Chocolate is usually associated with indulgent desserts, but the rich and complex flavors of the world’s most beloved treat lend themselves well to savory main courses. Chocolate and cocoa powder – used the right way – can add richness, complexity, and depth to your cooking. We’ve hand-picked a few noteworthy dishes that show off chocolate’s savory side – from a hearty chocolate chili recipe to an unexpected braised rabbit in chocolate sauce. Dig in!
Chocolate Chili
This rich, hearty chili from Foolproof Living has layers upon layers of flavor with cumin, jalapenos, dark chocolate, and cocoa powder. Chocolate adds balance and complexity to the chili and counterbalances the acidity from the tomatoes and peppers. This recipe calls for unsweetened baking chocolate, but if you really want to impress your discerning dinner guests, try authentic Mexican chocolate for an extra ‘wow’ factor!
Chocolate Beef Cheek Stew with Sweet Potatoes
Chocolate and beef pair surprisingly well together. While just about any cut of beef will work in this stew (think chuck steak, beef spare ribs, or shoulder), this recipe from Wholesome Cook calls for flavor-packed beef cheeks. Beef cheeks are tough cuts of meat that break down beautifully when they’re cooked slow. The sweet potato brings a little something sweet to this dish, but other vegetables will work as well. Try carrots, mushrooms, potatoes, onions, or peas.
White Chocolate Baba Ghannouj
If you’ve never had baba ghannouj (pronounced ga-noosh) what are you waiting for?! This smoky appetizer is a staple in the Middle East and once you try it, it will be a staple at your house too! This beloved appetizer is traditionally made with roasted eggplant, tahini, garlic, paprika, lemon juice, and more. But this recipe from Saveur has a secret ingredient – white chocolate! That creamy chocolate adds a hint of sweetness to this delightful dip. Serve with Arabic bread or pita bread and watch it disappear!
Savory Chocolate Barbecue Chicken
Barbecue chicken and chocolate? Why not!? This recipe from Must Love Home starts with two pounds of bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs so you know this dish is gonna’ be loaded with flavor! Smoked paprika, cayenne, dry mustard, chili powder, and onion powder add spicy layers of flavor to this barbecue sauce, but the brewed coffee, chocolate, and cocoa powder take it to another level. Yum!
Rabbit with Chocolate Sauce
If you’re looking for a dish to impress, this is it. While it’s worth making for any occasion, this recipe from The Foodolic is a great way to show off your culinary skills. Conejo al chocolate (rabbit with chocolate sauce) comes from the Catalonia region in Spain. Braised rabbit, red wine, carrots, shallots, garlic, brandy, and 60 grams of 75% dark chocolate come together to create an unforgettable meal. Serve on a bed of mashed potatoes – perfect to mop up all that delicious extra sauce!
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