Chocolate koh — the sweet Albanian pudding with milk and cocoa

Chocolate koh is one of the most beloved desserts of Albanian cuisine — a soft pudding of milk, cocoa and sugar that is quick to prepare and loved by all. Here is the full recipe:

Ingredients (for 6 servings)

• 1 liter milk
• 200 g sugar
• 60 g unsweetened cocoa powder
• 50 g cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 packet vanilla sugar (or 1 teaspoon vanilla extract)
• A pinch of salt
• Whipped cream for serving (optional)

Preparation steps

1. In a saucepan, mix the sugar, cocoa and cornstarch.
2. Gradually add the cold milk, stirring constantly with a hand whisk to avoid lumps.
3. Place the saucepan over medium heat and stir continuously with a wooden spoon until the mixture thickens and begins to boil gently (about 10 minutes).
4. Remove from the heat and add the butter, vanilla sugar and pinch of salt; stir until the butter has fully melted.
5. Pour the koh into dessert bowls or cups and let it cool first at room temperature, then in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours.
6. Serve cold, topped with whipped cream or chocolate chips if desired.

Preparation time: 10 minutes (plus at least 2 hours chilling). Servings: 6.