Chocolate chili is a warm and hearty dish that mixes savory spices with a touch of sweet chocolate. It’s perfect for a cozy night in or when you want to impress your friends!
This dish is like a big hug in a bowl. Just picture sitting with a steaming bowl, feeling all the cozy vibes. I love to top it with cheese and serve it with bread—yummy! 🍫🌶️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Olive Oil: Olive oil is great for sautéing but feel free to use other oils like avocado or vegetable oil if you have them on hand.
Ground Beef or Turkey: Ground turkey is a leaner option. If you’re looking for a vegetarian twist, try using lentils or mushrooms instead!
Kidney Beans: Kidney beans add protein and texture, but black beans or chickpeas can work too if that’s what you prefer.
Dark Chocolate: I recommend using chocolate that’s at least 70% cocoa. If you need a dairy-free option, look for dairy-free dark chocolate.
Cayenne Pepper: Adjust the heat to your liking! If you don’t have cayenne, chili flakes are a great alternative. Spice it up or tone it down!
How Do I Get the Perfect Flavor in My Chili?
The key to a flavorful chili lies in the seasoning and cooking process. First, be sure to sauté the onions and garlic until they’re soft; this adds a lot of flavor. Don’t rush the browning of the meat either, as it creates a nice depth of flavor.
- Cook the spices with the meat for a minute to release their oils.
- Let the chili simmer; this allows the ingredients to meld and develop a richer taste.
- Stir in the chocolate towards the end; it enhances the chili’s flavor without overpowering it.
How to Make Delicious Chocolate Chili
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef or turkey
- 1 large carrot, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced (optional)
- 1 can (14 oz/400g) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (14 oz/400g) diced tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 cups beef or vegetable broth
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 ounce (about 28g) dark chocolate (70% cocoa or higher), roughly chopped
- 1 tablespoon cocoa powder (unsweetened)
- Pumpkin seeds, for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This chocolate chili can be prepared in about 15 minutes and will take around 45 minutes to cook and simmer, for a total of about 1 hour. This includes some time for sautéing, simmering, and allowing the flavors to blend beautifully.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Aromatics:
Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until it’s softened, which should take about 5 minutes. Then, toss in the minced garlic and let it cook for another minute until you can smell that wonderful garlic fragrance.
2. Brown the Meat:
Add the ground beef or turkey to the pot. Cook it, breaking it apart with a spoon, until it’s browned and cooked through. This should take about 7 minutes. Don’t rush this step; browning the meat adds lots of flavor!
3. Add Your Veggies:
Stir in the diced carrot and the optional red bell pepper. Cook these for 3 to 4 minutes to slightly soften the vegetables—adding color and nutrients to your chili!
4. Spice It Up:
Now, it’s time to add those lovely spices. Sprinkle in the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper. Give it a good stir to really coat the meat and vegetables in those vibrant flavors.
5. Combine the Base:
Now, mix in the tomato paste, diced tomatoes (with their liquid), kidney beans, and the broth. Bring this mixture to a gentle boil to let it start cooking together beautifully.
6. Simmer:
Once boiling, lower the heat and let the chili simmer partially covered for 30 minutes. Stir occasionally so nothing sticks to the bottom of the pot. This step allows all the flavors to meld together.
7. Add the Chocolate:
After simmering, stir in the unsweetened cocoa powder and the roughly chopped dark chocolate. This addition will complement the chili’s flavors and create a rich depth. Let it simmer for another 10 to 15 minutes until your chili thickens and those flavors meld just right.
8. Taste and Adjust:
Before serving, taste your chili and adjust the seasoning if necessary. The chocolate will enhance and balance the spices beautifully, making each bite delectable!
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your chocolate chili hot, garnished with pumpkin seeds if desired. Pair it with some bread or over rice for a filling meal!
Enjoy this cozy, rich chocolate chili that perfectly blends spicy, savory, and a hint of bittersweet chocolate flavor! It’s sure to warm you up!
Can I Substitute Ground Turkey for Ground Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great lean alternative to ground beef. It will still provide a delicious flavor and texture, making it a wonderful substitute in this recipe.
What If I Don’t Have Dark Chocolate?
No worries! If dark chocolate isn’t available, you can use unsweetened cocoa powder. Just add an extra tablespoon or two to maintain the rich flavor, though the chocolate notes will be less pronounced.
How Can I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to heat evenly.
Can I Make This Chili Vegetarian?
Definitely! To make it vegetarian, swap the ground meat with lentils, mushrooms, or a meat substitute. You can also add more beans or vegetables to keep it hearty and satisfying.
