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Smoky Chipotle Chili with Dark Chocolate

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A bold, smoky, and comforting weeknight chili made with ground beef, chipotle peppers in adobo, and a square of dark chocolate for depth. This recipe comes together in under 30 minutes using simple techniques like blooming spices and deglazing.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound 80/20 ground beef
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 to 3 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, minced
  • 2 tablespoons chili powder
  • 1 tablespoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
  • 1 cup beef broth (low sodium)
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) crushed tomatoes
  • 1 to 2 squares (about 1 ounce) 70% or higher dark chocolate, chopped
  • 1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add diced onion and a pinch of salt; cook for 3-4 minutes until translucent. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  2. Lower heat to medium. Add chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper. Stir constantly for 1 minute to bloom the spices and release their oils.
  3. Add ground beef to the pot. Break it up with a wooden spoon and cook until browned and no longer pink. Drain excess fat if desired.
  4. Stir in minced chipotle peppers and 1 tablespoon of adobo sauce. Cook for 1 minute to infuse the meat with smoky flavor.
  5. Pour in crushed tomatoes and beef broth. Stir to combine, scraping up browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover partially and simmer for 15 minutes.
  6. Stir in chopped dark chocolate and balsamic vinegar. Continue stirring until the chocolate is completely dissolved and the chili is glossy, about 2 minutes.
  7. Taste and season with salt and black pepper as needed. Adjust heat with more cayenne or adobo if desired.
  8. Ladle into bowls and serve immediately, topped with fresh cilantro, shredded cheese, or sour cream.

Notes

Add the chocolate at the very end to prevent separation. Use 70% or higher dark chocolate; do not use chocolate chips as they contain stabilizers. If you prefer a thicker chili, mash some of the tomatoes against the side of the pot before adding the chocolate. Taste as you go, as chipotle heat levels vary by brand.

Nutrition

Keywords: chipotle chili, dark chocolate chili, easy weeknight dinner, smoky chili, comfort food, 30 minute meals, beef chili

Find it online: https://blingbite.com/smoky-chipotle-chili-with-dark-chocolate-best-easy-30-minute-recipe/