Chocolate Chili

The moment I set out to create this Chocolate Chili, I could feel the warmth of the kitchen wrapping around me like a cozy blanket. It was a cold winter evening, and I longed for something hearty and comforting. As I chopped the onions and garlic, their aromas filled the air, mixing with the rich scent of spices that would soon dance through my pot. This dish transports me to my childhood, where bold flavors and homemade meals were the heart of family gatherings. I remember gathering around the table with loved ones, sharing stories, and enjoying each delicious bite. Making Chocolate Chili is not just about the food; it’s about the memories and the love that goes into each ingredient. This recipe is a celebration of warmth and flavor, perfect for those chilly nights when you want to feel snug and satisfied.

What You Need for Chocolate Chili

When it comes to Chocolate Chili, the ingredients play a crucial role in building its rich flavor. Each component works harmoniously to create a warming dish that is both satisfying and delicious. Starting with aromatic vegetables, then layering in spices and hearty proteins, this recipe is a symphony of flavors that you won’t soon forget.

• Coconut oil: 2 tablespoons – Used for sautéing, it adds a subtle sweetness and depth to the dish.
• Onions: 2 medium, diced (about 2 cups) – These provide a sweet base flavor and aroma.
• Garlic: 4 cloves, minced (about 4 teaspoons) – Essential for enhancing the overall flavor profile with its boldness.
• Lean ground beef: 2 pounds – The heart of the chili, providing richness and protein.
• Dried oregano leaves: 1 teaspoon – Adds a hint of earthiness and complements the other spices.
• Chili powder: 2 tablespoons – Gives the chili its characteristic heat and flavor.
• Ground cumin: 2 tablespoons – Brings a warm, earthy taste that pairs beautifully with the cocoa.
• Cocoa powder: 1 1/2 tablespoons – The star ingredient that adds depth and a subtle sweetness.
• Ground allspice: 1 teaspoon – Provides a complex flavor that rounds out the spices.
• Salt: 1 teaspoon – Enhances all the flavors and balances the dish.
• Tomato paste: 6 ounces – Adds a rich tomato flavor and thickens the chili.
• Diced fire-roasted tomatoes: 14 1/2 ounces – Brings a smoky sweetness that elevates the dish.
• Beef broth: 2 cups – Serves as the base of the chili, providing moisture and flavor.
• Water: 1 cup – Helps achieve the desired consistency.

Recipe Directions for Chocolate Chili

Creating this Chocolate Chili is a delightful experience that fills your kitchen with mouthwatering aromas. Each step is simple but packed with flavor. Let’s dive into the process and start making this comforting dish!

1. Begin by heating a large, deep pot over medium-high heat. Add the coconut oil and let it melt completely. You’ll notice a lovely, subtle aroma as it begins to warm. This is the foundation for your flavors.
2. Once the oil is melted, add the diced onions. Stir them with a wooden spoon and cook until they become translucent, which should take about 7 minutes. Their sweetness will fill the air and set the stage for the rest of your ingredients.
3. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds, until it’s fragrant. Be careful not to let it burn, as this can lead to bitterness.
4. Now it’s time to introduce the lean ground beef into the pot. Crumble the meat with your hands and mix it in with the onions and garlic. Cook the meat, stirring often, until it’s no longer pink. This part adds a hearty texture to your chili.
5. In a small bowl, combine the dried oregano leaves, chili powder, ground cumin, cocoa powder, ground allspice, and salt. Crush the oregano between your palms to release its flavor, then mix everything with a fork. This spice blend will elevate your chili to new heights.
6. Add the spice mixture to the pot, stirring well to coat the meat and vegetables. The combination of spices should create a richly colored mixture that smells amazing.
7. Next, introduce the tomato paste and stir until it’s fully combined. Let it cook for about 2 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
8. Now, it’s time to add the diced fire-roasted tomatoes with their juices, followed by the beef broth and water. Give everything a good stir to combine.
9. Bring the mixture to a boil, which will take just a few minutes. Once boiling, reduce the heat to let the chili simmer gently. This slow cooking process is key to developing all those incredible flavors!
10. Allow the chili to simmer uncovered for at least 2 hours. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking at the bottom. Make sure to enjoy the rich aroma that fills your kitchen as it cooks. The longer it simmers, the more flavorful it becomes!

Ways to Adapt This Recipe

There are so many ways to make this Chocolate Chili your own! Here are some tips to customize it to your taste:

• Storage: Leftover chili can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat it gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
• Freezing: This chili freezes beautifully! Portion it into freezer-safe bags or containers, and it can last for up to 3 months.
• Heat Level: If you love spicy food, consider adding chopped jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper to amp up the heat.
• Vegetarian Option: Substitute the ground beef with lentils or a mix of beans for a delicious vegetarian version.
• Serving Styles: Serve the chili over cooked rice, topped with shredded cheese, avocado, or sour cream to elevate the flavors.
• Garnishing: Fresh cilantro or diced green onions make excellent garnishes, adding a pop of color and flavor.
• Flavor Variations: You can experiment by adding corn, bell peppers, or even dark chocolate for a unique twist!

