Chocolate Spiced Icelandic Lamb Chili
This delightful twist on traditional chili marries the robust flavors of Icelandic lamb with rich cocoa for a unique dish that will tantalize your taste buds. Inspired by my son Bryan's culinary creativity, this hearty chili features a medley of spices, tender ground lamb, and savory beans, creating a warming, satisfying meal perfect for family gatherings or chilly evenings. Serve it with your favorite garnishes for added flavor and texture, and prepare to be amazed by the depth of flavor that chocolate brings to this classic dish!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
19
Ingredients
Ingredients
Onion
1 (medium, chopped)
Ground Lamb
1 lb (lean)
Olive Oil
2 tablespoons (for cooking)
Red Pepper Flakes
1/2 teaspoon (to taste)
Dried Basil
1/2 tablespoon
Cumin
1 teaspoon
Cinnamon
1/8 teaspoon
Garlic
2 cloves (minced)
Chili Powder
3 1/2 tablespoons
Dried Oregano
1/2 teaspoon
Unsweetened Cocoa Powder
1 teaspoon
White or Brown Sugar
1 teaspoon
Bay Leaf
1
Salt and Pepper
to taste
Diced Tomatoes
1 (14 1/2 ounce) can (with juice)
Red Beans
4 cups (canned, with liquid)
Sour Cream
for garnish
Grated Cheese
for garnish
Chopped Onion
for garnish
Instructions
1
In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and ground lamb, cooking until the onions are soft and the lamb is nicely browned, about 5-7 minutes.
2
Once the meat is browned, season the mixture with red pepper flakes, dried basil, cumin, cinnamon, minced garlic, chili powder, dried oregano, cocoa powder, sugar, and salt and pepper to taste. Stir well to combine and sauté for another 1-2 minutes to allow the spices to enhance their flavors.
3
Add the canned tomatoes with their juice and the red beans (including their liquid) to the pot. Stir everything together and increase the heat to bring the chili to a boil.
4
Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let the chili simmer for about 15 minutes to allow the flavors to blend beautifully.
5
After simmering, remove the bay leaf from the chili. Serve the chili in large bowls (or smaller, depending on appetite) and garnish with sour cream, grated cheese, and chopped onions as desired.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Chocolate Spiced Icelandic Lamb Chili?
It is a hearty twist on traditional chili that combines robust Icelandic lamb with rich cocoa and a variety of spices for a unique, warming meal.
Who inspired this lamb chili recipe?
This recipe was inspired by the culinary creativity of the author's son, Bryan.
What type of meat is used in this chili?
The recipe calls for 1 pound of lean ground lamb, specifically Icelandic lamb for its robust flavor.
Why is cocoa powder added to the chili?
Unsweetened cocoa powder is used to provide a unique depth of flavor and richness that complements the savory lamb and spices.
Is this chili spicy?
Yes, it contains red pepper flakes and 3 1/2 tablespoons of chili powder, though you can adjust the red pepper flakes to taste.
How much chili powder do I need?
The recipe requires 3 1/2 tablespoons of chili powder.
What kind of beans are used in this recipe?
The recipe uses 4 cups of canned red beans, including their liquid.
Do I need to drain the tomatoes or beans?
No, you should add the canned tomatoes with their juice and the red beans with their liquid to the pot.
How long does the lamb and onion mixture need to cook?
Sauté the chopped onions and ground lamb for about 5 to 7 minutes until the onions are soft and the lamb is browned.
What spices are included in the seasoning mix?
The seasoning includes red pepper flakes, dried basil, cumin, cinnamon, minced garlic, chili powder, dried oregano, and cocoa powder.
How long should the chili simmer?
Once the mixture reaches a boil, reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 15 minutes.
What should I do with the bay leaf?
The bay leaf should be added during the cooking process and removed before serving.
What are the suggested garnishes for this dish?
Recommended garnishes include sour cream, grated cheese, and chopped onions.
Can I use brown sugar instead of white sugar?
Yes, the recipe allows for either 1 teaspoon of white or brown sugar.
How much garlic is required?
The recipe calls for 2 cloves of minced garlic.
What oil is best for cooking this chili?
The recipe suggests using 2 tablespoons of olive oil.
How many ingredients are in this recipe in total?
There are 19 ingredients listed, including the garnishes.
Is cinnamon a standard ingredient in this chili?
Yes, 1/8 teaspoon of cinnamon is added to enhance the spiced flavor profile.
What is the first step in the instructions?
The first step is to heat olive oil in a large pot and sauté the onions and lamb.
How do I know when the spices are ready?
Sauté the spice mixture for 1-2 minutes after adding them to allow the flavors to enhance.
Is this a good recipe for family gatherings?
Yes, it is described as a satisfying meal perfect for family gatherings or chilly evenings.
Can I adjust the amount of red pepper flakes?
Yes, the 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes can be adjusted to your personal taste preference.
What size of tomato can is needed?
You will need one 14 1/2 ounce can of diced tomatoes.
What dried herbs are used?
The recipe uses dried basil and dried oregano.
Is this recipe considered comfort food?
Yes, it is tagged as comfort food and described as warming and hearty.
Does the recipe specify a serving size?
The serving size is not specified, but it suggests serving in large or small bowls depending on appetite.
What is the purpose of the sugar in the recipe?
A small amount of sugar is used to balance the acidity of the tomatoes and the bitterness of the cocoa.
How many cups of red beans are used?
The recipe calls for 4 cups of canned red beans.
Is the ground lamb supposed to be lean?
Yes, the ingredient list specifies using 1 lb of lean ground lamb.
What type of cocoa powder should I use?
You should use unsweetened cocoa powder.