Isha Recipes

Spiced Coconut Hot Chocolate

INGREDIENTS 

•  2 cups coconut milk (480 mL)

• 100 g dark chocolate (70%, preferably organic), finely chopped

• 4 tablespoons palm jaggery powder (about 50 g) – or coconut sugar, or dark brown sugar

• Pinch of Himalayan pink salt

• 2 pinches of ground cinnamon

• 1 pinch of ground cardamom

Instructions:

1. Pour the coconut milk into a saucepan and warm it over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until it’s steaming but not bubbling.

2. Add the chopped chocolate and let it sit for a minute so it begins to melt. Whisk gently until the chocolate fully incorporates and the mixture becomes smooth.

3. Stir in the palm jaggery powder, pink salt, 2 pinches of cinnamon and 1 pinch of cardamom. Keep the heat on low and continue stirring until everything dissolves and the hot chocolate looks silky.

4. Pour into mugs and finish with coconut whipped cream or a sprinkle of shaved dark chocolate, if you like.

Coconut Whipped Cream

INGREDIENTS 

• 1 cup homemade coconut milk (240 mL), chilled overnight

• A small amount of palm jaggery powder or coconut sugar, to taste (optional)

Instructions:

1. Pour 1 cup of homemade coconut milk (240 mL) into a bowl or container and refrigerate it overnight so the cream can rise to the top and firm up.

2. The next day, scoop off the thick cream layer from the surface – you’ll get about 3–4 tablespoons of coconut cream.

3. Whip the cream with a whisk or mixer until light and fluffy.

4. Sweeten with a little palm jaggery powder or coconut sugar if you like.

Home made Coconut Milk

INGREDIENTS 

• 3 cups fresh grated coconut (240–270 g)

• 2 cups hot water (480 mL), just below boiling

Instructions:

1. Place the grated coconut in a blender.

2. Pour the hot water over it and let it sit for about 5 minutes to soften and warm the natural oils.

3. Blend on high for 1–2 minutes until the mixture becomes thick, creamy, and opaque.

4. Strain through a nut‑milk bag or a clean fine cloth into a bowl, squeezing firmly to extract as much rich milk as possible.

5. Chill or use right away. Shake or stir before using if it separates.

Note

Dark chocolate is a natural source of polyphenols and antioxidants. It also provides small amounts of minerals like iron and magnesium.

Palm jaggery powder has a naturally caramel‑like sweetness with a lower glycemic impact than white sugar. It also contains trace minerals like potassium, iron, and zinc.

Coconut provides healthy fats that add creaminess and help with satiety. It also contains small amounts of fiber, minerals, and natural antioxidants.