Chocolate Harmony Chili
Indulge in this unique Chocolate Harmony Chili, where the rich depth of chocolate meets the vibrant flavors of fresh vegetables and spices. This dish showcases a perfect blend of sweet, sour, salty, and spicy elements that will tantalize your taste buds. There’s no denying the untraditional aspect of this chili - instead of the typical tartness, we embrace the smooth sweetness of cocoa and the complexity of dark chocolate, creating a harmonious balance that will redefine your chili experience. Although it may deviate from the classic recipe, every spoonful promises a delightful explosion of flavors that celebrates both the heartiness of meat and the freshness of vegetables. Whether enjoyed with melted cheese and crunchy corn chips or simmered until perfect for days on end, this chili is perfect for gatherings, meal prep, or simply as a warm, comforting bowl on a chilly evening.
10-20
Servings
N/A
Calories
28
Ingredients
Ingredients
ground beef
2 lbs (ground)
yellow sweet onion
1 cup (chopped)
sweet bell pepper
1 cup (chopped)
celery
2 stalks (chopped)
carrot
1 (chopped)
jalapeno peppers
2 (sliced or chopped)
crushed tomatoes
2 (28 oz) cans (canned)
tomato paste
1 (6 oz) can (canned)
garlic cloves
4-8 (smashed)
salt
to taste
black pepper
1 tsp
cayenne pepper
1 tsp
cumin
1 tsp
thyme
1 tsp (dried)
basil
1 tsp (dried)
oregano
2 tsp (dried)
Hungarian paprika
1 tsp
Mexican chili powder
2 tsp
garlic powder
2 tsp
onion powder
1 tsp
dried parsley
2 tsp
dried cilantro
1 tsp
brown sugar
1/2 cup
unsweetened cocoa powder
1/2 cup
dark chocolate
2 oz (chopped)
orange juice
1/8 cup
lime juice
1/4 cup (or juice from 1 lime)
lemon juice
1/4 cup (or juice from 1 lemon)
Instructions
1
Prepare all your vegetables by chopping them into small, uniform pieces for even cooking.
2
In a large, deep cast iron pot, heat over high heat and brown the ground meat until it reaches a medium-rare state. Lightly season with salt and pepper while browning.
3
Drain excess fat, leaving a bit to sauté the vegetables. Push the meat to one side of the pot to create space.
4
Reduce heat to medium-high. On the empty side, add the onions, garlic, and jalapenos. Sauté for 3-5 minutes until fragrant.
5
Add the remaining chopped vegetables (bell peppers, celery, and carrot) to the pot. Season with salt and pepper, stirring regularly to combine with the meat, ensuring vegetables cook while meat remains moist.
6
Make a small space at the bottom of the pot and add the tomato paste, cooking for a minute to develop flavors before mixing everything together.
7
Pour in the crushed tomatoes, season lightly with salt, and stir in the Cocoa Chili Spice Mix, maintaining a low simmer.
8
Incorporate the lime juice, lemon juice, orange juice, and dark chocolate pieces into the mixture, stirring until the chocolate is melted and fully integrated.
9
Taste the chili and adjust flavors as necessary, adding brown sugar for sweetness, salt for savoriness, or more peppers for heat according to your preference.
10
Lower the heat and partially cover the pot. Allow the chili to simmer for 5-10 minutes. Turn off heat and let the flavors meld.
11
Serve hot with shredded cheddar cheese and corn chips or cornbread for a comforting meal. Enjoy leftovers by refrigerating or freezing for later use.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Chocolate Harmony Chili?
Chocolate Harmony Chili is a unique dish where the rich depth of chocolate meets vibrant vegetables and spices, creating a balance of sweet, sour, salty, and spicy flavors.
Does this chili use real chocolate?
Yes, the recipe uses both 1/2 cup of unsweetened cocoa powder and 2 oz of chopped dark chocolate.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe is designed to serve between 10 and 20 people.
What type of meat is required for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 2 lbs of ground beef.
Is this a traditional chili recipe?
No, it is described as an untraditional chili that embraces smooth sweetness and complexity over typical tartness.
What vegetables are included in the Chocolate Harmony Chili?
The recipe includes yellow sweet onion, sweet bell pepper, celery, carrot, and jalapeno peppers.
How should I prepare the vegetables?
Vegetables should be chopped into small, uniform pieces to ensure even cooking.
What kind of pot should I use to cook this chili?
A large, deep cast iron pot is recommended for this recipe.
How do I brown the meat correctly?
Brown the ground meat over high heat until it reaches a medium-rare state, seasoning lightly with salt and pepper.
Should I drain the fat after browning the meat?
Yes, drain the excess fat but leave a small amount to sauté the vegetables.
How long should I sauté the aromatics?
Sauté the onions, garlic, and jalapenos for 3-5 minutes until they become fragrant.
What type of tomatoes are used in this recipe?
The recipe uses two 28 oz cans of crushed tomatoes and one 6 oz can of tomato paste.
How is the tomato paste incorporated?
Make a small space at the bottom of the pot and cook the tomato paste for a minute to develop flavors before mixing it with the rest of the ingredients.
Which spices are included in the Cocoa Chili Spice Mix?
The mix includes salt, black pepper, cayenne, cumin, thyme, basil, oregano, Hungarian paprika, Mexican chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, dried parsley, and dried cilantro.
What citrus juices are added to the chili?
The recipe includes orange juice, lime juice, and lemon juice for a complex flavor profile.
How do I adjust the sweetness of the chili?
You can add up to 1/2 cup of brown sugar to adjust the sweetness to your preference.
How long should the chili simmer?
After combining all ingredients, lower the heat and allow the chili to simmer partially covered for 5-10 minutes.
What are the recommended toppings for serving?
It is best served hot with shredded cheddar cheese and corn chips or cornbread.
Is this chili good for meal prep?
Yes, it is noted as being perfect for meal prep as the flavors meld over time.
Can I freeze this chili?
Yes, leftovers can be refrigerated or frozen for later use.
How much garlic is needed?
The recipe calls for 4 to 8 smashed garlic cloves.
What makes this chili 'spicy'?
The heat comes from jalapeno peppers, cayenne pepper, and Mexican chili powder.
How do I balance the flavors if it's too salty?
You can adjust the flavor by adding more brown sugar for sweetness or more citrus juice for acidity.
What is the role of the carrot in this recipe?
The carrot adds a touch of natural sweetness and texture to the vegetable base of the chili.
When should I add the dark chocolate pieces?
The dark chocolate pieces should be added along with the citrus juices, stirring until they are fully melted and integrated.
Does the recipe use dried or fresh herbs?
The recipe specifically lists dried thyme, basil, oregano, parsley, and cilantro.
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
While the recipe specifies ground beef, it emphasizes the heartiness of meat, suggesting other ground meats could be substituted if desired.
What should the heat setting be for browning meat?
The meat should be browned over high heat to achieve the proper sear.
How do I prep the garlic?
The garlic cloves should be smashed before being added to the pot.
What is the primary flavor profile of this chili?
The profile is a harmonious balance of rich cocoa sweetness, savory meat, fresh vegetables, and a spicy kick.