One-Pot Wonders

Crockpot Vegetarian Chili with Chocolate

by:
December 29, 2009
4
1 Ratings
Crockpot Vegetarian Chili with Chocolate
  • Serves 10-12
Author Notes

This is a vegetarian chili that is very easy to prepare as it's done in a crockpot. You can brown 1 pound of organic grass-fed turkey or beef and add it to the recipe, if you like, but my family prefers vegetarian chili, so I don’t usually add meat. If you don't have a crockpot, you can certainly make this on top of the stove.

The recipe has you add cocoa powder as well as dark chocolate to the chili at the end; the result is a rich and somewhat mysterious flavor that I really like. If you don’t fancy the idea of chili with chocolate, just leave it out. —WinnieAb

What You'll Need
Ingredients
  • 1 onion, peeled and chopped
  • 3 garlic cloves, peeled and minced
  • 3 carrots, peeled and chopped
  • 2 stalks celery, chopped
  • 2 green or red peppers (or a combination), diced
  • 2 15 oz. cans black beans or kidney beans, with juice
  • 2 28 oz. can whole tomatoes in juice
  • 1 1/2 tsp. paprika
  • 3 Tb. chili powder
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon sea salt
  • 1 tablespoon organic unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1-2 ounces 60-70% dark chocolate, grated- optional, mixed in before serving
Directions
  1. Add onions, garlic, carrots, celery, green peppers, beans, tomatoes, and spices to your crockpot. Stir and break the tomatoes into smaller chunks. Cook on high for an hour or two, and then reduce to lower temperature setting for 8 hours or overnight.
  2. Add salt, and then taste and adjust seasonings, if necessary. Mix in the cocoa powder and chocolate before serving.
  3. To serve, top with sour cream or creme fraiche, shredded cheddar cheese, minced green onions, minced cilantro, diced avocado, fresh salsa or your garnish or choice.
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  • Brenna
    Brenna
  • lastnightsdinner
    lastnightsdinner
  • WinnieAb
    WinnieAb
  • RobynT
    RobynT
WinnieAb
I grew up in a restaurant family (my parents owned the now closed Quilted Giraffe in NYC) and I've always loved to cook. My interest in the connection between food and health led me to pursue a graduate degree in naturopathic medicine. I don't practice medicine anymore; I have a blog called Healthy Green Kitchen that I started in May of 2009 and I wrote a book called One Simple Change that will be published in January, 2014. I live in upstate New York with my family and many pets.

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6 Reviews

RobynT
RobynT October 4, 2010
A rainy Monday today, but I came home to the warm, enticing smell of this chili cooking in my crockpot. It was absolutely delicious, not to mention healthy and oh so easy to put together this morning. The cocoa/chocolate did add a wonderful depth that didn't overpower the chili like I think it sometimes can. Next time I may add a diced potato or sweet potato for extra heartiness.
 
WinnieAb
WinnieAb October 4, 2010
Yay! So glad you liked it. Reminds me I need to make this again really soon...I love the idea of the sweet potato ;)
 
Brenna
Brenna September 27, 2010
Sorry, I didn't add the carrots, just used them!
 
Brenna
Brenna September 27, 2010
I've made this before for a client (I am a personal chef) and am making it again for a new one. I used very, very dark chocolate (80%!) and added it before I put the chili in its delivery dish. I also added some gorgeous purple and yellow carrots. It was totally a hit and am excited to wake up smelling this cooking in the pot again.
 
WinnieAb
WinnieAb October 4, 2010
Thanks for letting me know, Brenna...I am happy you (and your clients) enjoy this recipe!
 
lastnightsdinner
lastnightsdinner December 29, 2009
Mmm, this sounds wonderful. I love adding chocolate/cocoa powder to chili - it adds such nice depth.