Savory surprises with dark chocolate in cooking
Dark chocolate isn't just for desserts; its rich flavor and health benefits make it a versatile ingredient in cooking. This article explores five creative ways to incorporate dark chocolate into savory dishes, adding an unexpected depth and complexity to your meals. From amplifying chili to crafting bold mole sauces and savory baking masterpieces, dark chocolate elevates everyday recipes to gourmet experiences.
Enhance your chili
Adding a smidge of dark chocolate to chili is a game-changer. The bitterness of the chocolate plays off the spices, lending richness and depth. Stir in a couple of squares or roughly 20 grams of good quality dark chocolate toward the end of cooking. It melts in, rounding out the flavors and making every spoonful a pleasant surprise.
Bold mole sauces
The secret ingredient in mole, a classic Mexican sauce, is dark chocolate! It contributes a slight bitterness that perfectly offsets the sauce's sweetness and spiciness. The result? A symphony of flavors in every bite. While authentic mole can be intimidating to make (think 20+ ingredients and hours of simmering), a streamlined version with dark chocolate can still work wonders on grilled chicken or roasted veggies.
Savory baking delights
Adding finely grated dark chocolate to your bread dough or biscuit mix can add a delicious twist to your baked goods. The cocoa doesn't make these items sweet like desserts but instead provides a rich, earthy undertone that complements savory herbs like rosemary or thyme. Picture serving a warm slice of rosemary-chocolate bread with your favorite soup or stew - it's comfort food elevated.
Chocolate-infused rubs and marinades
Dark chocolate is the secret ingredient for next-level rubs and marinades for meats like beef or pork. Mixing cocoa powder with spices like paprika, cumin, and chili powder makes a fragrant rub that imparts a rich color and complex flavor when cooked. And, adding melted dark chocolate to marinades adds thickness and shine, amplifying the natural flavors of meat during grilling or roasting.
Decadent vegetarian dishes
Dark chocolate also works wonders in vegetarian dishes. You can easily start by adding it to black bean burgers or lentil stews. It contributes a layer of richness without overwhelming the other flavors. Even a drizzle of balsamic-dark-chocolate glaze over roasted root vegetables before serving elevates a regular side dish to a gourmet experience.
