Beyond Sweet Treats: Savoury Ways to Enjoy Chocolate

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Mole sauce

When you think of chocolate, rich desserts and sugary treats probably come to mind—but there’s so much more to this beloved ingredient. In fact, it can be a secret weapon in savoury cooking! From adding depth to rich sauces and stews to enhancing marinades and even pasta, chocolate can bring a subtle, earthy richness to some of your favourite savoury dishes. Whether it’s a hint of cocoa in a mole sauce, a dash in a salad dressing, or a twist on classic pasta, using chocolate in unexpected ways can elevate your meals to a whole new level of flavour. Let’s dive into some fun and unexpected ways to use chocolate!

Salad dressings
Adding cocoa to salad dressings is a simple way to introduce a rich, earthy depth to your greens. Start by adding a small amount, like ½ to 1 teaspoon of unsweetened cocoa powder, to your favorite vinaigrette or balsamic dressing. Whisk the cocoa thoroughly to ensure it blends smoothly with the oil and vinegar. A touch of honey or maple syrup can help balance the slight bitterness of the cocoa. This works beautifully with ingredients like balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, olive oil, citrus juice, and sweeteners like honey or agave. Taste and adjust as needed to keep the flavour balanced. Cocoa pairs especially well with salads featuring mixed greens, goat cheese, nuts, or berries, adding a subtle richness to every bite.

Mole Sauce
Mole (pronounced “moh-lay”) is a traditional Mexican sauce that’s been harnessing the savoury notes of chocolate for generations. Combining unsweetened chocolate with spices, chili peppers, tomatoes, and nuts, mole is a rich and complex sauce often served over meat or vegetables. The chocolate doesn’t make the sauce sweet; instead, it adds depth and a subtle bitterness that balances the heat from the chilies.

Want to try it? Here’s a quick version of mole:

  • Sauté onions, garlic, and a mix of dried chilies in oil until fragrant.

  • Add crushed tomatoes, a handful of nuts (like almonds or peanuts), a pinch of cinnamon, and a square of dark, unsweetened chocolate.

  • Simmer everything until thickened, then blend until smooth.

Serve your mole over roasted chicken or veggies, and prepare to wow your taste buds!

Pasta
If you make your own fresh pasta you can put a delicious twist on it with a hint of chocolate! Simply make your pasta as you normally would, but with one simple change—replace 10–15% of the flour with unsweetened cocoa powder (e.g., ¼ cup cocoa for every 2 cups of flour).

This small adjustment keeps the dough texture similar to regular pasta while adding a rich, earthy flavour and a slightly darker color. Since cocoa powder absorbs more moisture than flour, the dough may feel slightly drier. To compensate, add a small splash of water or olive oil as needed. Otherwise, the process remains the same, resulting in a unique, flavourful chocolate-infused pasta!

Cocoa Dry Rubs
Who says chocolate can’t hang out at the grill? Cocoa powder is an excellent base for a dry rub on various meat, fish, or meat alternatives. Its slightly bitter flavour pairs beautifully with spices like smoked paprika, cumin, and garlic powder.

Try this simple rub:

  • 2 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder

  • 1 tbsp smoked paprika

  • 1 tsp cumin

  • 1 tsp garlic powder

  • Salt and pepper to taste

Rub it all over your protein of choice and let it sit for 30 minutes before grilling or roasting. The result? A savoury, smoky crust with just a hint of cocoa’s complexity.

Add Chocolate to Chili
Chocolate and chili might sound like an odd couple, but they’re a match made in culinary heaven. A small amount of dark chocolate—we’re talking an ounce or two—can add a smoky, earthy undertone to your favourite chili recipe. It helps round out the acidity of the tomatoes and gives the dish a velvety richness.

All you need to do is stir in some grated or chopped dark chocolate toward the end of cooking. You won’t taste “chocolate” per se, but you’ll notice a deeper, more complex flavour.

Whether you're all about chocolate or usually skip the sweet stuff, these savoury ideas might just change the way you see it. Give them a try—you could end up with a new favourite way to enjoy this rich, complex ingredient!