Chocolate Chilli Recipe – Perfect for Halloween & Autumn Gatherings

This Chocolate Chilli is a warm, comforting one-pot dish that’s perfect for Halloween or autumn gatherings. Rich, slightly smoky, and with a hint of chocolate, it’s ideal for stress-free hosting—everything cooks in a single pan, leaving you free to enjoy your guests and the cosy seasonal atmosphere. Serve with rice, crusty bread, or baked potatoes for a hearty, festive meal that’s full of flavour.

Ingredients (serves 4–5)

• 200 g dried lentils (or ready-cooked from a can) or 400 g beef mince

• 680 g chunky passata

• 1 medium white onion

• 1 medium red onion

• 2 large garlic cloves

• 280 g tinned sweetcorn

• 250 g tinned black beans

• 50 g dark chocolate (vegan if needed, or use dairy-free if preferred)

• 2 large pinches sea salt

• 2 large pinches black pepper

• 1 heaped tsp sweet paprika

• 1 heaped tsp hot paprika

• 3 tsp cumin

• 2 tsp dried ginger

• 2 tsp chilli paste (add more if you like it spicy)

• 1 tbsp soy sauce (gluten-free if needed)

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• ¼ cup water

• Handful fresh coriander leaves, to garnish

• 1 lime, to garnish

Method

1. If using lentils: Cook dried lentils in boiling water for 15 minutes or until soft. Drain and set aside. (If using canned lentils, drain and set aside.)If using beef mince: Skip lentil cooking. Brown the mince in the pan with a little oil before adding the onions and garlic.

2. Peel and finely dice the onions and crush the garlic.

3. In a large frying pan, heat olive oil on high. Add onions and garlic and fry for 2–3 minutes until slightly soft.

4. Add all the dried spices and mix well. Fry together for 1 minute to release the flavours.

5. Stir in the beans, sweetcorn, and passata, mixing thoroughly. Reduce heat to medium.

6. Add the chilli paste and soy sauce, stirring well.

7. Add the chocolate and mix until melted and fully incorporated.

8. Pour in the water, stir, and let the chilli simmer on low for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.

9. Chop fresh coriander and sprinkle over the top. Serve with lime wedges and enjoy!

Serving suggestion: Serve straight from the pan for a cosy, communal feel. Pair with rice, crusty bread, or baked potatoes. Perfect for a stress-free, hearty Halloween or autumn gathering!