Smoky Chipotle Chocolate Chili - The Ultimate Flavor Explosion!

Hey, food lovers! 🌶️🍫 Welcome back to Kitchen Chronicles with Love! Today, we’re combining two worlds that seem worlds apart but create magic together: chocolate and chili. Get ready for a mind-blowing experience with our Smoky Chipotle Chocolate Chili. This dish is rich, smoky, spicy, and with a hint of chocolate that will leave you craving more. Let’s dive into this epic culinary adventure!
Ingredients:
For the Chili:
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 pound ground beef (or turkey for a leaner option)
1 large onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 red bell pepper, chopped
1 yellow bell pepper, chopped
1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
2 cups beef broth
2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, chopped
2 tablespoons adobo sauce (from the chipotle pepper can)
2 tablespoons chili powder
1 tablespoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
2 ounces dark chocolate, chopped
Salt and pepper to taste
For Garnish:
Sour cream
Chopped fresh cilantro
Shredded cheese
Sliced jalapeños
Tortilla chips
Instructions:
Sauté the Vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
Cook the Meat: Add ground beef (or turkey) to the pot and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
Add the Peppers and Beans: Stir in chopped red and yellow bell peppers, black beans, and kidney beans. Cook for about 5 minutes until the peppers start to soften.
Build the Flavor Base: Add crushed tomatoes, beef broth, chopped chipotle peppers, adobo sauce, chili powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, ground cinnamon, and chopped dark chocolate. Stir well to combine all ingredients.
Simmer the Chili: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Let the chili simmer for at least 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Season and Serve: Taste the chili and season with salt and pepper as needed. Serve hot, garnished with sour cream, chopped cilantro, shredded cheese, sliced jalapeños, and tortilla chips on the side.
Chef’s Note:
This Smoky Chipotle Chocolate Chili is the perfect fusion of rich, smoky, and spicy flavors with a surprising hint of chocolate. The dark chocolate adds a depth of flavor that makes this chili stand out from the rest. Perfect for a cozy night in or serving a crowd. Enjoy this badass recipe and share it with those who love a good flavor adventure!