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

#soup #maindish