{"id":26956,"date":"2023-04-27T16:01:00","date_gmt":"2023-04-27T20:01:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.healthygreenkitchen.com\/?p=26956"},"modified":"2024-01-30T14:18:32","modified_gmt":"2024-01-30T19:18:32","slug":"black-bean-chili-with-chocolate","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.healthygreenkitchen.com\/black-bean-chili-with-chocolate\/","title":{"rendered":"Black Bean Chili with Dark Chocolate Cocoa"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Wanna give your staple chili recipe an unforgettable twist? Try adding chocolate!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Chili and chocolate go together like two peas in a pod. This unlikely duo creates a tasting experience like no other, blending sweet, savory, and smoky flavors that will have you craving more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Below, you’ll learn how to make this healthy weeknight staple. It consists primarily of pantry staples and takes 10 minutes to prep.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Plus, the health benefits of this chili are immense, so you can feel good about indulging in this hearty recipe.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

So next time you’re craving a twist on some classic comfort food, allow this black bean chili with chocolate to enchant your taste buds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Why Add Cocoa Powder to Chili?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Most of us associate chocolate with desserts, so what’s this sweet staple doing in this chili recipe? <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Adding chocolate to chili adds so much complexity to the flavor. The bitterness of cocoa helps tame down the acidity of tomatoes while enhancing the spice of chili peppers and cumin. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Cocoa powder also contains natural oils, which help thicken the chili and create a heartier texture. It also helps provide a touch of earthy aftertaste, which balances out the sweetness in chili.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It may seem odd to add chocolate to chili, but in traditional Mexican and Southwestern cuisine, cocoa powder is a staple spice for marinating and seasoning meat and stews.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Key Ingredients:<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Black Beans. <\/strong>These tiny yet mighty legumes pack an incredible smoky flavor with a velvety texture that lends itself well to chili. These nutritional powerhouses are also loaded with protein, fiber, and essential vitamins and minerals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Peeled Canned Tomatoes. <\/strong>These versatile gems add a touch of sweetness along with a rich, soupy texture to the chili. Tomatoes are rich in lycopene, an antioxidant that may help ward off diseases.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Chili Peppers.<\/strong> Try to use whole ones if you can find them, but canned or powdered chili peppers will do. Aside from adding a nice bite of spice to this chili, it also brings a dose of capsaicin, a compound that has been shown to have anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Cinnamon.<\/strong> Another unlikely chili component, adding cinnamon is a game-changer in this recipe. It brings a sweet and spicy flavor that compliments the dish perfectly. Cinnamon is also loaded with antioxidants, anti-inflammatory compounds, and has been shown to lower blood sugar levels.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Unsweetened Cocoa Powder.<\/strong> Not only does it give this chili a rich and complex flavor, but cocoa powder is also a great source of antioxidants and can help lower blood pressure. Promising studies are also beginning to show a correlation between cocoa powder and improved brain function and cognitive ability. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Dark Chocolate.<\/strong> This recipe doesn’t just stop at cocoa powder. Adding a tiny amount of dark chocolate can elevate the flavors to a new level. Aside from tasting divine, dark chocolate may help lower blood pressure and improve heart health. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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How to Make This Black Bean Chili<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Tempted to take this flavorful chili for a spin? Tossing it together is a breeze, making it the ideal low-effort recipe for when you’re feeling too lazy to cook.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Start by heating olive oil over medium in a large soup pan. Add onions and saute for 1-2 minutes until translucent. Then add chopped garlic and let it saute for another minute.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Onions<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Add everything from the carrots to the cinnamon to the pot. Give it a good stir until the mixture is well blended, then bring it to a boil.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Reduce the heat to a simmer and cook for around 45 minutes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Turn off the heat, then mix in the cocoa powder and grated dark chocolate. Give it a taste, adjusting the seasonings if necessary.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Ingredients<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Serve it in bowls and add optional garnishes like shredded cheddar cheese, minced cilantro, diced avocado, hot sauce, lime juice, fresh salsa, and\/or sour cream.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to Make it in a Slow Cooker<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Want to make this recipe even easier? Try making it in a slow cooker for more hands-off cook time. Here’s how to make it happen:<\/p>\n\n\n\n