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Fire and Ice Chili with Chocolate Twist

Fire and Ice Chili with Chocolate Twist
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Fire and Ice Chili with Chocolate Twist is a unique and flavorful chili recipe that masterfully combines bold spicy heat from fresh peppers and spices with the smooth richness of dark cocoa. This dish delivers a comforting yet exciting taste experience, enhanced by fresh cilantro and lime juice for a refreshing contrast. Perfect for all seasons and easily customizable to suit different diets and heat preferences.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein

  • 1 lb ground beef or turkey

Vegetables

  • 1 cup fire-roasted tomatoes (with juices)
  • 2 fresh jalapeños, finely chopped
  • 2 red chili peppers, finely chopped
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup black beans or kidney beans, drained and rinsed

Spices & Flavorings

  • 2 tbsp chili powder
  • 1 tbsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp salt (or to taste)
  • 2 tbsp dark cocoa powder (unsweetened)

Fresh Finishes

  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
  • 2 tbsp lime juice (freshly squeezed)

Optional Toppings

  • Greek yogurt or sour cream (for serving)
  • Diced avocado
  • Additional fresh cilantro
  • Diced red onions
  • Lime wedges

Instructions

  1. Prepare Your Ingredients: Finely chop the onions, garlic, jalapeños, and red chili peppers. Drain and rinse the beans if canned. Measure out chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, and cocoa powder.
  2. Sauté Aromatics and Brown the Meat: Heat oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add onions and garlic and cook until soft and fragrant. Add ground beef or turkey, breaking it apart, and cook until browned and fully cooked.
  3. Add Peppers and Spices: Stir in chopped jalapeños, red chili peppers, chili powder, smoked paprika, and salt. Cook for 2-3 minutes to toast spices and blend flavors.
  4. Incorporate Tomatoes, Beans, and Cocoa: Add the fire-roasted tomatoes with juices and the beans. Stir in the dark cocoa powder to enrich the chili with subtle chocolate depth, mixing well. Bring to a simmer.
  5. Simmer and Develop Flavors: Reduce heat to low, cover loosely, and simmer for at least 30 minutes, stirring occasionally to meld flavors and thicken chili.
  6. Finish with Fresh Elements: Just before serving, stir in freshly chopped cilantro and freshly squeezed lime juice to add bright, refreshing contrast.

Notes

  • Use unsweetened, high-quality dark cocoa powder for best flavor without bitterness.
  • Don’t skip the lime juice; it balances richness and brightens the dish.
  • Toast chili powder and smoked paprika gently to enhance aroma and flavor.
  • Simmering chili low and slow deepens flavors and improves texture.
  • Adjust chili peppers according to your preferred heat level.

Nutrition

Keywords: chili, spicy chili, chocolate chili, fire and ice chili, cocoa chili, spicy stew, Tex-Mex, gluten free chili

Find it online: https://linacorner.com/fire-and-ice-chili-with-chocolate-twist/