Smoked Chili

[Gonna Smoke]

Well since we're stuck at home hibernating (quarantining), I'm going to do my smoked chili recipe today, it's actually my version of Malcolm Reed's. I've read a bunch of comments on here where some put cocoa in theirs. My recipe does not include it and I've never used it, but it's kind of an interesting thought that I want to incorporate today. My question is how much should I use? Is there a ratio or just add a couple of teaspoons? Any guidance will be much appreciated.

 

[TNJAKE]

I put 1tsp of unsweetened Cocoa in mine. Depending on how big a pot you're making a second tsp wouldn't hurt

 

[JLeonard]

Whats the cocoa do? TNJAKE
Jim

 

[TNJAKE]

Whats the cocoa do? TNJAKE
Jim

Adds a deeper flavor profile that makes the chili more rich

 

[Gonna Smoke]

I put 1tsp of unsweetened Cocoa in mine. Depending on how big a pot you're making a second tsp wouldn't hurt

Thanks, Jake. It's going to be about 5 lbs. of smoked brisket and a couple of pounds of smoked pulled pork plus all of the other ingredients, so it'll be a fairly large pot.

Everything I read just talked about adding it, but I couldn't really find any actual amounts.

 

[SmokinAl]

I’d use a TBS at least, you won’t even taste it but it just adds another flavor to the chili. Some guys just put half a bar of chocolate in it. I think the cocoa works better.
Al

 

[Gonna Smoke]

I’d use a TBS at least, you won’t even taste it but it just adds another flavor to the chili. Some guys just put half a bar of chocolate in it. I think the cocoa works better.
Al

That's an interesting idea, as well.

 

[chef jimmyj]

Cocoa and Chiles enhance each others flavor. 1Tbs Cocoa Per Gallon of Chile works nicely. You may need to add a bit of Sugar if the Bitterness of the Chiles plus the Cocoa is to much for your taste.
A Pinch of Chile de Arbol in Hot Chocolate tastes amazing...But not exactly Kid Friendly...JJ

 

[CFLJOHN512]

I usually add a cup of coffee for a 3-5 gallon pot or I add a half cup of unsweetened chocolate chips to my chili. It adds a richness to it.
I also add some fresh squeezed lime to the pot once it’s done. It helps with the mouthfeel and finish.

 

[Gonna Smoke]

I usually add a cup of coffee for a 3-5 gallon pot or I add a half cup of unsweetened chocolate chips to my chili. It adds a richness to it.
I also add some fresh squeezed lime to the pot once it’s done. It helps with the mouthfeel and finish.

Instant coffee or regular coffee for the coffee maker?

 

[CFLJOHN512]

Instant coffee or regular coffee for the coffee maker?

Just a cup of brewed coffee. Or a teaspoon of instant.

 

[bill1]

I find 1/4-1/3 cup of the "cold-brew" liquid (concentrated) coffee works good and doesn't thin down the mix like brewed coffee does. It's like the cocoa....if you taste it you used too much.
I'll add one more: Prune juice is a nice way to add a little sweet and it adds a richness I like but again, you don't dare want to taste it.

But I like a little brown sugar and honey sweetness anyway in my chili to balance the heat...nothing like that in the Malcolm Reed recipe though.

 

[Dangeruss]

Another element I like is cinnamon. Couple weeks ago I had some at my SIL parents house. My first bite I said I taste cinnamon. I usually put 1/4 tsp powder in mine but they put a whole stick in it. I am going to try that next time.

 

[Gonna Smoke]

That's interesting, too.