Separate the egg yolks from the egg whites and place them in a mixing bowl.
Whisk together the egg yolks and sugar until well combined.
In a small bowl, whisk cornstarch and a little milk until cornstarch dissolves completely.
Pour the cornstarch mixture over egg yolk mixture and mix well until combined.
Add vanilla to the egg yolk mixture and beat until combined.
In a saucepan, heat the milk over medium heat until it's warm but not boiling.
Break the dark chocolate into small pieces and place in a mixing bowl.
Add cocoa powder together with the dark chocolate pieces.
Add the warm milk to the chocolate and stir until the chocolate melts completely.
Place Maria biscuit in the bottom of each glass ramekin. Set aside.
Pour the chocolate mixture into the egg mixture, whisking constantly.
Pour the chocolate egg mixture into the pan, stirring continuously.
Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens.
Fill each glass ramekin with the chocolate pudding and let them cool down.
Chill in the refrigerator for at least 2-3 hours, or until fully set.
Serve chilled, garnished with chocolate shaving on top.
Notes
Egg Yolks and Sugar: Ensure that the egg yolks and sugar are well combined and have a pale, smooth texture. This initial step is crucial for a creamy and smooth pudding texture.Cornstarch Dissolution: Whisking the cornstarch with a small amount of milk before adding it to the egg mixture helps prevent lumps and ensures even thickening of the pudding.Vanilla Addition: Use high-quality vanilla extract for the best flavor. Alternatively, you can use a vanilla bean for a more intense vanilla aroma.Chocolate and Cocoa Powder: Choose good-quality dark chocolate with at least 70% cocoa content for a rich and intense chocolate flavor. The cocoa powder complements the chocolate and enhances the overall depth of flavor.Incorporating Warm Milk: Gradually add the warm milk to the chocolate, stirring continuously. This helps in smoothly melting the chocolate and creating a homogenous mixture.Maria Biscuits: Placing Maria biscuits at the bottom of each glass ramekin adds a delightful crunch and texture to the dessert. You can also try other types of cookies for variation.Continuous Whisking: Maintain continuous whisking when combining the chocolate mixture with the egg mixture and during the cooking process. This ensures a smooth and lump-free consistency.Cooling and Setting: Allow the pudding to cool slightly before pouring it into the ramekins. This prevents condensation, which can affect the texture of the pudding.Chilling Time: For the best results, let the chocolate pudding chill in the refrigerator for the specified time. This ensures it sets properly and achieves the desired consistency.Garnish with Chocolate Shavings: Grate or shave chocolate on top just before serving for an elegant presentation and an extra layer of chocolate flavor.