Chocolate Chili con Carne

No, this is not what you think. It is not ground beef and chili peppers that is simmered in a large pool of chocolate. Actually, this makes me wonder... Is there such thing as a dessert chili? I did have a hard time to find one recipe. I would say that the dessert which approaches to the texture of a chili would probably be a chocolate chili bread pudding topped with a gooey chocolate sauce. Am I right? Do let me know if there is something that can be considered as a dessert chili.

From the two chilies that were made in the past (Quick and Easy Chili and Chili with Bacon), I learn that a good chili requires layer upon layer of flavor and a long simmering time. For this chili, I took ingredients of a traditional chili con carne, added some chipotle pepper for spiciness and smokiness, and a bit of bitterness and sweetness from the chocolate which gives an additional depth of flavor to the chili. One ounce of bittersweet chocolate is enough to make the taste of chocolate unidentifiable. I have done a taste-test on my two friends on Sunday cooking and I can guarantee you that none of them were able to guess the secret ingredient despite the helpful number of hints.

Here's what to expect after taking a tablespoonful of chili. At the first moment, one would taste the vegetables and the ground beef, this is immediately followed by the sweet and smoky taste, once swallowed, the chili leaves a lingering taste of cumin and bitterness of chocolate in your mouth. This is an ideal chili to experience altering flavors in one bite. 

Serves 6
Preparation Time: 10 mins
Cooking Time: 1 hour
Printable Recipe

Ingredients

1 large onion, minced
1 red bell pepper, diced
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 lb ground beef
2 chipotle peppers in Adobo sauce, chopped
1 tsp cumin
1 cup beef stock
1 28 oz. can diced tomatoes
1 6 oz. can tomato paste
1 can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
1 can corn kernels
1 oz. (35 g) bittersweet chocolate

Procedure

1. In a large pot, heat oil over medium heat. Cook onions until transparent. Stir in garlic and bell pepper. Cook for 5 mins.

2. Add in ground beef and cook until brown.

3. Pour in beef stock, chopped tomatoes, tomato paste, chipotle peppers, and cumin. Stir well.

4. Bring to a boil and then simmer for 30 mins. It should look thick and juicy.

5. Add kidney beans and corn. Bring back to boil and simmer.

6. Add chocolate and cook for 10 mins.

7.  Season with salt and pepper if necessary. Serve.