Page's Platefuls: Black Bean Chocolate Chili Recipe

Using chocolate from One More Cocoa in Whitby, and other local ingredients, Chef Alex Page has created a delicious Black Bean Chocolate Chili for you to make at home—the perfect warm meal for this "chilly" season, and one that will really wow your family and friends!

Want to try this, prepared by the chef himself? Join us at Hope's Christmas Tree Farm on December 13 from 1 to 3 p.m. for a special Culinary Demonstration with Chef Alex Page and Durham Farm Fresh to enjoy a free sample!

Black Bean Chocolate Chili Recipe

Ingredients (serves six):

• 15 mL (1 tbsp) olive oil
• 1 large onion, diced
• 1 green bell pepper, diced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
• 30 mL (2 tbsp) chili powder
• 15 mL (1 tbsp) ground cumin
• 15 mL (1 tbsp) smoked paprika
• 5 mL (1 tsp) ground cinnamon
• 2.5 mL (½ tsp) ground allspice
• 1 × 796 mL (28 oz) can diced tomatoes
• 400 g (2 cups) dried black beans, soaked overnight
• 480 mL (2 cups) vegetable broth
• 100 g One More Cocoa 60 per cent dark chocolate
• Chopped cilantro, yogurt, lime wedges, crushed tortillas and lime chili salt (for serving)

Instructions:

1. Place a large sauce-pot over medium-high heat and add the olive oil. Add the onion, peppers and garlic, and cook for 2 to 3 minutes or until ingredients begin to soften. Add the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, cinnamon, and allspice. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes, or until fragrant.
2. Add the diced tomatoes, soaked black beans, and vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer. Cook for 1 to 2 hours over very low heat, or until the beans are tender and the chili has thickened and reduced.
3. Add the dark chocolate and stir until fully melted and incorporated. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
4. Spoon into bowls and top with yogurt, lime wedges, crushed tortillas, cilantro, and a sprinkling of lime chili salt.

Where to get your ingredients:

One More Cocoa: Located in beautiful downtown Whitby, One More Cocoa is a gourmet chocolate shop with one-of-a-kind chocolate finds. Explore flavours like birthday cake or cereal bowl, and a delicious selection of bonbons. You'll also want to get your hands on their Hot Chocolate Box Set, which was featured on Oprah’s Favourite Things! Visit their storefront at 116 Athol Street, Whitby or shop online.

This recipe was created in partnership with Chef Alex Page as part of a series focusing on field-to-fork meals using local ingredients from local businesses in Durham Region.