Natilla de Chocolate is a rich and creamy dessert featuring the decadent flavors of chocolate. This custard-like dish is typically made with milk, sugar, chocolate, and thickening agents like cornstarch, creating a smooth and indulgent treat. It’s a popular dessert in various cultures, often enjoyed during special occasions or as a comforting sweet.
Why Natilla de Chocolate is the best Dessert?
Versatility and Adaptability
Natilla de Chocolate is incredibly versatile, allowing for various adaptations to suit different tastes and dietary needs. It can be made with varying types of chocolate, from dark to milk or even white chocolate. Additionally, it’s easy to adjust the sweetness level or add different flavorings like vanilla or cinnamon.
Rich Chocolate Flavor
The primary appeal of Natilla de Chocolate lies in its rich and deep chocolate flavor. This dessert is a chocolate lover’s dream, offering a smooth and intense chocolate experience. The use of real chocolate, as opposed to just cocoa powder, ensures a full-bodied chocolate taste that’s both luxurious and satisfying.
Creamy Texture
The texture of Natilla de Chocolate is exceptionally creamy and smooth, thanks to the combination of milk and thickening agents like cornstarch or eggs. This silky texture provides a delightful mouthfeel that elevates the dessert experience, making it feel more indulgent and special compared to other sweets.
Easy to Make
Despite its luxurious taste and texture, Natilla de Chocolate is surprisingly easy to make. It doesn’t require any complex techniques or special equipment, making it accessible for home cooks of all skill levels. The simplicity of its preparation means it can be a go-to dessert for any occasion without the need for extensive planning or preparation.
Perfect for Special Occasions
Natilla de Chocolate is often associated with celebrations and special occasions. Its rich flavor and elegant presentation make it an ideal choice for holidays, family gatherings, or romantic dinners. It can be dressed up with garnishes like whipped cream, berries, or a sprinkle of cocoa powder, adding an extra touch of festivity to any event.
How much time does it take to make Natilla de Chocolate?
Making Natilla de Chocolate typically takes about 20 to 30 minutes of active preparation time. This includes the steps of mixing the ingredients and cooking the mixture until it thickens. However, it’s important to note that additional time is required for chilling the custard, which can vary from a few hours to overnight, depending on the desired consistency and serving preference.
Tips & Tricks to Make the Best Natilla de Chocolate
- Use High-Quality Chocolate: The flavor of your natilla heavily depends on the chocolate used. Opt for high-quality chocolate bars over chips or cocoa powder for a richer taste.
- Stir Constantly While Cooking: To avoid lumps and ensure even cooking, continuously stir the mixture over low to medium heat.
- Control the Sweetness: Adjust the sugar according to the type of chocolate used. Darker chocolates may need more sugar, while milk chocolates are sweeter.
- Infuse with Flavors: Elevate your natilla by infusing it with vanilla, cinnamon, or orange zest during the cooking process for added depth of flavor.
- Monitor the Thickness: Natilla should be creamy but not overly thick. Remove from heat when it coats the back of a spoon but is still pourable.
- Chill Thoroughly: For the best texture, chill the natilla in the refrigerator for at least a few hours or overnight.
Natilla de Chocolate Serving Suggestions
- Classic Style with Cinnamon: Sprinkle ground cinnamon on top of the Natilla de Chocolate for a traditional touch. This adds a warm, spicy flavor that complements the chocolate beautifully.
- Fresh Fruit Topping: Serve the Natilla with fresh berries, banana slices, or tropical fruits. The freshness and slight acidity of the fruit balance the richness of the chocolate.
- Whipped Cream Garnish: Add a dollop of whipped cream on top of each serving. It adds a light, airy texture and a bit of sweetness, making the dessert even more indulgent.
- Grated Chocolate or Cocoa Powder: Enhance the chocolate flavor by sprinkling grated chocolate or a light dusting of cocoa powder over the Natilla.
