CHOCOLATE CHILI

I was so excited when I came across this recipe. A great excuse to sneak a little of my favorite indulgence into dinner - while still feeling like I'm being healthy.
We served ours with sour cream - and cheese would be good with it too.

CHOCOLATE CHILI

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 pound of lean ground beef
salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
4 cloves of garlic, minced
1 medium onion, chopped
1 red bell pepper, chopped
1 (15 ounce) can of black beans, drained and rinsed
1 (15 ounce) can of red kidney beans, drained and rinsed
1 (28 ounce) can of diced tomatoes
1 teaspoon of ground cumin
2 tablespoons of cocoa powder

In a large saucepan heat oil. Cook meat over medium heat for 6 to 8 minutes or until no longer pink, breaking it into small pieces as it cooks. Season with salt and pepper. Add garlic, onion and bell pepper, cook 10 minutes, or until vegetables are softened.
Stir in beans, tomatoes (with liquid), cumin and cocoa. Heat to boiling, reduce heat to low and simmer 25 to 30 minutes.
Enjoy!

Recipe adapted from The Arkansas Democrat Gazette, December 2011