Meat, potatoes and chocolate?

I should start a new blog just on eating gourmet meals on a skinny budget! *laughs*

Doing my usual scouring of the fridge and cupboards, what could I make today? Wanting to steer away from cabbage tonight...plus I think the family is getting a little bit tired so they deserved a break.

Ever since my husband came home with a stash of herb blends from our local spice shop (see Chugach Chili thread for more information), I've been dying to try the North African blend! Started pulling ingredients out of the cupboards and fridge and went to work.

My family was very suspicious upon serving them this dish but as soon as a bite was taken, the 7 year old exclaims that it smells like hot coco! *laughs* The husband thought it tasted so terrible, he went for a second helping. It does not taste like *chocolate* but does have nice flavor of the bitter chocolate and the unique spice blend mixed well with this combination of ingredients. I dare you to try it! Add chocolate to your meat and potatoes...

1 pound ground pork
4 red potatoes cubed
2-3 cups sliced fresh broccoli
4 garlic cloves sliced
2 tablespoon North African spice blend*
3 small dark chocolate squares
1/4 cup water
salt to taste

Brown ground pork, while still slightly pink, add spices, potatoes and garlic. Cover and cook on medium heat for 15 minutes. Add broccoli, cover for additional 10 minutes. Add chocolate squares and water, cover for 5 minutes. Mix well and serve.


*Spanish paprika, sea salt, garlic, cumin, Korintje cinnamon, coriander, cayenne, Tellicherry pepper