Tuesday, January 28, 2014

Chipotle Chocolate Chili

I love chili, I love chipotle, and I love chocolate! 
So what's not to love combining them all into one hearty, slightly sweet, slightly savory, slightly smokey and somewhat spicy pot of deliciousity.  (yes I did just make up a word, but it fits!)  I found this recipe a while ago and have been waiting for a cold snowy day to try it out, but the persnickety Utah January weather is not cooperating so I decided to just jump in and make it, then freeze some until we get that cold snowy day, probably in late March!  I am most definitely bringing this to my next chili cook off! 

So here is my rich, spicy, gift to you:


Chipotle Chocolate Chili


Ingredients 

1 Tablespoon olive oil
1 pound lean ground turkey 
1 large onion, chopped 
1 red bell pepper, minced
3-5 cloves of garlic, minced or pressed

3 Tablespoon brown sugar
1 Tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder
1 Tablespoon Ancho Chili powder
1 Tablespoon Chipotle Chili powder 
2 teaspoons ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon dried, crushed chipotle pepper
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika 
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
1/2 teaspoon Kosher or sea salt

2  cups beef broth
2  15 ounce cans diced tomatoes, with liquid
2  14.5 ounce cans kidney beans, drained and rinsed 

1  7 ounce can chipotle peppers in adobo sauce 

1 1/2 teaspoons liquid smoke 

1/2 ounce unsweetened baking chocolate (1/2 a cube), chopped 
3-4 Tablespoons red wine vinegar 

garnish 

chopped green onions
shredded cheddar cheese
light sour cream or Greek Yogurt 


Directions

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat, add turkey, onion, garlic and bell pepper until turkey is cooked through, stirring frequently
Mix together the brown sugar, cocoa powder, chili powders, cumin, crushed chipotle, paprika, black pepper and salt together. 
Stir seasoning mix into meat mixture until well coated.  
Heat another few minutes until the seasonings just start to brown. 
Add beef broth and de-glaze the pan. 
Add tomatoes and beans
Remove the chipotle chilies from the adobo sauce and add the sauce to the pot, reserving the chilies. 
Heat to boiling, reduce heat and simmer uncovered, stirring occasionally, until thickened. This should take about 45-60 minutes.
Add the liquid smoke, cook 5 more minutes
Now it is time to play with the flavor a bit
Dice some of chipotle peppers and add to the pot
Stir in some of the red wine vinegar
Stir in some of the chocolate
Keep adding a little of these ingredients at a time until you find the flavor balance you like
Remember: the chocolate adds depth, the vinegar cuts some of the sweetness and the chipotle add smokey heat 
Simmer about 30 more minutes until chocolate is fully melted and flavors blend.
Serve with desired toppings 

Tips and Hints

  • Make sure you use real cocoa do NOT use Nesquik or similar powder 
  • I discovered I was out of red wine vinegar and substituted apple cider vinegar with success
  • Look for a brand of Chipotle in adobo that doesn't have wheat added for a gluten free version 
  • If you don't like a lot of heat decrease the chili powder and omit the extra chipotle peppers, you'll still want to use at least some of the adobo sauce for the flavor depth
  • Too much of the chocolate will make the chili bitter, so add with caution 
  • Feel free to use beef. sausage or other meat for a less healthy version, but I promise the turkey is delicious! 
  • Consider doubling or even tripling the batch because, trust me, people will come back for more.





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