What to Serve With Chocolate Chili

Serving Chocolate Chili opens up a world of delicious possibilities. Here are some great ideas for sides and accompaniments:

• Rice: A fluffy bed of rice perfectly absorbs the rich chili, making it a satisfying meal.
• Cornbread: This classic pairing is a must! The sweet cornbread balances the spicy chili wonderfully.
• Salad: A fresh green salad adds a nice crunch and a refreshing contrast to the warm chili.
• Guacamole: Creamy guacamole offers a cool, creamy element that complements the heat of the chili.
• Nachos: Top some tortilla chips with chili, cheese, and your favorite toppings for a fun twist.
• Beer Bread: The malty flavors of beer bread pair beautifully with the richness of the chili.
• Seasonal Occasions: This dish is perfect for gatherings during the winter months or game day celebrations!

FAQ

Conclusion

This Chocolate Chili recipe is truly special, combining rich flavors with heartiness to create the ultimate comfort food. I encourage you to gather your ingredients and give it a try. You won’t regret the cozy warmth it brings to your table. Enjoy the process, share it with friends or family, and savor each delicious bite!

Chocolate Chili

The ultimate comfort food, Chocolate Chili is a hearty and flavorful dish that's perfect for chilly nights. With rich spices and a hint of cocoa, this easy weeknight dinner will warm your soul. Make it tonight and experience the magic of this delicious recipe!

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Course Dinner

Cuisine American

Servings 8 servings

Calories 350 kcal

Equipment

• Mixing Bowl
• Baking Sheet
• Large Pot
• Wooden Spoon
• Frying Pan
• Saucepan
• Cutting Board

Ingredients

  

• 2 tablespoons Coconut oil
• 2 medium Onions diced (about 2 cups)
• 4 cloves Garlic minced (about 4 teaspoons)
• 2 pounds Lean ground beef
• 1 teaspoon Dried oregano leaves
• 2 tablespoons Chili powder
• 2 tablespoons Ground cumin
• 1.5 tablespoons Cocoa powder unsweetened
• 1 teaspoon Ground allspice
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 6 ounces Tomato paste can
• 14.5 ounces Diced fire-roasted tomatoes can
• 2 cups Beef broth
• 1 cup Water

Instructions

 

• Begin by heating a large, deep pot over medium-high heat. Add the coconut oil and let it melt completely. You'll notice a lovely, subtle aroma as it begins to warm. This is the foundation for your flavors.
• Once the oil is melted, add the diced onions. Stir them with a wooden spoon and cook until they become translucent, which should take about 7 minutes. Their sweetness will fill the air and set the stage for the rest of your ingredients.
• Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds, until it's fragrant. Be careful not to let it burn, as this can lead to bitterness.
• Now it's time to introduce the lean ground beef into the pot. Crumble the meat with your hands and mix it in with the onions and garlic. Cook the meat, stirring often, until it's no longer pink. This part adds a hearty texture to your chili.
• In a small bowl, combine the dried oregano leaves, chili powder, ground cumin, cocoa powder, ground allspice, and salt. Crush the oregano between your palms to release its flavor, then mix everything with a fork. This spice blend will elevate your chili to new heights.
• Add the spice mixture to the pot, stirring well to coat the meat and vegetables. The combination of spices should create a richly colored mixture that smells amazing.
• Next, introduce the tomato paste and stir until it's fully combined. Let it cook for about 2 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
• Now, it's time to add the diced fire-roasted tomatoes with their juices, followed by the beef broth and water. Give everything a good stir to combine.
• Bring the mixture to a boil, which will take just a few minutes. Once boiling, reduce the heat to let the chili simmer gently. This slow cooking process is key to developing all those incredible flavors!
• Allow the chili to simmer uncovered for at least 2 hours. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking at the bottom. Make sure to enjoy the rich aroma that fills your kitchen as it cooks. The longer it simmers, the more flavorful it becomes!

Notes

Leftover chili can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat it gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. This chili freezes beautifully! Portion it into freezer-safe bags or containers, and it can last for up to 3 months.

Keyword Chocolate Chili Recipe, Comfort Food Chili, Easy Chili Recipe, Winter Chili

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Meet Sophia Hayes

I founded YumRecettes to turn my messy, joyful kitchen experiments into something I could share. While I steer the ship, I am first and foremost a cook. I love tackling every type of recipe, from grandmother’s old classics to modern fusion dishes. For me, the magic isn’t in a specific type of food, but in the act of preparing it. I’m usually the one urging the team to try that “one last idea” that ends up making the dish perfect.