A guide to chocolate-themed gourmet meals

Chocolate isn’t just for dessert. Add a little cocoa magic to your meals…

If we could design the perfect menu, it would have chocolate in the starter, main and dessert. Although we’d love to sip on cups brimming with molten, velvety chocolate and tuck into slabs, truffles and pralines, we appreciate that, after three courses, there might be a little too much chocolate (yes, even for us).

However, this doesn’t mean that chocolate should be confined only to the realm of desserts. Our A New Way of Cooking with Chocolate Recipe Book shows that you can integrate this much-loved ingredient into savoury dishes too. Cooking with chocolate might set you in unfamiliar territory, but it’s a great way to add depth and flavour. We’ve put together a guide on how to create your very own gourmet chocolate dishes. Give it a read to learn how to enjoy the tastes of your favourite treat in every mouthful. 

Does chocolate belong in every course?

The secret behind making savoury chocolate dishes is finding the right balance of flavours. Each different type of chocolate brings its own distinctive flavour profile, meaning it pairs better with certain ingredients than others. For example, white chocolate (particularly that with a high cocoa butter content) tends to go best with spicy or creamy foods. Dark chocolate, on the other hand, such as our rich 85% Dark Chocolate Batons, pairs well with dark fruits and red meats.

The brilliant thing about chocolate is its versatility. Take a look at our cocoa recipes for your summer bbq to see how you can plan an entire meal around your cocoa craving! If you’re still cautious about creating your own savoury chocolate ideas, then read our blog on how to make delicious savoury chocolate dishes. It should give you all the knowledge you need to take that first step into the exciting world of savoury chocolate.

Entrees

Because entrees are small and light, you don’t want to overpower your dish with your chocolate. The trick behind making savoury chocolate dishes is that you want the chocolate to enhance the natural ingredients already on the plate, rather than pushing its way through to be the main flavour found on the palette.

Adding Cocoa Nibs to a dish brings a unique nutty fruitiness and delectable crunch unlike any other ingredient. Cocoa nibs are high in chocolate without being overly sweet, giving them a surprising amount of versatility. Grind into a steak tartare to add a distinctive nuttiness that cuts well against the richness of meat and egg yolk. For a veggie option, grind some up and add to mushrooms for a twist on vol au vents. The earthy depth of mushroom responds well to the rich fruitiness of the nib.

You can also season your meat with an aromatic blend of cocoa powder and spices to add an earthy richness. We suggest using small pieces of red, gamey meats – such as beef, pigeon and venison – to complement the complex cocoa flavours. Combine cocoa powder with spices of your choice and rub over your meat to let it marinate. We suggest leaving the meat for up to eight hours (or overnight if possible) to ensure the meat fully absorbs these flavours. Simply cook in the desired way and serve with a simple salad and balsamic dressing.

Main courses for meat eaters

We’ve already touched on how to make a delicious Mexican mole in What can I do with cooking chocolate? This traditional Mexican dish relies on chocolate for its authenticity, as cocoa remains a fundamental component of this dish. Why not take some inspiration from this dish and use the same approach when making a rich ragu? Swirl a few squares of high cocoa dark chocolate to make your meal a little more moreish. Pour on top of ravioli or mix into gnocchi for an even more sophisticated gourmet chocolate dish.

Dark chocolate might be the most obvious ingredient when it comes to chocolate courses for the main. However, if done right, white chocolate can also add a subtle, creamy flavour. Because our white chocolate is high in cocoa butter, we know it boasts a unique level of creaminess, meaning it’s perfect for melting into smooth, light dishes. And, because we follow the mantra of more cocoa, less sugar, it’s not too sweet to pair with savoury foods.

For a gourmet chocolate dish that boasts elegance and sophistication, try adding a small piece of our White Chocolate Slab into mashed potato and serve alongside sea bass and samphire. White chocolate also goes well in a lemony white sauce that can be drizzled over seafood. Why not try it out on your next scallops, crab or lobster dish?

Main courses for veggies

It’s not just meat that gets all the attention from chocolate. Although meat tends to take the limelight when it comes to making savoury chocolate foods, vegetables bring their own unique edge. Oyster mushrooms offer a meaty texture and taste, whilst tomatoes have a slightly sweet, fresh flavour that works well in both rich and light meals.

A mushroom stroganoff is improved with the addition of a square of dark chocolate. And dark chocolate’s comforting richness can make a hearty vegetable stew with dumplings even more delectable. Use vegetables such as butternut squash, carrot and swede to bring a subtle sweetness against the deep flavours found in the stew’s sauce.

If you love Mexican food then why not take inspiration from the classic mole? For a twist on the traditional version, make your mole sauce (swapping chicken stock for vegetable) and pour over jackfruit (this can be found in most supermarkets). Roast at 180c for 30-40 minutes until the jackfruit is tender and slightly caramelised.

Serve in tacos with toppings of your choice and sprinkle with a few cocoa nibs for some added crunch. Alternatively, enjoy your Mexican jackfruit in a burger bun alongside lots of sour cream, salsa and guacamole. 

Gourmet chocolate for every occasion

At our restaurant Rabot 1745, we’re constantly looking for new ways to combine chocolate with our recipes to create new savoury chocolate ideas. You might have noticed that we didn’t mention chocolate-based dessert ideas, but don’t worry, we’ve got you covered.

Sometimes, you want something simple to conclude a gourmet chocolate feast. From Patisserie-inspired collections to tipsy truffles, our luxury chocolates are a great alternative to a complicated dessert. Taste all the intricate flavours of a complex dessert in one delightful bite.