This hearty Chocolate Chili with Pinto Beans is a comforting Tex-Mex classic that balances heat with rich, earthy undertones. The secret ingredient, unsweetened cocoa powder, adds a luxurious depth and velvety texture without making it taste like dessert. Combined with savory lean pork, aromatic spices like cumin and cinnamon, and tender pinto beans, this dish is perfect for chilly evenings or casual gatherings. It 226;ÂÂs a one-pot wonder that simmers slowly to develop complex flavors, making it an ideal make-ahead meal. Serve it hot with fresh toppings like shredded lettuce, onions, or sour cream for a satisfying, home-style dinner that everyone will love.
Chocolate Chili With Pinto Beans
Description
This hearty Chocolate Chili with Pinto Beans is a comforting Tex-Mex classic that balances heat with rich, earthy undertones. The secret ingredient, unsweetened cocoa powder, adds a luxurious depth and velvety texture without making it taste like dessert. Combined with savory lean pork, aromatic spices like cumin and cinnamon, and tender pinto beans, this dish is perfect for chilly evenings or casual gatherings. It&# 226;ÂÂs a one-pot wonder that simmers slowly to develop complex flavors, making it an ideal make-ahead meal. Serve it hot with fresh toppings like shredded lettuce, onions, or sour cream for a satisfying, home-style dinner that everyone will love.Ingredients
Directions
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In a large sauté pan or flameproof casserole, cook the lean pork over moderate heat, stirring frequently, until it loses its pink color but is not browned, about 15 minutes.
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Transfer the cooked pork to a bowl and set aside.
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Heat olive oil in the same pan until rippling, then add the chopped onions.
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Sauté the onions, stirring occasionally, until soft and translucent, about 10 minutes.
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Stir the reserved pork back into the pan with the onions.
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Add the tomato juice, 3 cups of water, chili powder, cumin, oregano, cocoa powder, cinnamon, and salt.
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Blend the mixture if desired for a smoother consistency, or leave chunky.
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Turn the heat to high and bring the chili to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer, uncovered, for 1 hour.
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Stir occasionally during simmering.
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Taste the chili and adjust seasoning, adding more chili powder if you prefer a spicier flavor.
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Continue to cook for another 30 minutes.
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Stir in the chopped garlic, cornmeal, and drained pinto beans.
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Simmer for 10 more minutes until the beans are heated through and the chili has thickened.
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Serve hot, garnished with chopped onions, shredded lettuce, or sour cream as desired.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 6
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 206.0kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 11.9g19%
- Saturated Fat 4.3g22%
- Cholesterol 68.1mg23%
- Sodium 52.8mg3%
- Total Carbohydrate 0.0g0%
- Dietary Fiber 0.0g0%
- Sugars 0.0g
- Protein 23.0g46%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.