Xocolatl (Aztec Chocolate)

Recipe View In a medium saucepan, bring 1.5 cups of water to a vigorous boil over high heat. (2 minutes)

Recipe View Add the sliced green chile pepper, including the seeds, to the boiling water. Allow to boil for 5-10 minutes to infuse the water with the chile's heat. (10 minutes)

Recipe View Carefully strain the chile-infused water through a fine-mesh sieve to remove the pepper slices and seeds, returning the infused water to the saucepan. (2 minutes)

Recipe View Add the remaining 4 cups of water to the saucepan. Reduce the heat to medium-low and gently bring the mixture to a simmer. (5 minutes)

Recipe View Gradually whisk in the cocoa powder, ensuring there are no clumps. Once the cocoa powder is fully incorporated, stir in the vanilla extract. (3 minutes)

Recipe View Continue to cook, stirring constantly, until the cocoa powder is completely dissolved and the Xocolatl is heated through, about 5-10 minutes. (10 minutes)

Recipe View Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly. For an authentic Aztec experience, chill the Xocolatl in the refrigerator before serving. (15 minutes)