinnamon or pieces of grated chocolate.

The milk must be heated to the desired temperature and add cocoa powder with chocolate pieces. Stir it well so that there are no lumps. It is better to do this with a whisk. As soon as the milk boils, remove it from the stove and add condensed milk there, stirring constantly until it is completely dissolved. They can also be decorated with chocolate chips or a pinch of cinnamon.

Cocoa with egg yolk

Prepare cocoa according to the traditional recipe. Separate the whites from the yolks. Grind the yolks with sugar and dilute with hot cocoa. Place on the stove and heat, but do not bring to a boil. Shake and serve. For 800 g of milk there are 2 egg yolks.

With cornmeal

Components:

850 ml filtered water;
2 tbsp. l. corn flour;
4 tbsp. l. powdered sugar;
4 tbsp. l. cocoa powder;
100 g dark chocolate.

Stages of preparing corn cocoa without milk:

Bring the water to a boil.
In a separate bowl, mix the bulk ingredients.
Add the resulting mixture to the liquid in small portions, stir until all grains are removed.

Pour the chocolate drink into glasses and sprinkle cinnamon on top.

Cocoa in the microwave and slow cooker

Mix the ingredients for the drink and place them cold in the multicooker bowl. You can dissolve cocoa powder well in cold liquid using a blender.

They cook differently in the microwave. Take a thick liquid, in which half of the milk is used, and put it in the microwave with a power of 750 for 30 seconds. Then they dilute all this with the second half of the milk, which was boiled on a regular stove.

Useful to know, we recommend reading: – Alkalized cocoa, what is the difference from cocoa powder?

Mexican drink

Components:

600 ml water;
3 tbsp. l. grated cocoa;
0.5 tsp. cinnamon;
¼ tsp each cayenne pepper and nutmeg;
1 tsp. vanilla extract.

Cooking method:

Boil water.
While stirring the liquid, gradually add grated cocoa.
Turn off the heat, add all the remaining ingredients and beat until foamy using a blender.

The resulting drink can be consumed hot or cold - it has an original spicy aftertaste and will appeal to thrill-seekers.

Cocoa with honey, condensed milk and ice

Place instant cocoa powder in a cup. Add honey and condensed milk. Pour boiling water, stir and add ice.

Dish: Dessert;
Cuisine: European;
Servings: 1 person;
Calories: 200 kcal.

Ingredients:

20 g cocoa;
30 ml honey;
30 ml condensed milk;
80 ml boiling water.

How to make delicious cocoa - tips from chefs

Chocolate drink is very healthy because it contains many essential substances. Fans of this type of drink should know how to make tasty cocoa:

If you want to serve dessert beautifully, you must cool the cocoa before decorating with cream or chocolate.
To avoid the formation of lumps, the hot liquid should be poured into the mixture of effervescent substances so that the stream is thin, while constantly stirring.
When cooking, use moderate heat to prevent the cocoa drink from overflowing the edges of the pan when boiling.
Cocoa powder tends to form sediment. To prevent this from happening, stir the drink before serving. If the layer at the bottom exceeds the average size, then the powder is of poor quality, and in the future you need to choose another one.
The cocoa drink can be used as a coating for cake layers. It is better not to use dairy products. You just need to mix the powder with granulated sugar and water. Drizzle the cakes with a teaspoon.

Composition of the product

Before answering the question of how to make cocoa from cocoa powder, it is worth understanding why this drink is considered healthy. This is due to the composition of the main ingredient. Crushed beans contain a sufficient amount of microelements and vitamins: molybdenum, fluorine, zinc, manganese, iron, copper, sodium, phosphorus, calcium, magnesium, potassium, vitamins B, E, A, PP and so on. In addition, this product contains fiber, monosaccharides, carbohydrates, fats, proteins, organic acids, starch and other components.

Thanks to all the listed components, cocoa is not only a tasty, but also a very healthy drink. And if you know how to make cocoa from cocoa powder, you can treat yourself to a unique elixir that will give you joy and a feeling of comfort.

How to cook correctly?

