She Strengthens

Unwrapping the Flavors of Champorado

A Childhood Favorite Reimagined

Growing up in Manila, Jun Belen cherished the warm, comforting taste of champorado on chilly winter mornings. This Filipino breakfast staple, also known as chocolate rice, was often paired with pan de sal and fried salt fish. But champorado’s versatility extends beyond breakfast – it can be enjoyed as a refreshing after-school snack or even as a decadent dessert.

Elevating the Recipe

To create a truly exceptional champorado, it’s essential to use high-quality ingredients. Missouri-based Askinosie’s single-origin cacao from Davao in the southern Philippines produces a rich, 77-percent bittersweet chocolate with earthy and smoky notes that shine through in this simple recipe.

Pantry Essentials

• 6 ounces of coarsely chopped bittersweet chocolate
• 1 cup of short-grain sweet rice (also known as sticky rice)
• 5 cups of water
• 1/3 cup of granulated sugar
• 3/4 cup of evaporated milk

A Step-by-Step Guide

1. Melt the Chocolate: Create a double boiler by filling a pot with 2 inches of water and bringing it to a simmer. Place the chocolate in a heatproof bowl and stir continuously until melted and smooth.
2. Prepare the Rice: Rinse the rice under cold water until clear, then transfer it to a medium saucepan with 5 cups of water. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer until tender and thickened.
3. Combine and Simmer: Add sugar and melted chocolate to the rice, whisking to combine. Return to a simmer, stirring occasionally, until the sugar dissolves.
4. Serve and Enjoy: Spoon the champorado into serving bowls and drizzle with evaporated milk. You can also cool the pudding completely, refrigerate for up to 3 days, and serve chilled.

Tips and Variations

• Substitute regular whole milk or half-and-half for evaporated milk, if desired.
• Experiment with different types of milk or flavorings to create unique variations.

Indulge in the Rich Flavors of Champorado

This Filipino classic is more than just a breakfast dish – it’s a comforting treat that can be savored at any time of day. With its rich, velvety texture and deep chocolate flavors, champorado is sure to become a new favorite in your household.