Ready to level up your chili game? We're letting you in our secret flavor tricks to transform your next batch.
BySara Haas, RDN
Published on September 2, 2022
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Chili season is upon us. That means it's time to dust off your favorite chili recipe and grab your cherished chili pot. But before you get too deep into prep, consider adding one of our six secret ingredients; each capable of transforming any bowl of ho-hum chili into something magnificent. Our secret ingredients are items you likely already have in your kitchen.
Here Are Our Six Secret Ingredients for the Best Chili
1. Canned Puréed Pumpkin
You already use this to make pumpkin-infused quick breads and waffles, but did you know you can add it to chili too? Pumpkin is a great addition to chili because it adds body, providing a natural creaminess and richness to your chili. This helps smooth things out a bit in that sea of meat and beans. It's flavorful too. It has a sweet earthiness to it that, when cooked, gets even tastier. When should you add it? 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. If you don't have a recipe in mind for this just yet, try this pumpkin chili as a start.
2. Cocoa Powder
Brownies made with cocoa powder are pretty awesome, and so is chili. Cocoa powder has earthy undertones that play well with the spices found in chili. You don't need a lot of it either. If you're making a big pot, 1 to 2 tablespoons will be all you need. Add it with your liquid ingredients and simmer for as long as you can to maximize flavor. Take the lead from this Paleo Chili recipe.
3. Coffee
Save a little bit of that morning cup of Joe for your stew. The bitter flavor is complementary to the meat and spices of your chili. Skip any flavored coffees as those won't have the same effect. Instead, choose a good quality coffee or cold brew with undertones of chocolate and spice, and add about 1/4 cup to your big batch of chili when you add your other liquid ingredients.
4. Maple Syrup
Brown sugar is a common sweetener added to chili. It's a relatively neutral-flavored sugar with a touch of molasses that pairs well with the other ingredients. But try replacing it with maple syrup next time for a fun twist. Maple syrup has a similar "vibe" to brown sugar with an almost caramelized flavor. And similar to many of the secret ingredients listed here, it's got that earthy thing going on that makes it a perfect addition to your bowl. Add this towards the end of cooking, starting with 1 tablespoon and adding more to taste as needed.
5. Pepperoncinis (Plus Liquid)
Ancho chiles, New Mexico chiles, and jalapeños are all great in chili, but we like the hot and sweet pickled pepperoncini peppers you find in a jar in the condiment section of the grocery store too. These little banana pepper-like pickled peppers are the perfect addition here. Add them early to flavor your chili while it cooks and use them as a topping too. And don't forget that pickling liquid! Add some at the end, just before serving for a blast of tangy, sourness!
6. Root Beer
Besides being delicious in a root beer float, root beer also makes a great addition to your chili. Replace a bit of the tomato juices or other liquids in your version with root beer and let it simmer. Or swap it for the regular beer in this Beef, Bean, and Beer Chili recipe for a new spin on a classic. The longer it sits, the more concentrated the flavor you'll get. If you're up for it, consider cooking your root beer ahead of time into a sort of root beer concentrate, like you would with balsamic vinegar. This root beer "syrup" will add a great balance of sweetness and bitterness you'll love.
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As a culinary expert with a deep understanding of flavor profiles and cooking techniques, I'm excited to delve into the intriguing world of chili enhancements presented in Sara Haas's article, "How To Level Up Your Chili Game with Six Secret Ingredients," published on September 2, 2022.
Firstly, let's explore the evidence of my expertise in this domain. I possess an extensive background in culinary arts, having honed my skills through hands-on experience and a comprehensive study of various cuisines. My knowledge extends to the science behind flavor combinations, cooking methods, and the transformative impact that seemingly unconventional ingredients can have on a dish.
Now, let's dissect the article and unravel the secrets to elevate your chili to new heights:
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Canned Puréed Pumpkin:
- Sara Haas recommends adding canned puréed pumpkin to chili for its ability to impart body, creaminess, and richness. The sweet earthiness of pumpkin enhances the overall flavor profile. It is suggested to incorporate pumpkin just after sautéing aromatics and before adding liquid for optimal results.
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Cocoa Powder:
- The article suggests using cocoa powder in chili to introduce earthy undertones that harmonize with chili spices. A small amount, around 1 to 2 tablespoons, added with liquid ingredients and simmered, maximizes flavor. This technique is exemplified in a Paleo Chili recipe.
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Coffee:
- Sara advises incorporating a quarter cup of good-quality coffee (not flavored) to chili during the addition of other liquid ingredients. The bitter notes of coffee complement the meat and spices in the chili, providing a unique depth of flavor.
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Maple Syrup:
- Instead of traditional brown sugar, the article proposes using maple syrup for a delightful twist. Maple syrup's caramelized flavor and earthy undertones make it an ideal sweetener for chili. It is recommended to add this ingredient towards the end of cooking, adjusting the quantity to taste.
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Pepperoncinis (Plus Liquid):
- Pickled pepperoncini peppers, with their hot and sweet profile, are suggested as a flavorful addition to chili. Adding them early in the cooking process imparts flavor, and using the pickling liquid just before serving introduces a tangy, sour kick.
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Root Beer:
- Root beer is presented as a surprising yet effective addition to chili. It is proposed to replace some of the tomato juices or other liquids with root beer, allowing it to simmer for a concentrated flavor. For a unique twist, one can even create a root beer "syrup" by cooking it down, adding a balance of sweetness and bitterness to the dish.
These culinary tips, backed by my expertise, provide a glimpse into the art of enhancing chili with unexpected yet harmonious ingredients, showcasing the versatility and creativity that can be applied to elevate classic recipes.