- Nuts for Crunch: Sprinkle chopped nuts like almonds, hazelnuts, or walnuts for a crunchy contrast to the creamy texture.
- Accompany with Biscuits or Wafers: Serve the Natilla with a side of light biscuits, wafers, or shortbread cookies. They add a delightful crunch and are perfect for dipping.
- Coffee or Liqueur Flavor: For an adult twist, add a dash of espresso or a splash of chocolate or coffee-flavored liqueur to the Natilla before chilling.
- Citrus Zest: Garnish with orange or lemon zest to add a fresh, zesty aroma that cuts through the richness of the chocolate.
- Mint Sprig: A mint sprig can provide a refreshing and aesthetically pleasing garnish, offering a subtle herbal note.
How to Store Natilla de Chocolate?
Natilla de Chocolate should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This keeps it fresh and prevents it from absorbing other flavors from the fridge. It typically lasts well for up to 3-5 days. Ensure it’s covered in order to prevent skin from forming on the surface.
Can you make Natilla de Chocolate Ahead of Time?
Yes, Natilla de Chocolate is an excellent dessert to make ahead of time. Its flavor and texture often improve after chilling in the fridge for a few hours or overnight. Making it in advance allows the flavors to meld together and the custard to set properly, making it an ideal make-ahead dessert for gatherings or meals.
Recipe Variations
Dairy-Free Natilla de Chocolate
For a dairy-free version, substitute the regular milk with almond, soy, or coconut milk. These alternatives can change the flavor profile slightly, offering a unique twist. They also make the dish suitable for those with lactose intolerance or following a vegan diet.
White Chocolate Natilla
Instead of traditional chocolate, use white chocolate for a sweeter, creamier taste. This variation offers a different flavor profile and can be appealing to those who prefer the milder taste of white chocolate over the intensity of dark or milk chocolate.
Spiced Natilla de Chocolate
Add spices such as cinnamon, nutmeg, or cardamom to the Natilla for a warm and aromatic flavor. This variation is perfect for the colder months and adds an exotic twist to the traditional recipe.
Natilla de Chocolate with Fruit
Incorporate pureed or finely chopped fruits like strawberries, raspberries, or bananas into the Natilla mixture. This not only adds natural sweetness and flavor but also introduces a refreshing fruitiness to the rich chocolate dessert.
Mocha Natilla de Chocolate
For coffee lovers, adding a shot of espresso or strong brewed coffee to the Natilla mixture can create a delightful mocha flavor. This variation offers a subtle coffee kick that complements the chocolate beautifully.
Natilla de Chocolate
Equipment
- Saucepan
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Serving containers
Ingredients
- 500 ml Milk
- 200 g Chocolate for desserts
- 2 Eggs (size M)
- 35 g Cornstarch
- Crispy almonds (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Chop the chocolate and gently melt it in a saucepan with the milk over low heat.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs with a glass of milk until fully integrated.
- Once the chocolate is melted into the milk, add the egg mixture, continuously whisking to avoid lumps.
- Cook for about 5 minutes until the mixture thickens, being careful not to overheat.
- Pour the mixture into serving containers and refrigerate for a couple of hours.
- Garnish with crispy almonds before serving.
Video
Notes
- Chocolate Quality Matters:The type of chocolate used significantly impacts the flavor. For a richer, more intense chocolate taste, use a high-quality dark chocolate bar. For a sweeter, milder flavor, milk chocolate is a good option.
- Consistency Check:The natilla should coat the back of a spoon but still be pourable. Avoid overcooking, as it will thicken more upon cooling. If it's too thick, it can be thinned with a little extra milk.
- Flavor Variations: Feel free to add a teaspoon of vanilla extract, a pinch of cinnamon, or even a splash of your favorite liqueur for an extra layer of flavor.
- Egg Temperament: To prevent the eggs from curdling when added to the hot chocolate mixture, temper them by gradually adding a small amount of the hot mix to the eggs, whisking constantly, before incorporating everything back into the pot.