Chilli con carne - chocolate, cocoa powder or nothing?
I am about to prepare chilli con carne. I have found more recipes than I would even like. I have quite an idea what ingredients and spices to put in. The last question is whether to use chocolate, cocoa powder or nothing. How do mexicans cook chilli con carne?
Best Answer
The origin of chili con carne is actually from the American southwest, not Mexico. It's tex-mex, not mex.
There are many variations on chili con carne, however if you go back to the earliest known recipes cocoa or chocolate are not on them. It's pretty basic, flavored mostly by cumin and chili. So if you want to make the most authentic chili to the origin then skip the cocoa.
However, there are many good recipes out there which have chocolate or cocoa in them and they are as valid as any other, so it all comes down to personal taste. I add unsweetened cocoa powder to my chili because the bitterness balances out the acidity of the canned tomatoes, and I like the flavor combinations you get. The umami from the chocolate enhances the flavor, and I like the way it hits the tongue, it gives it more punch.
Once I made a chili and split it into two, with one I added some cocoa powder, otherwise the chilis were identical. I served both and asked people which they liked better and the vast majority preferred the one with cocoa in it. You can also add a tsp or two of instance coffee instead although I don't think it's as good. Adding sweetened dark chocolate instead of cocoa powder works just as well, there's no much difference except the chocolate adds a bit of sweetness. The main benefit of using chocolate rather than cocoa powder is that you can try different varieties, however as it's just an undertone you aren't likely to notice.
So it's all down to taste.
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Does chili need cocoa powder?
You may associate chocolate with dessert, but rest assured, adding cocoa powder won't make your chili sickeningly sweet. Instead, it'll contribute a layer of richness and balance out the spiciness. Especially in plant-based chili where the savory quality of meat is absent, cocoa powder adds complexity of flavor.What can I substitute for cocoa powder in chili?
Swap 1 ounce of unsweetened baking chocolate for 3 tablespoons of unsweetened cocoa powder. Then omit 1 tablespoon of butter, oil, or shortening from the recipe to account for the higher fat content in the baking chocolate.Can you use cocoa powder instead of chocolate in chilli con carne?
Yes - cocoa powder! Adding chocolate to your chilli will give it a depth of flavour as well as a nice colour.What is the purpose of cocoa powder in chili?
Cocoa Powder and Chili Go Very Well Together Adding chocolate to chili lends depth and richness to the spicy dish, making it both more savory and more satisfying. That's especially the case for vegetarian and vegan chilis, when the hearty flavors from meat aren't part of the equation.Jenn de la Vega's Cocoa Coriander Chili | Genius Recipes
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Answer 2
Cocoa powder (unsweetened) by all means. It adds a bit of smokiness. The other thing to add is a few tablespoons of apple cider vinegar. Even if I add tomatoes to my con carne, I find the acidity of the vinegar brightens the flavor.
Answer 3
If you go to Mexico and look for Chilli con carne , the closest thing you can find is a dish called "Picadillo Rojo", both of them are very similar and I can say that cocoa/chocolate is not used in the preparation of it
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