5 Delicious Cocoa Powder Recipes You Must Try

Ah, cocoa powder – the very essence of chocolate! Just the thought of it conjures up images of rich, decadent confections that are sure to please any palate. But cocoa powder isn't just for your classic hot chocolate or chocolate cake. With its deep, chocolatey flavor, it can be a versatile ingredient that can elevate both sweet and savory dishes. Here are five delicious cocoa powder recipes you absolutely must try!

Rich Cocoa Brownies

When it comes to indulging in chocolate, brownies are often the first thing that comes to mind. Here’s how you can make your kitchen smell like a chocolate factory with the simplest yet most flavorful cocoa brownies:

• Ingredients:
  • 1 cup of sugar
  • 3⁄4 cup of butter, melted
  • 1⁄2 cup of unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1⁄2 teaspoon of vanilla extract
  • 1⁄2 cup of all-purpose flour
  • 1⁄4 teaspoon of baking powder
  • 1⁄4 teaspoon of salt
  • Optional: nuts or chocolate chips
• Preparation:
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper.
  2. In a mixing bowl, combine melted butter, sugar, and cocoa powder until smooth.
  3. Add eggs one at a time, whisking well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract.
  4. Sift together flour, baking powder, and salt, then gently fold this into your cocoa mixture until just combined. Add any optional ingredients like nuts or chips.
  5. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly.
  6. Bake for approximately 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with moist crumbs. Cool completely before cutting.

📋 Note: For an extra chewy brownie, slightly under-bake them to achieve a fudgy consistency.

Spiced Cocoa Chicken Mole

Who said cocoa can only sweeten your life? It can also add depth and complexity to your dinner with this rich Chicken Mole:

• Ingredients:
  • 2 tablespoons of unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 dried ancho chilies, stemmed and seeded
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) of tomatoes
  • 1 cup of chicken broth
  • 1⁄4 cup of raisins
  • 1⁄4 cup of almonds
  • 1 teaspoon of ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
  • 1⁄2 teaspoon of ground allspice
  • 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil
  • 6 chicken thighs, bone-in
• Preparation:
  1. Soak the ancho chilies in hot water until softened, about 20 minutes.
  2. Toast almonds in a dry pan until golden. Blend together chilies, tomatoes, broth, raisins, almonds, cocoa, spices, onion, and garlic until smooth.
  3. In a large pot, heat oil and brown the chicken thighs. Remove and set aside.
  4. Pour the mole sauce into the pot, bring to a simmer, then return the chicken to the pot. Cover and cook on low for 45 minutes to 1 hour.
  5. Serve over rice, garnished with sesame seeds if desired.

Vegan Cocoa Chili

Embrace the warmth of chili with a vegan twist that incorporates the earthiness of cocoa powder:

• Ingredients:
  • 2 tablespoons of olive oil
  • 1 large onion, diced
  • 2 cloves of garlic, minced
  • 1 red bell pepper, diced
  • 2 tablespoons of cocoa powder
  • 2 teaspoons of chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon of cumin
  • 1 can (15 oz) of black beans, rinsed
  • 1 can (15 oz) of kidney beans, rinsed
  • 1 can (28 oz) of crushed tomatoes
  • 2 cups of vegetable broth
• Preparation:
  1. Heat oil in a pot, add onions, garlic, and bell pepper, cooking until onions are translucent.
  2. Stir in cocoa powder, chili powder, and cumin, cook for 1 minute.
  3. Add beans, tomatoes, and vegetable broth. Bring to a simmer, reduce heat, and let cook for 30 minutes.
  4. Adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or additional spices. Serve hot, garnished with avocado slices and fresh cilantro.

Cocoa Molten Lava Cakes

For a sweet treat that will impress at any gathering, try these luxurious cocoa molten lava cakes:

• Ingredients:
  • 1⁄2 cup of butter
  • 4 oz of semisweet chocolate, chopped
  • 1⁄2 cup of sugar
  • 2 eggs
  • 2 egg yolks
  • 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
  • 1⁄4 cup of all-purpose flour
  • 1 tablespoon of unsweetened cocoa powder
• Preparation:
  1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Grease and dust four ramekins with cocoa powder.
  2. Melt chocolate and butter together over a double boiler. Let cool slightly.
  3. Whisk eggs, yolks, and sugar until pale. Add vanilla, then gently fold in the flour, followed by the chocolate mixture.
  4. Divide the batter among the ramekins.
  5. Bake for about 12 minutes or until the edges are set but the center is still soft. Rest for a minute, then invert onto plates. Serve with a scoop of ice cream or dust with powdered sugar.

👀 Note: Be careful not to overbake, as the key to a good lava cake is the oozing center.

Chilled Cocoa Overnight Oats

Start your day on the right foot with these easy and delicious chilled cocoa overnight oats:

• Ingredients:
  • 1⁄2 cup of rolled oats
  • 1 tablespoon of unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 tablespoon of chia seeds
  • 1 cup of almond milk
  • 1 tablespoon of maple syrup or honey
  • Optional: banana slices, nuts, or berries
• Preparation:
  1. In a jar or bowl, combine oats, cocoa powder, chia seeds, and almond milk. Stir in your sweetener.
  2. Seal or cover and refrigerate overnight.
  3. In the morning, give it a stir. If it's too thick, add more milk. Top with optional toppings and enjoy!

In summary, these five recipes showcase the versatility of cocoa powder. From rich desserts to savory dinners, cocoa’s depth of flavor can transform dishes in a way that’s both surprising and delightful. By exploring these recipes, you can add a touch of chocolate magic to your culinary repertoire, ensuring that every bite is a celebration of cocoa in its finest form.

Can I substitute cocoa powder in these recipes?

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Yes, you can substitute unsweetened cocoa powder with Dutch-processed cocoa, but keep in mind that the flavor profile might change. Dutch-processed cocoa is treated with alkali which makes it less acidic, leading to a darker color and smoother flavor.

Is there a gluten-free option for the cocoa brownies?

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Absolutely! Replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend or almond flour for a fudgy texture. Just ensure the blend contains a binder like xanthan gum.

How do I make the Chicken Mole less spicy?

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To reduce the heat, you can either remove the seeds from the chilies, decrease the number of chilies used, or add more tomatoes and broth to dilute the heat in the sauce.