A rich, comforting chili with cocoa, beans, tomatoes, and a hint of spice—ideal for chilly evenings.
# Ingredient List:
→ Meats
01 - 1 pound ground beef, or substitute with ground turkey or plant-based mince
→ Vegetables
02 - 1 large yellow onion, diced
03 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
04 - 1 red bell pepper, diced
05 - 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and minced, optional
→ Beans & Tomatoes
06 - 1 can (15 ounces) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
07 - 1 can (15 ounces) black beans, drained and rinsed
08 - 1 can (28 ounces) diced tomatoes with juice
09 - 2 tablespoons tomato paste
→ Spices & Seasonings
10 - 2 tablespoons chili powder
11 - 1 teaspoon ground cumin
12 - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
13 - 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
14 - 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
15 - 1/2 teaspoon salt, more to taste
16 - 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
17 - Pinch of cayenne pepper, optional
→ Chocolate Twist
18 - 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
19 - 2 tablespoons cocoa nibs
→ Liquids
20 - 1 cup low-sodium beef broth or vegetable broth
→ Garnishes (optional)
21 - Chopped fresh cilantro
22 - Sour cream or plain yogurt
23 - Shredded cheddar cheese
24 - Sliced green onions
# Directions:
01 - Place a large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until well browned. Drain excess fat if needed.
02 - Add diced onion and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until softened. Stir in minced garlic, diced red bell pepper, and jalapeño; cook for an additional 2 to 3 minutes.
03 - Incorporate chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, cinnamon, oregano, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Stir and cook for 1 minute until spices are fragrant.
04 - Add tomato paste and sauté for 1 minute, stirring thoroughly to combine.
05 - Pour in diced tomatoes with juice, add both types of drained beans, unsweetened cocoa powder, and broth. Mix to combine all ingredients evenly.
06 - Increase heat and bring mixture to a gentle boil. Reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
07 - Stir in cocoa nibs and continue simmering for 5 minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
08 - Ladle chili into bowls and top with garnishes such as fresh cilantro, sour cream, shredded cheddar, or green onions as desired.