There are several ways to cook quinoa. The technique depends on the dish you plan to prepare. There are several general rules:

Before cooking, the grains are thoroughly washed in running water. To prevent them from scattering all over the sink, they are placed in a gauze cloth or sieve.
Additionally, the grains are blanched. To do this, they are placed in a sieve and dipped in boiling water for a few seconds.
One of the important aspects of how to properly cook quinoa is maintaining a balance of grains and water. If you disturb it, the dish will turn out to be too liquid or undercooked.

As a side dish, cereals are served hot. Once cooled, it becomes an excellent salad ingredient.

Quinoa is used for sprouting. Its sprouts are added to hot dishes and snacks.

Garnish in a saucepan

Properly cooked cereal is an excellent addition to meat, poultry and fish. To make the dish tasty, you need to remember the main aspects of how to cook quinoa as a side dish in a saucepan:

Pour two glasses of water into a small saucepan. To improve the taste of the dish, you can use any broth. Bring to a boil.
Pour in a glass of washed cereal.
After the porridge boils, reduce the heat to low.
Cook the cereal for about 15 minutes. Then mix thoroughly.

There are many ways to cook quinoa as a side dish. One of them is adding sautéed onions or fried garlic. You can also season it with various spices and herbs.

For the salad

The technique for cooking quinoa for a salad is somewhat different from the method for preparing it as a side dish. The process is divided into several stages:

Heat two tablespoons of olive oil in a saucepan. If desired, it can be flavored. To do this, fry a whole clove of garlic or a sprig of rosemary in oil for a minute. Afterwards they are thrown away.
Place the required amount of quinoa in hot oil. Fry for a couple of minutes. As a result, the grains will acquire a golden hue.
Pour in water or broth. The answer to the question of how many minutes to cook quinoa in this case is clear - no more than 15 minutes. Otherwise, you will end up with porridge that is not suitable for salad.

The finished cereal is cooled. It goes well with vegetables and seafood.

Quinoa salad

In a slow cooker

The rules for cooking quinoa in a slow cooker are the same as for cooking in a saucepan. Pour two glasses of clean water or broth into the bowl of the device. Add a glass of cereal and a pinch of salt. Mix thoroughly. Close the multicooker lid. Set the “Rice” or “Pilaf” mode depending on the device model. Choose a time in the range from 15 to 20 minutes. After cooking is finished, stir the porridge.

Many experienced housewives can tell you how to cook quinoa as a side dish in a slow cooker. Most of them advise pre-roasting the beans. To do this, they are washed and thoroughly dried. Place in a dry multicooker bowl. Turn on the “Frying” mode for 5 minutes. The lid of the device is not closed. The cereal is constantly stirred. After the end of the program, water is poured into the bowl. Add the necessary seasonings. Close the lid and set the “Rice” mode for 15 minutes.

It is not recommended to cook quinoa in a pressure cooker. So it boils too much and becomes tasteless.

So that it doesn't taste bitter

The grains contain saponins. These are glycosides of plant origin. They give the cereal an unpleasant bitter taste. Therefore, you need to get rid of them before preparing the dish. There are two methods for cooking quinoa so that it doesn’t taste bitter:

Washing in running water helps remove the unpleasant taste. You will have to do this for several minutes, carefully sorting the cereal with your hands. This is the only way to destroy the top layer of the grain and release saponins.
Soaking the cereal will also help get rid of bitterness. It is filled with cold water and left for several hours. Next, follow the already described technology of how to cook quinoa for a side dish or for a salad.

Today, stores often sell purified cereals. The top layer of grain containing saponins has been removed, so it does not taste bitter even without soaking. If you are not sure about the quality of the product, then it is better to rinse it before cooking.

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It's also very interesting

I love cocoa very much. Gal, a spoonful of nutmeg in mocha isn't too much. it will not overwhelm all other tastes.

Lucy, sorki, a pinch, of course. It's good that you saw it.

I have loved cocoa since childhood, and now, when I’m sad, I treat myself to a cup of cocoa with milk.

I’m just making myself feel better, Irinka. It helps a lot, by the way.

Of all the recipes, I like cocoa with condensed milk, hot chocolate and also cocoa with coffee. I made the last drink very often when I also drank coffee, it was very tasty!

Olya, nowadays coffee is not strictly prohibited, I drink a little. They say responsibly that with pressure it is possible - it is a diuretic.

