Chipotle Chocolate Chili (Our Best Bites Cookbook)

Don’t be scared of chocolate in a chili recipe: it just adds richness and depth.

1-2 Tbsp olive oil

1 large onion chopped

2-3 cloves garlic, minced

1 red bell pepper chopped

1 pound lean ground turkey or beef

½ tsp kosher salt

½ tsp freshly ground black pepper

1 teaspoon ground cumin

2 Tablespoons chili powder

3 tablespoons brown sugar

1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder (not chocolate milk mix!)

2 15oz cans diced tomatoes

2 14.5oz cans kidney beans drained and rinsed

1 15-oz can beef broth

Chipotle sauce from a 7oz can of chipotle chilies

3-4 Tablespoons of red wine vinegar

½ ounce unsweetened chocolate (1/2 of an unsweetened baking cube) chopped. Optional – don’t use more than this, or the chili will be bitter.

Chopped green onions, sour cream or shredded sharp cheddar cheese for garnish, optional.

Heat olive oil in a large soup pot over medium. Sauté onion, garlic, bell pepper, and ground turkey or beef until meat is cooked through. Add salt, pepper, cumin, chili powder, brown sugar, unsweetened cocoa powder, tomatoes, beans and beef broth. Add all or most of the sauce from a can of chipotle chilies. If you don’t like too much spice, be careful here. Heat to boiling and then reduce to a simmer (uncovered) stirring occasionally until thickened as desired (about 30-40 minutes.

If desired, add some chopped chipotle chilies. Stir in 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar. Add chopped chocolate a small amount at a time until desired richness is reached. If necessary, add more red wine vinegar to cut the sweetness of the chili.

When thickened and seasoned as desired, serve with toppings.