Chili with a Kiss
Warm your soul with the bold, smoky flavors of "Chili with a Kiss"—a hearty, one-pot wonder elevated by a surprising touch of dark chocolate. This comforting chili recipe strikes the perfect balance of savory, spicy, and slightly sweet, thanks to the rich mix of ingredients like ground beef (or turkey for a leaner twist), vibrant bell peppers, kidney and black beans, and a medley of robust spices. The kiss of dark chocolate enhances the dish with a subtle depth, taking it from classic to unforgettable. Super simple to make in just an hour, this crowd-pleaser is perfect for family dinners, game days, or cozy nights in. Serve it hot with optional garnishes like fresh cilantro, creamy sour cream, and melted cheddar cheese for the ultimate bowl of comfort food. Ideal for those searching for "easy chili recipes," "one-pot meals," or "unique comfort food," this dish is a must-try!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic cloves, minced
- 1 pound ground beef (or ground turkey for a leaner option)
- 1 medium red bell pepper, diced
- 1 medium green bell pepper, diced
- 28 ounces canned diced tomatoes (with juices)
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 15 ounces canned kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 15 ounces canned black beans, drained and rinsed
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 0.5 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to desired spice level)
- 1 ounce dark chocolate (70% cocoa or higher), finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup water or beef broth
- 0.25 cup fresh cilantro, chopped (optional, for garnish)
- 0.5 cup sour cream (optional, for serving)
- 0.5 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional, for serving)
Instructions
Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
Add the diced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it becomes translucent.
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute, or until fragrant.
Add the ground beef (or ground turkey) to the pot. Break it up with a wooden spoon and cook until browned, about 7-8 minutes. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
Stir in the diced red and green bell peppers. Cook for 3-4 minutes until they begin to soften.
Add the canned diced tomatoes (with juices), tomato paste, kidney beans, and black beans to the pot. Stir to combine.
Sprinkle in the chili powder, ground cumin, paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper, mixing well to distribute the spices evenly.
Pour in the water or beef broth, stirring to incorporate all ingredients.
Bring the chili to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low. Simmer uncovered for 25-30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
After 25-30 minutes of simmering, stir in the chopped dark chocolate until fully melted and incorporated. Taste the chili and adjust seasoning if necessary.
Serve hot, garnished with chopped cilantro, a dollop of sour cream, and shredded cheddar cheese, if desired.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
3168 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 176.3 g | 226% | |
| Saturated Fat | 72.6 g | 363% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.7 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 483 mg | 161% | |
| Sodium | 6120 mg | 266% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 240.9 g | 88% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 74.4 g | 266% | |
| Total Sugars | 56.8 g | ||
| Protein | 160.2 g | 320% | |
| Vitamin D | 1.1 mcg | 5% | |
| Calcium | 1239 mg | 95% | |
| Iron | 42.0 mg | 233% | |
| Potassium | 6829 mg | 145% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
