Cholao
A refreshing and vibrant Colombian shaved ice dessert, typically enjoyed as street food, featuring a delightful mix of fruits, sweet condensed milk, and colorful syrups.
🧂 Ingredients
- 4 cups Shaved ice(Ideally finely shaved for a snow-like consistency. You can use a manual or electric ice shaver, or pulse ice cubes in a powerful blender until finely crushed.)
- 1/2 cup Condensed milk(Sweetened condensed milk is traditional and provides a creamy sweetness.)
- 2 cups Mixed fruits(A colorful assortment is best. Traditional choices include chopped pineapple, papaya, mango, watermelon, and sometimes berries. Ensure fruits are ripe and cut into bite-sized pieces.)
- 1/2 cup Fruit syrups(Choose vibrant, complementary flavors. Common options include blackberry, passion fruit, strawberry, or lime syrup. You can use store-bought or homemade syrups.)
- to taste Optional toppings(Consider adding a sprinkle of shredded coconut, chopped nuts, or a maraschino cherry for extra texture and visual appeal.)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Prepare the ice: If you don't have a dedicated ice shaver, place ice cubes in a sturdy blender or food processor. Pulse in short bursts until you achieve a fine, snow-like consistency. Be careful not to over-process into a slush. Aim for about 4 cups of shaved ice.
⏱️ 5 minutes - 2
Assemble the base: Divide the shaved ice evenly among four serving bowls or cups. Create a slight well in the center of each mound of ice.
⏱️ 3 minutes - 3
Add the fruits: Generously scatter the mixed, chopped fruits over and into the well of the shaved ice in each bowl. Ensure a good distribution of colors and types of fruit.
⏱️ 5 minutes - 4
Drizzle generously: Drizzle the condensed milk in a zigzag pattern over the fruits and ice. Follow with a drizzle of the assorted fruit syrups, allowing them to cascade down the sides. The goal is a visually appealing, colorful dessert.
⏱️ 4 minutes - 5
Add optional toppings (if using): Sprinkle any chosen optional toppings, such as shredded coconut or chopped nuts, over the cholao.
⏱️ 3 minutes - 6
Serve immediately: Cholao is best enjoyed right away while the ice is still perfectly frozen and the flavors are vibrant. Use a spoon to scoop up the icy, fruity, creamy goodness.
⏱️ 0 minutes
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓This dessert is intentionally very sweet and intensely cold, designed to be a refreshing treat.
- ✓Cholao is a popular and iconic street food, especially in the city of Cali, Colombia.
- ✓The vibrant colors and diverse textures make it a feast for the eyes as well as the palate.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Experiment with a wider variety of fresh, seasonal fruits.
- Add different textures with toppings like granola, crushed cookies, or even a scoop of ice cream.
- For a less sweet version, reduce the amount of condensed milk and syrup, or opt for sugar-free syrups.