I’m sitting and thinking: should I get up now and make myself some cocoa or make it for everyone later in the evening.

I love this drink. And if you add a fresh bun with butter and cheese to it, you immediately remember kindergarten. There used to be a set like this for breakfast.

Natasha, what are you talking about the bun? You’ll go make cocoa in a minute, and I’ll look for the bun.

I haven't cooked cocoa for a long time. Perhaps we should start brewing it again, especially since I really like this drink.

Taya, how do you live without cocoa? Just give me a reason, I’ll immediately run to cook.

Nice homemade drink. I immediately want a warm blanket and a family movie.

Olya, don’t even tell me, and also a good book and a cat by your side, right?

Good cocoa drink. I haven't drunk it for a long time. Thank you, Gal, for such recipes. We need to cook..

How did you forget, Irinka, about such a drink. I'll never be able to. We drink often and with pleasure.

Tick, I just started it! I’ll go make myself some cocoa, I really love it. My kids are visiting me, they came for a few days, I’ll pamper them with a cocoa drink, I’ll cook it according to one of your recipes, I really liked it.

Alenka, it’s a nice thing to treat the children with a delicious drink. But with us it’s the other way around - my daughter treats me, she cooks something very tasty, I can’t do it that way.

My daughter also loves cocoa very much. We do it in the microwave: put a heaped spoonful of cocoa and sugar into a mug of milk. Get ready very quickly and don't run away.

And I love hot chocolate.

Interesting recipe with marshmallows, I have to try it.

Marina, are you sure she’s not running away? I still can’t decide to cook in the microwave.

But we have already adapted to the microwave and even make oatmeal in the morning.

It should be set to 1 or 2 divisions, it all depends on what power it is set to. Sometimes we warm it up first, when there is doubt whether the milk has turned sour, we set it to 1 division.

Marisha, I didn’t like the porridge in the microwave, unfortunately. The taste is still not the same, or I'm being picky.

Cocoa powder alkalized

Baking with alkalized cocoa rises worse than with natural cocoa.
This is explained by the fact that the treated powder contains less acid with which soda must react. But despite the fact that the baked goods are flatter, their texture is particularly tender, dense and chewy. The taste of the dough also becomes more intense. Alkalized cocoa is obtained as a result of treatment with alkali. The technology was invented by the Dutch chemist and chocolatier Conrad Van Houten back in the 19th century. Alkalization darkens the color of the powder (to brown or almost black), softens its tart notes, and raises the pH from about 5 to 7.

The properties of cocoa powder after processing are influenced by the following factors: ● the alkalizing agent used (for example, potassium carbonate or sodium carbonate), ● the temperature at which alkalization occurs (can be set differently), ● the time during which the powder was exposed to alkali.

Spiced hot chocolate with rum

A drink for cold, windy weather. Pirate girls will be delighted!

Spiced hot chocolate with rum 2 servings What you need:

80 g dark chocolate (from 65% cocoa)
100 ml golden spiced rum
250 cream 20% fat
brown sugar, optional
1 cinnamon stick
1 clove bud
2–3 boxes of cardamom
orange zest strips for garnish

What to do: Chop a cinnamon stick and crush the cardamom pods. Mix all the spices with cream and sugar to taste, if using, and bring to a boil over low heat. Remove from heat, cover with a lid, cover with a thick towel (or pour into a thermos) and let sit for 10 minutes. Finely chop the chocolate and add to the hot cream. Warm up heatproof glasses and pour in the rum. Strain hot chocolate into glasses and garnish with zest.

Potential dangers and contraindications

Cocoa is one of the products that can provoke allergic reactions. The main contraindication is individual intolerance. The product should also not be used:

children under 3 years old;
women during breastfeeding;
patients with gout and arthritis due to the high content of purine bases in cocoa, which contribute to the deposition of salts.

Reference! Despite the tonic effect, cocoa helps normalize blood pressure for all those suffering from blood pressure changes. It is advisable for hypotensive patients to drink it based on water, and for hypertensive patients - milk.

The main suppliers of cocoa beans for the production of powder are African countries, where chocolate trees are treated with pesticides and insecticides. All toxic substances are removed when the beans are processed at the oil extraction stage. But improper storage of raw materials before processing can be harmful. Therefore, it is better to purchase the product in large supermarkets from manufacturers worthy of your trust.

