Dried Cherry Chili

Warm up your taste buds with the bold and unexpected flavors of Dried Cherry Chili, a hearty and unique twist on classic chili. This recipe combines tender ground beef, creamy beans, and a medley of warm spices like chili powder, smoked paprika, and a hint of cinnamon with the tangy sweetness of dried cherries. A touch of unsweetened cocoa powder adds depth, creating a rich and complex flavor profile that strikes the perfect balance between savory and subtly sweet. Simmered to perfection in a hearty broth with crushed tomatoes, this one-pot chili is both comforting and full of surprises. Serve it piping hot, garnished with fresh cilantro and a dollop of sour cream for an irresistible combination of flavors and textures. Perfect for cozy family dinners or game-day gatherings, this 50-minute dish will quickly become a household favorite!

Nutriscore Rating: 75/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:50 mins

Total Time:65 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large, diced yellow onion
• 4 minced garlic cloves
• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 cup dried cherries
• 28 ounces crushed tomatoes
• 15 ounces (drained and rinsed) kidney beans
• 15 ounces (drained and rinsed) black beans
• 2 cups beef or vegetable broth
• 2 tablespoons chili powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 0.5 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 0.25 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 0.25 cup (chopped, for garnish) fresh cilantro
• 0.25 cup (optional, for garnish) sour cream

Directions

Step 1

Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.

Step 2

Add the diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté for 3-4 minutes, or until the onion is translucent and fragrant.

Step 3

Add the ground beef to the pot, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until browned, about 6-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat, if necessary.

Step 4

Stir in the dried cherries, crushed tomatoes, kidney beans, black beans, and broth.

Step 5

Add the spices: chili powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, ground cinnamon, unsweetened cocoa powder, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Stir to combine.

Step 6

Bring the chili to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Simmer uncovered for 35-40 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.

Step 7

Taste and adjust seasoning as needed, adding more salt or spices to suit your preference.

Step 8

Ladle the chili into bowls and garnish with fresh cilantro and sour cream, if desired. Serve hot.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2992.8g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2601.2

Total Fat 128.8g	0%
Saturated Fat 45.5g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.7g
Cholesterol 329.8mg	0%
Sodium 7338.9mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 255.5g	0%
Dietary Fiber 65.2g	0%
Total Sugars 82.9g
Protein 135.0g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 874.2mg	0%
Iron 31.2mg	0%
Potassium 4889.1mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 42.6%

Protein: 19.8%

Carbs: 37.6%