Adobo is a classic Filipino dish known for its simplicity and versatility. While the traditional recipe involves soy sauce,vinegar, and garlic, I decided to give it a modern twist by incorporating dark chocolate and chili flakes. This unique combination creates a harmonious blend of sweet, savory, and spicy flavors that will leave your taste buds craving more.
Ingredients:
- 1 whole chicken, cut into pieces
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup vinegar
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 bay leaf
- 1/2 teaspoon black peppercorns
- 1/4 cup dark chocolate, chopped
- 1 teaspoon chili flakes
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 onion, chopped
Instructions:
- Marinate. In a large bowl, combine soy sauce, vinegar, water, brown sugar, bay leaf, black peppercorns, garlic, and onion. Add chicken pieces and marinate for at least 30 minutes, or overnight for maximum flavor.
- Cook. In a large pan over medium heat, add marinated chicken and cook until browned on all sides.
- Simmer. Reduce heat to low and add chocolate. Stir until melted and combined with the sauce. Simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until chicken is tender and the sauce has thickened.
- Add heat. Stir in chili flakes for a spicy kick.
- Serve. Serve hot with steamed rice.
Why You Should Try This Recipe:
- The combination of sweet dark chocolate and spicy chili flakes creates a truly unique and unforgettable taste.
- This recipe is simple to follow and requires minimal ingredients.
- You can adjust the level of spice by adding more or less chili flakes.
- The rich and flavorful sauce will leave you feeling satisfied (of course with steamed rice!)
Tips:
- For a richer flavor, I used 70% dark chocolate with chili.
- If you prefer a milder dish, reduce the amount of chili flakes.
- Serve with your favorite side dishes, such as steamed vegetables or a salad.
Try with:
Cabernet Sauvignon. Known for its bold flavors of blackcurrant, cedar, and sometimes chocolate, Cabernet Sauvignon can complement the richness of the dark chocolate and the spice of the chili. The wine’s tannic structure can also help cut through the richness of the dish. (IN PHOTO: I personally enjoy sauvignon and helped myself to a glass with this dish)
Merlot. With its softer tannins and flavors of plum, cherry, and sometimes chocolate, Merlot can provide a more approachable pairing for the adobo. The wine’s fruitiness can balance the spice of the chili.
This Dark Chocolate Chili Chicken Adobo recipe is a delicious and innovative twist on a classic Filipino dish. The combination of sweet, savory, and spicy flavors will impress your friends and family. Give it a try and let me know what you think!