If you’re a self-confessed chocoholic, you may be interested to read about ways to get the good stuff into your savory cooking. When used well, chocolate can add delicious richness and depth to dishes, so read on for tips.
Chocolate and Black Bean Stew
This rich, warming dish serves four people and is delicious with fluffy white rice on the side.
Ingredients:
- 1 can of black beans
- 1 can of chopped tomatoes
- 1 onion
- Cayenne pepper
- Paprika
- 4 squares of dark chocolate (at least 70% cocoa content)
- Oil
Ingredients:
- Cook the onion until soft in the oil and then add a sprinkling of cayenne pepper and paprika.
- Drain the beans and add them, once they are soft add the chopped tomatoes.
- Bring to a simmer, then stir in pieces of the chocolate until it has melted into the mix.
- Cook for another ten minutes to let the flavors combine, before removing from the heat.
- Enjoy! This works well when served with homemade guacamole.
Spaghetti Bolognaise
A new take on an old classic, this recipe serves four people.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups of dried spaghetti
- 1 can of chopped tomatoes
- 1 bulb of garlic
- 2 white onions, sliced
- 1 cup of minced meat
- Dried herbs (including oregano and thyme)
- 6 squares of dark chocolate
- 4 rashers of bacon, cut into strips or cubes
- Olive oil
Instructions:
- Fry the onion in olive oil until soft, then add the bacon.
- After a few minutes, add the dried herbs, then add chopped garlic (the number of cloves you use is up to you, generally three to four will add a good amount of flavor).
- Add the minced meat to the pan and cook for a few minutes, until it’s starting to brown.
- Add the can of tomatoes and the dark chocolate, and cook on medium heat for half an hour (you may need to lower the temperature towards the end so it doesn’t burn).
- Meanwhile, cook the spaghetti according to packet instructions, remember to reserve a little of the pasta water to add to the sauce at the end.
- Stir the cooked spaghetti through the sauce and serve immediately.
