Holy Mole Chili

The warmth and smokiness of mole in the form of a chili – what’s not to love about that?

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I hope you guys are ready for yet another themed recipe week because this week is CHOCTOBERFEST! Yes, an entire week dedicated to chocolate.

Now, if you know me you would ask, “Erin, why are you excited about Choctoberfest when you don’t even really like chocolate?” And I would have to admit that while true, I do enjoy chocolate paired with other things (particularly peanut butter). There’s nothing that says I have to have chocolate on chocolate action. 

So what did I start with? Chili made with chocolate!

I’ve actually made chili with chocolate before (and I’m no where near the first to do so), but I did also add peanut butter because I was feeling wild and crazy for #PBchocSat last year. (Which BTW I have been slacking even since I found out the season will actually start on Oct 24 so stay tuned!)

I have to admit, my dad’s classic chili will always be my go-to chili. But I love to play with other flavors and with chocolate on the mind I came up with this mole version and I was very pleased with how it turned out!

I shouldn’t be surprised given that I based it off the same recipe, but I added mole paste, cocoa powder, and even a little bit of minced up raisins. I promise you cannot tell they’re there, I asked Bob if he could identify any foreign bodies/flavors. What you do taste is a chili with a different kind of warmth other than the usual spice and a a bit of smokiness. Nothing wrong with any of that!

Scroll to the bottom of this post for more chocolate recipes but also remember to enter our self-hosted giveaway! Yes, we literally funded our own giveaway, no sponsors involved, just so we can brighten at least one persons day… in case a week full of chocolate doesn’t do the trick.

Four years ago: White Chocolate-Raspberry Eyeball Cupcakes

Five years ago: Fig, Prosciutto & Arugula Pizza

Six years ago: Apple Cinnamon Peanut Butter Bagel Bites

Seven years ago: Peanut Butter Baklava Bars

Eight years ago: Pork Chops with Pineapple Fried Rice

Nine years ago: White Chocolate Coconut Chili Macadamia Nut Cookies

HOLY MOLE CHILI

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Yield: 6-8 servings Cooking Time: 3 Hours 10 Minutes 3 Hours 10 Minutes

Nutrition facts: 200 calories 20 grams fat

Ingredients

• Scant 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 3 lb. beef chuck steak, excess fat trimmed and cut into 1/4-inch cubes (I do half chuck pieces and half ground)
• 1/4 cup finely chopped raisins
• 3 Tbsp ancho chile powder (or regular chili powder)
• 2 Tbsp mole paste
• 2 Tbsp cocoa powder
• 2 Tbsp fresh Mexican oregano (or 2 tsp dried regular)
• 2 tsp cumin
• 2 tsp salt
• 1 bottle beer (try Modelo Negra)
• 2 (10.75 oz.) cans condensed tomato soup
• 1 (15 oz.) can tomato sauce
• 1 (15 oz.) can fire roasted tomatoes
• 1 (12 oz) can tomato paste
• 2 (15 oz.) cans kidney chili beans
• 1 poblano pepper, charred and chopped
• 1 cup shredded white cheddar cheese, plus more for topping if desired
• Preferred hot sauce (optional)

Directions

1. In a large pot over medium heat, cook onion in olive oil until tender. Add meat and brown*. Add all the seasonings and stir until evenly distributed. Add all remaining ingredients except beans, pepper, and cheese. Thoroughly mix and reduce heat to medium-low. Simmer uncovered, stirring occasionally, for about 3 hours or until meat almost falls apart and mixture is thick.
2. Add beans, pepper, and cheese. Simmer for another 15 minutes. Add hot sauce if desired to taste. Serve with additional cheese on top and with yellow tortilla chips.

Notes

* Alternatively, transfer meat-onion mixture to a slow cooker, mix all but the beans, pepper, and cheese, and set on low for 6-8 hours

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