Chocolate Chip Chili (Don’t Judge Until You Try It)

'Tis the season for a big pot of steaming chili. I came across this version in Simple Bites a couple weeks ago and couldn't wait to try it. It's the standard easy chili recipe but it calls for an unusual combination of sweet Italian sausage and, get this, chocolate chips — unprecedented!

Now, before you turn up your nose at the ingredient list, I can't say this enough: It really works! The chocolate chips add great depth of flavor. It's that little something extra that makes your chili stand out from all the rest.

Chocolate Chip Chili With Sausage from Simple Bites

  • 1 lb. sweet Italian sausages
  • 2 lbs. lean ground beef
  • 2 medium onions, peeled and chopped
  • 4 cloves garlic, peeled and minced
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 teaspoons ground cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon dried crushed chillies
  • 1 medium can tomato purée
  • 3 x 15 oz cans red kidney beans, drained
  • 3 x 15 oz cans chopped tomatoes
  • 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips
  • 2 cups water
  • Salt & pepper to taste

Brown meats in olive oil in large pan on medium heat, using a sturdy wooden spoon to break them up.

Add onion and garlic, cook for a few minutes until soft, then add the cumin, coriander, cinnamon, and dried chillies. Stir well to combine.

Stir in the tomato purée and chopped tomatoes. Add the water and bring the chili to a boil.

Once it’s started bubbling, sprinkle the chocolate chips and the kidney beans over the chili, and give it a good stir.

Transfer it to a Crock-Pot for up to 7 hours.

Season with salt & pepper before serving. Top with your favorite chili toppings — sour cream, shredded cheese, green onions, etc.

What do you like to put in your chili?

Image via land_camera_land_camera/Flickr