Mike's Dark Side Chili
Rich black-bean and beef chili with molasses, cocoa, and black garlic. Add porter or stout for extra darkness. Easy stovetop or slow-cooker options.
This one comes from Mike, Spice House manager at the Milwaukee Public Market. Add a Porter or Stout beer to the recipe for some extra darkness.
Yield: Roughly 10 servings
- Brown the beef, sweat the onions, then simmer the canned tomatoes, beans, spices, molasses and cocoa for at least an hour.
- Porter or stout adds extra roasted depth, while black garlic and cocoa give sweet umami and chocolatey richness.
- You can make it in a pot or slow cooker, adjust spice with chili powder or fresh chiles, and freeze leftovers for months.
Preparation Instructions:
Brown the beef, drain the grease,
Sweat onions in pot.
Add everything else, simmer at least an hour
thespicehouse.com
More About This Recipe
Cook this chili in a dark kettle on a dark night.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I add beer, and which type works best?
Yes. A porter or stout deepens the dish with roasted, malty notes and is recommended. If you do not want alcohol, use beef broth plus a tablespoon of instant espresso or extra cocoa and molasses to mimic the same depth.
How can I make this chili vegetarian or vegan?
Replace the ground beef with extra beans, chopped mushrooms, lentils, or textured vegetable protein. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth and check that any added condiments are vegan. Adjust the cooking time so mushrooms or TVP take on the flavors.
How long should I simmer the chili?
Simmer for at least one hour to let flavors meld. For deeper flavor, cook 2 to 3 hours on low. In a slow cooker, cook 4 to 6 hours on low or 2 to 3 hours on high.
Can I use dried beans instead of canned?
Yes, but pre-soak and fully cook dried beans before adding them. Dried beans need much more time and absorb liquid, so add extra broth or water and adjust seasonings after the beans are tender.
What do black garlic and cocoa add to the chili?
Black garlic gives sweet, mellow umami while cocoa or Dutched cocoa adds dark, slightly bitter chocolate notes. Together they deepen savory flavors and balance the sweetness from molasses.
How do I change the heat level?
The recipe uses mild chili powder. To make it hotter, add cayenne, chipotle, or hot chili powder, or include fresh hot peppers. To make it milder, reduce the chili powder, remove seeds from canned chilies, or add a spoon of sugar or extra molasses to balance heat.
How should I store and reheat leftovers?
Refrigerate in a sealed container for up to 4 days. Freeze in airtight containers for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of water or broth if too thick.
What is Black Hawaiian Salt and can I substitute it?
Black Hawaiian salt is sea salt mixed with activated charcoal, with a mild sea flavor and striking color. You can substitute kosher salt, sea salt, or a smoked salt if you want a smoky note. Adjust amounts to taste.
Can I add beer, and which type works best?
Yes. A porter or stout deepens the dish with roasted, malty notes and is recommended. If you do not want alcohol, use beef broth plus a tablespoon of instant espresso or extra cocoa and molasses to mimic the same depth.
How can I make this chili vegetarian or vegan?
Replace the ground beef with extra beans, chopped mushrooms, lentils, or textured vegetable protein. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth and check that any added condiments are vegan. Adjust the cooking time so mushrooms or TVP take on the flavors.
How long should I simmer the chili?
Simmer for at least one hour to let flavors meld. For deeper flavor, cook 2 to 3 hours on low. In a slow cooker, cook 4 to 6 hours on low or 2 to 3 hours on high.
Can I use dried beans instead of canned?
Yes, but pre-soak and fully cook dried beans before adding them. Dried beans need much more time and absorb liquid, so add extra broth or water and adjust seasonings after the beans are tender.
What do black garlic and cocoa add to the chili?
Black garlic gives sweet, mellow umami while cocoa or Dutched cocoa adds dark, slightly bitter chocolate notes. Together they deepen savory flavors and balance the sweetness from molasses.
How do I change the heat level?
The recipe uses mild chili powder. To make it hotter, add cayenne, chipotle, or hot chili powder, or include fresh hot peppers. To make it milder, reduce the chili powder, remove seeds from canned chilies, or add a spoon of sugar or extra molasses to balance heat.
How should I store and reheat leftovers?
Refrigerate in a sealed container for up to 4 days. Freeze in airtight containers for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of water or broth if too thick.
What is Black Hawaiian Salt and can I substitute it?
Black Hawaiian salt is sea salt mixed with activated charcoal, with a mild sea flavor and striking color. You can substitute kosher salt, sea salt, or a smoked salt if you want a smoky note. Adjust amounts to taste.
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