The Pantry Staple You Should Be Adding to Every Pot of Chili (2024)

FAQs

What can you add to chili? ›

When making chili, don't forget to load up on veggies for an added layer of flavor and texture. Some classic options include fresh garlic, bell peppers, and onions. The vegetables will add a noticeable crunch and pop of color to your recipe. Fresh herbs like cilantro, basil or parsley can also enhance the flavor.

More Secret Ingredients for Chili - Toasting Spices

Toasting the spices early in the cooking process before adding the liquid will provide more flavor to the stew. This process unleashes the aromatics in the ground spices. The spices will release more flavor by gently heating them in a bit of oil with the meat.

A splash is just enough to compliment the tomato-kissed broth and brighten up the flavors of the ingredients in the pot. A little bit of vinegar goes a long way, so as a rule of thumb, stick with 1 tablespoon of vinegar per pot.

You can optionally add a small amount of unsweetened cocoa powder (titrate with a small amount). The cocoa will add more earthiness (like chili powder) and a savory flavor… You can also more tomatoes, onions, jalapenos, cilantro and proteins. A dash of lemon or vinegar may help if it's sweet.

Choose your chili topping bar ideas: Guacamole, Pico de gallo, diced tomatoes, sliced avocado, diced red onion/pickled red onion, sliced scallions, sliced/pickled radish, sliced/pickled jalapeños, chopped fresh cilantro, lime wedges, shredded cheddar cheese, crumbled queso fresco, sour cream/Greek yogurt, queso dip, ...

Some great options are corn, red capsicum and spinach leaves. If you're budget conscious, add an extra can of lentils or beans. It will bulk out the chilli and make it stretch further for minimal extra cost.

Chili cooks low and slow, so you need enough liquid to tenderize the meat and keep everything from drying out. That liquid should also add flavor to the chili, so use chicken, beef, or vegetable stock, or beer.

Stir some puréed pumpkin into your chili just after sautéing your aromatics (onions, garlic, etc...) and before adding any liquid. This will deepen and sweeten its flavor, making it a great balance for all the chile peppers and heat.

Cinnamon. The beauty of ground cinnamon is that it brings a warmth to your chili, without being spicy. It works well with other flavors commonly found in chili (like tomato, cumin and chile powder) so you only need a little bit to achieve the desired balance.

Cocoa powder, bacon, cinnamon, ground coffee and tomato paste will all add a rich sweet & salty flavors that are sure to surprise and delight. Warming spice blends, like Garam Masala, Ras el Hanout or Baharat are another simple and delicious way to add layered flavors to this simple one-pot meal.

When to add kidney beans to chili? ›

You know the saying, “save the best for last?” To keep your beans nice and plump, add them about 20 minutes before you finish cooking. This will give them plenty of time to impart that perfectly seasoned chili flavor to your recipe without overcooking.

Butter smooths out the bitterness and adds its unique richness, making you take another bite without quite knowing why. A dash of sugar and vinegar gives a sweet-sour flavor that also makes the sauce rounder and more satisfying.

Most Common Chili Spices. Cumin, Chile Powders, and Paprika are the most common spices in chili followed by garlic, onion, coriander, Mexican oregano, and bay leaves. These ingredients can be combined to create a savory and well-balanced pot of top notch comfort food.

The best beans for chili are pinto, kidney, and black beans, like in this easy and tasty recipe. This 3-bean chili freezes great for meals later in the week. If you prefer thinner chili, add an extra can of tomato sauce. The green chiles are not hot and add a wonderful flavor, so don't be afraid to use them.

Secret Ingredients

for a rich flavor, depth addition try espresso powder (finely ground coffee), cocoa powder, or cinnamon. Liquid Smoke is also a great flavor addition for some deep special flavor! many people will add a shot of bourbon, beer, sherry, or brandy for a smooth edge with a little kick in the bite.

Replacing up to 2 cups chopped vegetables is a great choice and one of the best substitutes – Cauliflower florets, broccoli florets, bell pepper, white or portobello mushrooms, sweet peas or split peas, carrots, zucchini or butternut squash.

The best chili meat is a combination of meats, often a mix of ground chuck, ground sirloin, brisket, diced tri-tip, and/or some bacon or sausage. Do your best to mix smaller pieces with larger pieces to stack textures and make it your own! Happy cooking!