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Fire and Ice Chili with Chocolate Twist

Fire and Ice Chili with Chocolate Twist
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The Fire and Ice Chili with Chocolate Twist is a bold and unique chili recipe that masterfully blends fiery chili peppers with the rich, bittersweet depth of dark chocolate. This dish offers a thrilling balance of spice, sweetness, and citrus brightness, making it a warming and adventurous comfort food perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

Proteins

  • 1 lb ground beef or turkey
  • Optional for vegetarian: 1 cup mushrooms, lentils, or extra beans

Vegetables and Aromatics

  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2–3 chili peppers (jalapeño, serrano, or chipotle), finely chopped
  • 1 (14 oz) can diced tomatoes
  • 1 (15 oz) can black or kidney beans, drained and rinsed

Spices and Seasonings

  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Other Ingredients

  • 2 oz dark chocolate (70% cocoa or higher), finely chopped
  • 1 tbsp fresh lime juice
  • 1–2 tbsp cooking oil (vegetable or olive oil)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Aromatics: Finely chop onions, garlic, and chili peppers. In a large pot, heat a splash of oil over medium heat and sauté the aromatics until softened and fragrant, about 5 minutes.
  2. Brown the Meat: Add ground beef or turkey to the pot. Cook until browned and no longer pink, breaking it up with a spoon to ensure even cooking and texture.
  3. Add Spices and Tomatoes: Sprinkle in cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, cinnamon, salt, and pepper. Stir well and toast the spices for about 1 minute, then pour in the canned tomatoes and stir to combine.
  4. Simmer with Beans: Drain and rinse beans, then add them to the pot. Let the chili simmer gently for 30 to 40 minutes, allowing flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken.
  5. Stir in the Chocolate and Lime: Just before serving, stir in the finely chopped dark chocolate until melted and smoothly combined. Finish by squeezing fresh lime juice over the chili to brighten and enhance the flavor contrast.

Notes

  • Use high-quality dark chocolate (70% cocoa or more) for the best flavor depth.
  • Adjust spices gradually to tailor the heat according to your preference.
  • Allow the chili to rest a few hours or overnight to deepen the flavors.
  • Fresh lime juice is essential to balance the heat and enhance the flavor complexity.
  • Beans add creamy texture and nutritional value, making the chili more satisfying.

Nutrition

Keywords: chili, dark chocolate, spicy, comfort food, fire and ice chili, ground beef chili, turkey chili, vegetarian chili option

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