This is on of My Sweetie’s favorite recipes. He found it several years ago here, and I adapted it. I like to make it when the weather gets cooler. It certainly is that today… cooler and wetter as we’re experiencing some much needed rain.
This chili recipe is special because of these two intriguing ingredients…
They’re magically delicious!
Chocolate Chili
2 T. olive oil
3 medium onions, chopped
1 T. dried oregano
1 T. ground cumin
2 1/2 pounds ground meat (I use beef. The original called for turkey.)
½ cup chili powder
3-4 bay leaves
2 T. unsweetened cocoa powder
1 T. salt
½ t. ground cinnamon
1 box Pomi chopped tomatoes
4 cups chicken stock
I used 1 box Pomi strained tomatoes
1 19-ounce can small white beans, rinsed, drained
1 19-ounce can black beans, rinsed, drained
1 19-ounce can red kidney beans, rinsed, drained
Heat oil in heavy large pot–your absolute biggest one–over medium heat.
Add onions; sauté until light brown and tender, about 10 minutes.
Add oregano and cumin; stir 1 minute.
Increase heat to medium-high.
Add meat; stir until no longer pink, breaking up with back of spoon.
(At this point you need to drain if you’re using beef.)
Stir in chili powder, bay leaves, cocoa powder, salt and cinnamon.
Add both boxes of Pomi tomatoes. Mix in stock.
Bring to boil.
Reduce heat; simmer 45 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Add beans to chili and simmer until flavors blend, about 10 minutes longer.
Discard bay leaves.
You could top with sour cream or serve with corn chips or just garnish the way you like.
I have frozen this, and it works well.
What is your favorite chili recipe?
I would’ve never thought of putting chocolate in my chili!
The cinnamon gives it a little special something too. Different, but good!
I’ve made similar chili before, and it was fabulous! I’ve also doctored up some canned chili by adding the chocolate & cinnamon.
What an easy fix for canned chili – great idea!
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This is the way my mom always made it, seemed to be easier on my dad’s tender stomach.
Hmmm… I wonder if that’s why my hubby likes it. He’s got a bit of a tender tummy too. Is it the cinnamon that calms down the acidity I wonder? Interesting.
Never would have thought to put those in chili! Intriguing!
I miss you, lady. Popping in to say hey. 🙂
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