Nourishing Chocolate Chilli, A Comforting and Nutritious Alternative to Baked Beans

A delicious bowl of chocolate chilli ready to be served

Are you in search of a meal that warms your heart and nourishes your body? This chocolate chilli is the perfect solution. It is brimming with plant protein and bursting with flavour. Whether you are preparing for a busy week ahead or simply craving a comforting dish, you'll love this. The unique addition of dark chocolate adds that extra richness.

This chocolate chilli is a healthy alternative to traditional baked beans, offering more plant protein, fibre, and rich micronutrients, even with the little bit of added brown sugar. There aren't any artificial ingredients, just pure whole foods.

The Comfort of Chilli

Chilli has been a classic comfort food for generations, often gracing dining tables when people need warmth and reassurance. As the evenings now feel cooler, its spicy, hearty nature does wonders for the spirit. While traditional versions often include meat and beans, this chocolate chilli provides an unexpected twist, making it both nutritious and uniquely indulgent.

Imagine returning home after a long day to a warm bowl of chocolate chilli. The delightful blend of spices, beans and rich chocolate creates a comforting and satisfying experience that nourishes both body and soul.

Why Chocolate Chilli?

Nutritional Benefits

This recipe is packed with fibre, phytonutrients, and slow-releasing carbohydrates, making it ideal for managing energy levels, blood sugar, and hormone support. It’s also suitable for menopause and metabolic health plans.

It also contains approximately 13-15 grams of plant-based protein per serving from the combination of beans, to keep you full longer. The peppers add vitamin C, while kidney beans are rich in iron, supporting your energy levels.

Dark chocolate, specifically varieties with 70% cocoa or higher, is also known for its numerous health benefits. It is packed with antioxidants that not only support heart health but can also elevate your mood. A study found that consuming dark chocolate can improve feelings of stress and anxiety by only 40 grams daily.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To create this nourishing chocolate chilli, gather the following ingredients for a flavourful dish:

• 400g (14oz) can chopped tomatoes

• 1 onion, finely sliced

• 1 red pepper, sliced

• 1 stick of celery, roughly chopped

• 4 tbsp frozen or canned sweetcorn

• 2 tsp each cocoa powder and mild chili powder

• 1 tsp each, brown sugar and smoked paprika

• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon

• 400g (14oz) can red kidney beans, drained and rinsed

• 400g (14oz) can cannellini beans, drained and rinsed

• 1 spring onion, roughly chopped

• Small handful of fresh coriander, roughly chopped

• Juice of 1 lime

• 1 square of dark chocolate

  
  

These ingredients create not just a delicious dish, but a colourful presentation that will be a highlight at any family dinner or gathering.

Cooking Instructions

1. Add the chopped tomatoes and onion to a large saucepan over a medium–high heat.

2. Add the red pepper, celery, and sweetcorn and cook for 2–3 minutes.

3. Spoon in the cocoa, chili powder, sugar, and cinnamon; stir through and continue to cook.

4. Add the kidney beans and cannellini beans, and cook for 12 minutes, stirring frequently while the chili bubbles away.

5. Remove from the heat and scatter with the spring onion, coriander, and lime juice. Sprinkle over the dark chocolate just before serving.

You could also serve with avocado, or a dollop of yoghurt.

Perfect for Batch Cooking

This chocolate chilli is great for batch cooking. You can easily double or triple the recipe, making it simple to have several nutritious meals on hand without daily cooking stress.

Pairing Suggestions

While the chocolate chilli is delicious on its own, you can enjoy it with rice or quinoa. These grains are excellent for soaking up the rich sauce and provide an extra boost of protein. Or enjoy with a salad, to balance out the dish's richness, or maybe a baked sweet potato.

Nourishing Chocolate Chilli: A Delicious Twist on Comfort Food

In a time when many comfort foods carry high calories and unhealthy ingredients, nourishing chocolate chilli provides an appealing alternative. With rich flavours, plant-based proteins, and that little bit of luxury with the dark chocolate, it meets both cravings and nutritional needs.

Whether you're after a cozy midweek meal, something to impress your guests, or a healthy option for batch cooking, this chocolate chilli will become a favourite. Try it out, and you may soon find yourself captivated by this gourmet take on a classic comfort dish.

A delicious bowl of chocolate chilli ready to be served

If you're looking for more hormone-balancing, gut-nourishing recipes or want support with your nutrition journey, explore my services and book a discovery call today!