Chocolate

Chocolate

Confection Good year-round
Used in 25 of 203 cuisines (12%)

Processed cacao with hundreds of flavor compounds; bitter, fruity, nutty, and earthy all at once.

Where it comes from

Hailing from Mesoamerica, chocolate has a storied history dating back to the ancient Mayans and Aztecs, where it was revered as a divine beverage and a form of currency.

In the kitchen

Chocolate serves as the foundation for desserts, sauces, and confections, enhancing flavors, adding sweetness, and providing a rich, indulgent experience that satisfies the senses.

Across cuisines

Hungarian

Hungarian desserts often feature chocolate in layered confections. Dobos Torta, for instance, uses a chocolate buttercream between sponge layers and a caramel glaze on top. Chocolate is typically paired with nuts, cream, or fruit to create rich and complex flavors.

Mexican

In Mexican cuisine, chocolate is often used in savory dishes to add depth and complexity. Mole Poblano is a prime example, combining chocolate with chilies, spices, and nuts to create a rich and balanced sauce. The chocolate tempers the heat and adds a subtle sweetness, essential to the dish's profile.

Sammarinese

Chocolate — the fondant enrobing torta tre monti, the wafer-and-hazelnut cake shaped for Monte Titano's three towers. Source: Wikipedia (Torta Tre Monti).

Nutrition (per 100g)

~546kcalCal
~4.9gProtein
~31.0gFat
~61.0gCarbs
~7.0gFiber

AI-estimated; model and run unavailable.

Pairs well with

Seen in these dishes