Are you ready to embark on a culinary adventure that will tantalize your taste buds and challenge your expectations? Forget everything you think you know about chili – we're diving headfirst into the wonderfully unexpected world of chocolate chili! This isn't your grandma's chili; this is an award-winning recipe that blends the comforting warmth of chili with the surprising richness of dark chocolate. It's a delicious dish perfect for a chilly evening, a weekend gathering, or impressing your friends with a truly unique and memorable meal. This easy recipe is perfect for both beginner and experienced cooks. Let’s get started on this healthy and quick dinner idea!
Ingredients:
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 1 lb ground beef (or turkey for a leaner option)
- 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (15 ounce) can kidney beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 (15 ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 (10 ounce) can diced tomatoes and green chilies (Rotel), undrained
- 1 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (or more, to taste)
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 ounces dark chocolate (70% cacao or higher), chopped
- 1 cup beef broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional toppings: sour cream, shredded cheese, chopped cilantro
Instructions:
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Sauté the Vegetables: Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the garlic and bell peppers and cook for another 3-5 minutes, until slightly tender.
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Brown the Meat: Add the ground beef to the pot and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain off any excess grease.
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Simmer the Chili: Stir in the crushed tomatoes, kidney beans, black beans, Rotel, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, cocoa powder, and beef broth. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours for a deeper flavor. The longer it simmers, the better it tastes!
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Melt the Chocolate: During the last 10 minutes of cooking, stir in the chopped dark chocolate until it melts completely and is incorporated into the chili.
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Season and Serve: Season the chili with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot, topped with your favorite chili fixings like sour cream, cheese, or cilantro.
Tips for the Best Chocolate Chili:
- Don't be afraid of the chocolate! The dark chocolate adds a surprising depth of flavor and a subtle sweetness that balances the spices beautifully. Start with a higher percentage cacao chocolate for a more intense flavor.
- Adjust the spice level: If you prefer a milder chili, reduce the amount of cayenne pepper. For extra heat, add more!
- Make it ahead: This chili tastes even better the next day! Make a big batch and enjoy leftovers throughout the week. The flavors will meld together beautifully.
- Use quality ingredients: The better the ingredients, the better the chili will taste. Look for high-quality spices and a good quality dark chocolate.
Variations:
- Vegetarian Chili: Substitute the ground beef with 1 cup of cooked lentils or a mixture of your favorite vegetables.
- Spicy Chocolate Chili: Add a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce for extra kick.
- White Chocolate Chili: For a unique twist, try using white chocolate instead of dark chocolate. The flavor profile will be noticeably sweeter.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This information is an estimate and will vary based on the specific ingredients used.
- Calories: Approximately 350-400
- Protein: 25-30g
- Fat: 15-20g
- Carbohydrates: 30-35g
This award-winning chocolate chili recipe is sure to become a new family favorite. It's a testament to the power of unexpected flavor combinations and a delightful example of homemade cooking at its finest. Enjoy!