Chili is one of those recipes that can constantly be refined. The many variations of types of chili make picking a favorite recipe just as hard as picking a favorite song.

When I make chili, I tend to stick to whatever spices and ingredients I have on hand. I don’t usually go for unusual, “secret” ingredients like chocolate, coffee, or cinnamon.  Feeling slightly adventurous, and (as usual) striving for perfection, I decided to use chocolate beer as a “secret” ingredient. Rogue Chocolate Stout, which I picked up in the beer section of Whole Foods, was the perfect two-in-one ingredient in this recipe. The chocolate beer adds a mysterious full flavor, and a slight sweetness that is offset from the usual smoky spicy flavor of chili. I nailed this one – you can now call me a chili expert.

Ingredients:

• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 1 red pepper, chopped
• 1 fresh jalapeno, chopped
• 1 small garlic clove
• 2 lbs ground turkey (1 lb white meat, 1 lb dark meat)
• 2 tblsp chili powder
• 2 tblsp ground cumin
• 1 tblsp ground coriander
• 1 tbslp smoked paprika
• 1 tblsp chipotle powder
• 1/2 bottle (12 ounces) of Rogue Chocolate Stout , or any other chocolate flavored beer
• 2 chipotle chili’s in adobo, chopped, plus 1 tbslp of the juice
• 1 (15 oz) can of diced tomatoes
• 1 (4 oz) can chopped green chilis
• 1 (15 oz) can pinto beans
• 1 (15 oz) can navy beans
• 1/2 (15 oz) can black beans
• salt, pepper, olive oil
• sour cream, shredded cheese, and sliced jalapeno for garnish

In a large pot, sauté the onion, red pepper, and jalapeno until soft. Add the garlic, cook one minute longer and then push the mixture to the sides of the pan. Add the ground turkey, season generously with salt and pepper, and cook until the turkey is no longer pink. Add all the spices and stir everything together. Pour in the beer and let most of the alcohol cook off. Add in the tomatoes, chipotle chilis, green chilis, and all the beans. Bring everything up to almost a boil, and then simmer for about an hour, partially covered.