Chipotle Chocolate Chile with Textured Vegetable Protein
Smoky chipotle chili enriched with dark chocolate, blending heat and subtle sweetness. Built on textured vegetable protein and beans with tomato, roasted peppers, and warm spices like cumin and cayenne. The chocolate deepens the chile's complexity while agave and tamarind add fruity balance. Serve with rice or bread to temper the spice.
Ingredients
- 2 lata canned beans, drained, whole
- ½ cup textured vegetable protein, drylentils, cooked1:1 by volumelegume-basedprotein
same nutritional boost
- ½ cup dark chocolate, minimum 60% cacao, chopped or brokenunsweetened cocoa powder1 Cda chocolate ≈ 0.5 Cda powder plus 1 tsp oilvegandairy-free
adds cocoa intensity without sweetness
Full guide → - 1 whole onion, diced
- 4 clove garlic, sliced
- 1 lata tomato paste, 170 grs
- 1 lata tomato puree, 800 grs
- 1 cup green bell pepper, diced
- 1 whole carrot, cut into dice
- 1 stalk celery, cut into dice
- 1 cup corn, fresh or frozen
- 2 Cda flat-leaf parsley, minced
- 2 Cda cilantro, minced
- 3 Cda olive oil
- 1 ½ Cda agave honeymaple syrup or coconut sugar1:1 by volumeveganrefined-sugar-free
slightly different sweetness profile
- 1 ½ cucharadita chipotle chile powder
- 2 cucharadita cumin
- ½ cucharadita salt
- ½ cucharadita tamarind concentratelime juice0.5 Cda concentrate ≈ 1 Cda lime juicecitrus-forward acidity
more bright than fruity-tart
- ¼ cucharadita cayenne pepper(optional)
- water or vegetable stock, as needed(optional)
Instructions
- 1
Heat olive oil and cook diced onion and sliced garlic for several minutes
- 2
Add celery, diced carrots, and pepper; cook about 10 minutes
- 3
Stir in chipotle powder, diced bell pepper, and cumin
- 4
Mix well, then add tomato paste and combine thoroughly
- 5
Cook a few minutes more
- 6
Add beans, textured vegetable protein, tomato puree, corn, parsley, cilantro, agave, tamarind concentrate, salt, and cayenne if using; bring to a boil
- 7
Once boiling, add dark chocolate and stir until combined
- 8
Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer for 25 minutes, stirring periodically and adding water or vegetable stock as needed if too thick
- 9
When carrots are very tender, taste and adjust seasonings
- 10
Remove from heat and serve
Tips
Stir periodically during simmering to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking
Chocolate should be finely chopped or broken into small pieces for quicker melting and better distribution
Adjust heat level by increasing or reducing chipotle powder; cayenne adds sharp heat, chipotle adds smoky warmth
Good to Know
Refrigerate in airtight container up to 5 days. Freeze up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating.
Make up to 2 days in advance. Flavors deepen overnight. Reheat gently over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, adding water if needed.
Serve hot with rice, cornbread, tortillas, or over baked potatoes. Garnish with fresh cilantro, diced onion, or avocado slices.
Common Mistakes
Do not add chocolate until the mixture reaches a boil to avoid clumping and ensure proper emulsification
Do not skip periodic stirring to prevent bottom from scorching and ensure even cooking of vegetables
Substitutions
Dairy-Free Swaps
adds cocoa intensity without sweetness
Full guide →Vegan Options
slightly different sweetness profile
General Alternatives
same nutritional boost
more bright than fruity-tart
Full guide →