A Cozy Twist: Spicy Turkey Chili with a Surprise Ingredient

This isn’t your average chili. The addition of roasted sweet peppers and a splash of dark chocolate transforms the dish into something truly memorable. It’s perfect for those who crave warmth with a twist and for anyone wanting to sneak good-for-you ingredients into a family-friendly meal. Let’s get cooking and turn simple ingredients into a pot of pure magic.

Sweet Pepper and Dark Chocolate Chili

This chili recipe incorporates roasted sweet peppers and a splash of dark chocolate to create a rich, smoky, and slightly sweet flavor profile. The dish involves simmering seasoned ground meat with vegetables and ingredients that develop a thick, hearty consistency. The final appearance is a velvety, deeply colored stew with tender ingredients and a glossy finish.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 40 minutes mins

Total Time 55 minutes mins

Servings: 4

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Calories: 330

Ingredients Equipment Method

Ingredients

  

• 3 large sweet peppers preferably red or orange for sweetness
• 1 lb ground beef or turkey
• 1 medium onion diced
• 3 cloves garlic minced
• 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 square (1 oz) dark chocolate roughly chopped
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 0.5 teaspoon chili powder
• to taste salt and pepper

Equipment

• Baking sheet
• Large pot or Dutch oven
• Stirring spoon

Method

 

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and arrange whole sweet peppers on a baking sheet. Roast for about 20-25 minutes until the skins are blistered and charred in spots, then remove and let cool slightly.
2. Once cooled enough to handle, peel off the charred skins from the peppers and dice them into small pieces.
3. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onions and cook until they become translucent and fragrant, about 5 minutes.
4. Add the minced garlic to the pot and cook for another minute until it releases a lovely aroma.
5. Increase the heat slightly and add the ground meat, breaking it apart with a spoon. Cook until browned all over, about 8 minutes.
6. Stir in the diced roasted peppers along with ground cumin and chili powder, cooking for 2 additional minutes to combine flavors.
7. Pour in the diced tomatoes and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Reduce heat to low and let cook uncovered for 15-20 minutes to thicken slightly.
8. Add the chopped dark chocolate and stir until fully melted and integrated into the chili, giving it a rich, glossy appearance.
9. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as desired. Continue to simmer for another 5 minutes to meld all flavors together.
10. Serve the chili hot, garnished with fresh herbs if desired, and enjoy its thick, velvety texture with tender vegetables and a smoky-sweet flavor.

Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a casual Sunday gathering, this recipe offers a warm embrace in every bowl. It’s a reminder that even the simplest ingredients can come together to create something truly special when you add a little flair.