Grocery
Mexican Chocolate Discs
What it is
These are unsweetened chocolate discs, traditionally used in Mexican cuisine. They are made from cacao beans that have been roasted and ground. The texture is often coarser than European-style chocolate, and it typically contains a small amount of cinnamon. The flavor is intense and slightly bitter, making it a foundational ingredient for many dishes.
How people cook with it
This chocolate is a key component in several classic Mexican recipes, adding a unique depth of flavor.
- Mole sauces
- Hot chocolate
- Desserts
- Baking
To use, the chocolate discs are typically melted down. They can be incorporated into savory dishes like mole, where their bitterness balances other strong flavors. For beverages, they are often dissolved in hot milk or water and sweetened to taste, sometimes with a pinch of cinnamon or chili for an extra kick. In baking, they can be chopped or melted and added to doughs, batters, or fillings to impart a rich, complex chocolate taste that is less sweet than standard baking chocolate.
How it differs from similar foods
Unlike sweetened chocolate bars, this Mexican chocolate is unsweetened and often includes cinnamon. Its coarser grind gives it a distinct texture and a more rustic flavor profile compared to the smoother, sweeter chocolates commonly found in other cuisines.
Who it is for
Home cooks and professional chefs seeking authentic Mexican flavors often use this ingredient.
How to keep the rest
Store the remaining chocolate discs in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and strong odors. Ensure the packaging is sealed tightly to maintain freshness and prevent the chocolate from absorbing moisture or other flavors from the pantry.