Dark Chocolate Ugandan Vanilla Pudding with Whole Beans

Ingredients

• 2.5 cups whole milk (600 ml)
• 0.5 cup granulated sugar (100 g)
• 3 tbsp cornstarch (24 g)
• 3 large egg yolks
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter (28 g)
• 1 Ugandan vanilla bean, split and scraped
• 0.75 cup chopped dark chocolate (130 g)

Instructions

1. 1. Flavor note: Chop the chocolate into small, even pieces so it distributes throughout.
2. 2. In a saucepan off the heat, whisk the sugar, cornstarch, and egg yolks with a splash of the milk until smooth and lump-free.
3. 3. Warm the remaining milk with the vanilla until it steams, then whisk it slowly into the yolk mixture.
4. 4. Set over medium heat and cook, whisking constantly, until the pudding thickens and comes to a gentle bubble, about 5 minutes; it should mound softly on the whisk.
5. 5. Off the heat, whisk in the butter until the pudding looks glossy and smooth.
6. 6. Pour into serving dishes, press plastic wrap directly onto the surface to prevent a skin, and chill until cold and set, about 2 hours.