Homemade chocolate recipe without milk

Homemade milk-free chocolate has a pleasant dark color and a very rich taste. Unlike other sweets, dark chocolate is not harmful to your figure, and in some cases, it even helps you lose extra pounds. You can regulate the amount of sugar and butter yourself, increasing or decreasing its calorie content.

Cocoa liquor (cocoa powder) – 60 g
Cocoa butter (butter) - 60 g
Powdered sugar - 80 g
Vanilla sugar, cardamom - optional

Cooking process

you will need to mix all the ingredients.
Heat in a water bath until smooth.
Pour the chocolate mixture into any mold, then cool for several hours in the refrigerator.
Original chocolate is obtained in small silicone molds - you can make real assorted sweets.
If desired, you can add a filling of raisins, prunes, nuts or dried apricots.

Cocoa recipe with whipped cream

Again, the classic recipe for cocoa with milk is the basis of other recipes. And cocoa with whipped cream is no exception.

Prepare and pour it into glasses, pour up to half a glass. Then decorate with a large layer of whipped cream, and sprinkle the whole thing with powdered sugar.

Looks beautiful and very tasty.

Composition and calorie content of Nesquik

Nesquik cocoa contains cocoa powder. This is the base of the drink. There is more than 18% of this ingredient in the product. However, when processing cocoa for Nesquik, the beans are exposed to alkali. This makes the product easily soluble, improves its color and taste. This processing method deprives cocoa of most of its beneficial substances. The dry drink also contains a large amount of sugar, caffeine, soy lecithin (a harmless ingredient), maltodextrin, cinnamon, salt, a whole complex of vitamins and some other components.

Separately, it is worth noting the presence of iron orthophosphate in the product. It is added to increase the shelf life of the powder. This component is harmless to healthy people, but its use is prohibited for diabetics.

Attention. We should also talk about the calorie content of the drink. 1 standard glass of cocoa under discussion contains 210 kcal (in milk). If consumed frequently and in large quantities, it can lead to rapid weight gain.

What are the benefits of cocoa drink

Nesquik cocoa has a whole list of beneficial properties. First of all, the vitamins contained in it have a beneficial effect on the functioning of the human immune system. What else is Nesquik powder useful for:

Potassium from the sweet powder improves the functioning of the heart and blood vessels, and magnesium normalizes blood pressure.
The high calcium content prevents bone deformation.
Nicotinic acid has a beneficial effect on hair growth and condition.
Cocoa butter protects the skin from the harmful effects of ultraviolet radiation.
Regular consumption of cocoa powder activates brain activity.

It is also worth noting that cocoa in any form is an excellent way to combat depression. It lifts the mood, gives a person a feeling of euphoria, vigor, and happiness.

How to brew Nesquik with water

You can brew Nesquik cocoa with water. True, this will reduce the benefits of the drink and make its taste less rich. It is the combination of cocoa and milk that adds so many beneficial properties to the delicacy.

Nesquik is brewed in water according to the standard procedure. For this purpose, take 1 tbsp. water and from 1 to 4 tsp. powder. The dry component is poured into the boiled liquid and mixed well in it. You can mix water with milk in this drink. By adding liquid 50 to 50 or pouring 50 to 100 ml of fat milk into a glass of water.

Contraindications and possible harm

Information on the topic of whether Nesquik cocoa is healthy was discussed above. At the same time, modern nutritionists often have heated debates about the dangers of such a drink. To begin with, it is worth noting that the treat has a list of contraindications.

It includes:

Children under 3 years of age. Due to the caffeine content, Nesquik is strictly prohibited for children.
Tendency to allergic reactions and individual intolerance to some component of the product.
Obesity and diabetes.
Atherosclerosis.
Any diseases of the kidneys and urinary system. The drink provokes the accumulation of uric acid in the body and the deposition of salts.
Skin ailments.

The manufacturer is silent about whether other categories of citizens with serious illnesses can drink it. Also, the buyer may be wary of the information that the packaging does not indicate exactly how much of each component is contained in the powder. Harmful components of such cocoa can be called a fast carbohydrate - maltodextrin, as well as a large amount of sugar.