Whether you prefer it with a side of cornbread, topped with a layer of shredded cheese, or even chugged from a can, there's nothing like a warm and hearty chili to fuel your body and soul. The recipes and styles vary by region, but there's one unexpected ingredient that's bound to satisfy every chili lover's taste buds.

Adding cocoa powder won't make your chili sickeningly sweet; instead, it'll contribute a layer of richness and balance out the spiciness. Chocolate goes well with chili pepper, because they share a similar flavor profile, and when combined, they bring out smoky, nutty, and earthy notes.

When it comes to adding cocoa powder to chili, don't worry about being too heavy-handed, because you'll need more than a pinch of the stuff to make a difference. Recipes range in recommendations from one tablespoon of powder to four ounces of chopped dark chocolate.