Sweet and Savory Chili
This chili has all the things that I love. A dear friend of mine asked me to develop a chili recipe, so I went out and got all the things I thought would go well together. I heard more than once of chocolate being added to chili to give it a slightly sweet flavor and when I tried this, I knew I would never go back. It adds depths of flavor in every spoonful of sweet heat that make for my favorite chili ever! I'm gladly sharing it with you and I hope you give it a try. Enjoy!
Sweet and Savory Chili
Serves 10-12
Ingredients:
2 tablespoons oil of choice
1 purple onion, finely chopped
2 lbs ground beef
2 16oz cans chili beans, drained and rinsed
4-5 garlic cloves, minced
2 bell peppers, chopped (red, orange or yellow)
1 28oz can whole peeled tomatoes, pureed*
1/2 of a round of Abuelita Mexican Hot Chocolate tablet, finely chopped **
2 teaspoons salt
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon chili powder
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1/3 cup chopped cilantro, plus more for garnish
Directions:
1. In a large heavy-bottom pot (such as a dutch oven) over medium heat, add 2 tablespoons of oil and the onion. Cook until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the ground beef and cook until almost cooked through, breaking the meat up with a wooden spoon.
2. Add drained chili beans, garlic, chopped bell peppers, and the can of tomatoes. Refill the can with water and add to the pot.
3. Bring to a boil, stirring occasionally. Stir in the chocolate, salt, ground black pepper, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, paprika and bring down to a low simmer. Simmer for 1 hour on low, stirring occasionally. Turn off the heat and stir in the 1/3 cup chopped cilantro. I like to top mine with fresh purple onion, cilantro, sour cream and shredded cheese. Enjoy!
* I simply stuck my immersion blender into the can and blended it this way, but you can also dump the can of tomatoes into a blender and blend until pureed.
** If you cannot find Mexican hot chocolate tablets, half a bar of extra dark chocolate will also work