Think outside the box for your next cookout with this surprising Chocolate Chili recipe.
Is there anything that doesn’t taste better when you add chocolate to it? Of course not; it’s chocolate! That being said, you may not have ever thought of putting chocolate into a pot of chili. But don’t knock it until you’ve tried it. For the most part, this recipe is just a normal chili recipe. You get the goodness of fresh onions and minced garlic, the filling double whammy of black beans and ground beef, and a bevy of herbs and spices. The only difference is the addition of two ounces of dark chocolate.
What does chocolate add to a pot of chili? It doesn’t taste like dessert, if that’s what you’re thinking. It adds a certain sweetness to the dish that helps to balance out some of the natural spice of the chili powder. It also gives the chili a different texture and a richer taste that may be new to you. The best part is that it doesn’t take away any of the usual heartiness of a bowl of chili.
Is This Chocolate Chili Healthy?
Chocolate chili is a reasonably healthy dish for most people. There is a moderate number of calories and grams of sugar per serving, and we stick to a low-sodium broth. If you’re trying to keep your salt intake low, experiment with reducing the salt in this recipe. Featuring both beans and ground beef, this recipe is packed with protein. If you want to make this recipe vegetarian and vegan, simply use a vegetable broth and plant-based ground beef. If you’re vegan, make sure to check the ingredients on your dark chocolate to ensure that it’s dairy-free.
The Origins Of The Chili Pepper-Chocolate Combo
The concept of spicy chocolate can be traced back to the Mayan Empire (which began in 2000 BCE in what is now southeastern Mexico and northern Central America). The Mayans traditionally made a cold, frothy, and bitter drink called “xocolatl” that combined chocolate, chili powder, herbs, annatto, and cornmeal. Nowadays, if you walk into a fancy chocolate shop or even just the candy aisle of the grocery store, you’ll probably see a chocolate bar that features chili pepper.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
For leftover chili, allow it to cool and then place it in an airtight container. It will stay good in the fridge for up to 4 days. If you decide to store it in the freezer, it will be good for up to 3 months.
Serving Suggestions
I recommend topping this chili with cilantro, shredded cheese, sour cream, and/or green onions. As with any type of chili, cornbread makes for an excellent side dish. Specifically, I recommend this recipe for Easy Sweet Vegan Cornbread With Applesauce. Coleslaw is another popular side dish for chili because it adds more vegetables—and sometimes fruit—to the meal. I would recommend combining this chili with either simple Mexican Coleslaw or perhaps Apple Coleslaw. You may also want to experiment with various salads, including Corn Salad or Vegan Broccoli Salad.
When you’re done experimenting with chocolate chili, don’t miss out on these other chili recipes, too. If you’re keto, we have you covered with a No-Bean Keto Chili In The Instant Pot. For anyone who wants a little extra spice, I would recommend Cajun Instant-Pot Chili.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 large onion diced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 can (15 ounces) black beans drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 ounces) diced tomatoes undrained
- 2 ounces dark chocolate roughly chopped
- 2 cups low-sodium beef broth
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onions and garlic, sautéing until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Increase heat to medium-high and add ground beef, cooking until browned. Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Stir in chili powder, cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper, cooking for another minute until fragrant.
- Add black beans, diced tomatoes with their juice, dark chocolate, and beef broth to the pot. Bring to a simmer.
- Reduce heat to low and let the chili simmer, uncovered, for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Serve the chili hot with your choice of toppings.
Nutrition Info:
Nutrition information are estimates only and may vary based on the specific brands, ingredients, and portion sizes you use. This data is provided for informational purposes only.
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