Chocolate Stout Chili Recipe

I hesitate to share my chili recipe, as chili is one of those things that people take very personally. An authentic Texas Chili, of course, will have neither ground beef nor beans in it. But it also won’t have Dave’s Chocolate Chili Stout from LoveShack Libations. For that reason alone, authentic or not, this recipe is a clear winner!

Serves 6

INGREDIENTS

• 1 Tbsp olive oil
• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 12 oz Chocolate Chili Stout (or your favourite dark beer)
• 1 Tbsp salt
• 1 Tbsp black pepper
• 6 Tbsp chili powder
• 1 Tbsp cumin
• 1 tsp crushed red chili pepper
• 1 Tbsp puréed chipotle pepper (from can of chipotles in adobo)
• 1 green pepper, chopped
• 2 cans (15 oz) kidney beans
• 1 large can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
• 1 can (5 oz) tomato paste
• 2 Tbsp white vinegar
• 2 oz chopped dark chocolate or chocolate chips
• For serving (optional): grated cheddar, fresh cilantro, sour cream, chopped green onion, tortilla chips

METHOD

1. Heat oil in a large dutch oven or heavy-bottom pot. Add ground beef and cook over medium heat until brown throughout (but not crispy). Add the onion and sauté until it is soft and translucent, stirring occasionally for 3-5 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook for another minute.

2. Deglaze the pan with the beer, and then add the remaining ingredients, stirring well to combine.

3. Bring to a boil, then reduce the temperature to a low simmer and partially cover with the lid half-ajar. Simmer, stirring occasionally, for 1 hour.

4. Chili is always better when left to sit or warmed again the next day, but eat right away if you must.

5. Garnish with grated cheddar, fresh cilantro, sour cream and/or chopped green onion, and serve with tortilla chips or fresh sourdough bread.