Paleo Chocolate Chili

It was a nice cool day and I decided to make some chili. I found this Paleo Chili recipe that used cocoa powder and thought that was a little different and gave it a try. I added some carrots and celery that I had received from my fruit and veggie deliver the other day. I also added kidney beans since I had some on hand, so it was not totally Paleo. It would have been fine without the beans as well. A recipe that is a definite keeper.

Paleo Chocolate Chili
Prep 20 min | Cook 2-3 hours | Serves 6-8

Ingredients:
2 tablespoons coconut oil
1 large red onions, diced (about 2 cups)
4 cloves garlic, minced (about 4 teaspoons)
2 pounds ground turkey
1 teaspoon dried oregano leaves
2 tablespoons chili powder
2 tablespoons ground cumin
1 1/2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa
1 teaspoon ground allspice (I used Traders Joe's 21 Salute Seasoning)
1 teaspoon sea salt
½ tsp black pepper
1 cup diced celery
1 cup diced carrots
1 can (6 ounces) tomato paste
1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes w/ juice
1 can (14.5 ounces) beef broth (I used chicken broth)
½ cup water

Directions:

1. Heat a large, deep pot over medium-high heat, then add the coconut oil. When the oil is melted, sauté veggies and add onions, stir and cook until onions are translucent, about 7 minutes. Add garlic and as soon as it’s fragrant, about 30 seconds, crumble the ground meat into the pan, mixing with the spoon to combine. Continue to cook the meat, stirring often, until it’s no longer pink.

2. In a small bowl, crush the oregano between your palms to release its flavor, then add the chili powder, cumin, cocoa, allspice, black pepper, and salt. Combine with a fork, then add to the pot, stirring like you mean it. Add tomato paste and stir until combined, about 2 minutes.

 3. Add the tomatoes with their juice, beef broth, and water to the pot. Stir well. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat so the chili enjoys a gentle simmer. Simmer uncovered for at least two hours. Do not skimp on the simmer! Serve in deep bowls with big spoons.


Source: Adapted from The Clothes Make the Girl (From cookbook: Well Fed: Paleo Recipes For People Who Love To Eat)