Chocolate Chili

by Samreen
(Ontario, Canada)

The secret to this great-tasting chili is cocoa powder.

Hands-on time: 20 minutes
Total preparation time: 2 hours
Makes: 12 cups

1 1/2 pounds lean ground beef
1 1/2 cup chopped onion
1 cup chopped tomatoes (15 ounce can)
6 ounces tomato paste
1 quart water (or less for a thicker chili)
1 tablespoon vinegar
1 teaspoon Tabasco
1 – 3 tablespoons chili powder (start with 1 tablespoon, add to taste)
3/4 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon cumin
1/2 teaspoon marjoram
1/2 teaspoon coriander
2 teaspoons salt
1/2 teaspoon unsweetened cocoa powder
1 bay leaf

Cook ground beef and onion until meat is cooked. Drain fat. Add tomatoes, tomato paste, water, vinegar and Tabasco. Stir spices, salt and cocoa powder together in small dish. Stir into chili and add bay leaf. Cover and bring to a boil. Simmer for 1-1/2 - 2 hours. Remove bay leaf.

Serve plain or over hot spaghetti, a baked potato or mashed potatoes.