Live a little, eh??
By Sara Tane and Sara Tane Updated October 20, 2017
SL- Pressure-Cooker-Beef-and-Bean-Chili-Recipe
Credit: Jennifer Causey; Prop Styling: Ginny Branch Stelling; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall
It’s safe to say that most people have a go-to chili recipe that they can fall back on time and time again for the ultimate bowl of comfort. So, why fix something that isn’t broken, right? Look—if you keep your homemade chili as near and dear to your heart as your own religion, then by all means, keep doing you. I respect your loyalty to your OG recipe. However, if you’re wanting to give your next go-around an added kick of unexpected flavor, we gathered some non-traditional ingredients that are sure to fend well in such a hearty concoction. Before you’re quick to dismiss these unlikely chili additions as straight-up sacrilege, step outside your chili comfort zone and give them a whirl.
Pineapple
Spruce up your next bowl of vegetarian chili with some chunks of, yes, pineapple. It adds a hit of sweetness (which makes for a great counterpart if you’re adding a ton of heat to the chili) and a surprising textural component, to boot. Look, if you’re opposed to some savory pineapple action (pineapple pizza haters, we’re looking at you), we get it. Fine. Carry on with your ways. But if you’re up for a tropical burst of flavor, what are you waiting for?
Watch Now: How to Make Beefy, Bacon, and Beer Chili
Apples
Going along with the fruity theme here, go ahead and toss in some peeled, cored, and chopped apple bits. Like the pineapple, the apple bits will soften up (but not so much that it’s legitimate baby food) and release a seasonal, sweet flavor throughout the dish. Apples and chili are both fall staples, so why not marry the two? No? Does that logic make no sense at all? Well, I’m sold on it. #SorryNotSorry.
Chocolate
Yes, you read that correctly, and no, this was not written by a pregnant woman with obscene cravings. A dash of unsweetened cocoa powder or a couple ounces of bittersweet chocolate can add a richness to that bowl of chili that you probably never saw coming. The earthy, cacao flavor against the smokiness of the rest of the chili just so happens to be a match made in low-and-slow cooking heaven.
Coffee
While we’re on the subject of caffeinated beans, let’s bring some coffee into the discussion. Similar to the chocolate in that it adds a subtle tang of earthy sweetness, a cup of strong-brewed coffee or a couple tablespoons of finely ground espresso beans add a playful zing to play up the aromatics of the chili. If breakfast chili wasn’t a thing before, it definitely is now.
Peanut Butter
I know, I know. It’s a bowl of chili, not that weird bouncy toy that you give your dog to gnaw on when they’re bored. But hear me out. Peanut butter works just as well in a savory dish as it does sweet, and when paired with a hefty dose of spices and flavorful meat, well, the rest is history. Not to mention, your dog will definitely be into these leftovers (and so will you!).
Fish Sauce
Your chili has got to achieve its salty flavor somehow, right? If you feel like straying from the typical pinch of kosher salt, add a subtle punch of umami with fish sauce, soy sauce, or even anchovies. The distinct flavors of each will disperse throughout the chili, and your fellow chili-eating comrades will have no idea where that indistinct savory-salty goodness is coming from.
Booze
Dark, rich stouts or a couple glugs of red wine have an extremely welcome place in any chili situation. The alcohol will cook off, leaving behind a rich, deep flavor that will pair up nicely against the heat and smoke of the surrounding ingredients. Plus, you’re going to need something to do while that chili cooks for hours on end. How convenient, you’ve now got an open bottle of red.
By Sara Tane and Sara Tane
FAQs
Beans and non-vegetable fillers such as rice and pasta are not allowed." If that sounds a bit uptight, the ICS's Homestyle Chili competition defines chili as: "any kind of meat, or combination of meats, and/or vegetables cooked with beans, chili peppers, various spices, and other ingredients.
What makes can chili taste better? ›
Professional chefs shared their favorite ways to turn a can of chili into a tastier option. Cocoa, beer, and cinnamon are ingredients that'll boost the flavor of your dish. Fresh toppings are an easy way to add new flavor and texture to the premade meal.
What adds the most flavor to chili? ›
Elevate with Extra Flavor
Elevate your chili recipe by adding an extra layer of flavor. Cocoa powder, bacon, cinnamon, ground coffee and tomato paste will all add a rich sweet & salty flavors that are sure to surprise and delight.
What is the trick to a good chili? ›
Five Tips for Better Chili
- Make Your Own Chili Powder. Okay, if you're using a store-bought shaker of “chili powder” please get up from your computer, walk to your pantry, and throw it away. ...
- Use Beans from a Bag, Not from a Can. ...
- Roast your Chiles. ...
- Vary your Meat. ...
- A Hoppy Bottle of Beer Brings it all Together. ...
- Chili Powder.
It's hard to imagine Mexican chilli con carne without cumin. This spice is commonly used in Mexican cuisine and pairs nicely with hot peppers to round out the flavours of the dish. Cumin's fragrance and warmth helps to create a balanced palate, with its deep earthiness and lemony hint brightening up any chilli recipe.
What is my chili missing? ›
Sometimes after a long simmer, your chili will taste wonderful be maybe missing one little thing you can't figure out. Try a tad bit of vinegar or a squeeze of lime! The acidity in vinegar & limes bring a good roundness to the pot and binds all the flavors together.
What is supposed to be in chili? ›
What is chili? Chili, also referred to as chili con carne is a hearty beef stew made with spices, peppers, meat, tomatoes, and beans (in some cases). Most homemade chili recipes are made up of the same basic ingredients like ground beef, onion, spices, beans, and some type of tomato product.
What is the best liquid for chili? ›
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.
Why are beans forbidden in chili? ›
No-beans side argue that beans distract your mouth from the beef and spices that chili is supposed to showcase. Texans in particular are likely to reject beans; in fact, the no-bean version is often referred to as Texas chili.
What doesn t belong in chili? ›
Beans in chili? Not if you're from Texas! While some people claim that chili can be made with a variety of ingredients—including beef and bean chili, chipotle chicken chili, or dare we say veggie chili—anyone from the Lone Star State would argue that traditional chili simply does not contain beans.
A cup of strong, brewed coffee will work wonders for your pot of chili, imparting a deep, roasted flavor that will make the chili taste like it simmered away all day long. For maximum flavor, reduce the coffee along with a blend of tomato paste, aromatic veggies and spices like we do in our Spicy Vegetarian Chili.
How can I make my chili tastier? ›
Add a touch of sweetness
Chili is rich, deep and often spicy, so adding a sweet ingredient is a great way to create balanced flavor. We've found that adding diced carrots is the easiest way to add natural sweetness, but you can also use vegetables like sweet potatoes or winter squash.
What makes a good competition chili? ›
We Like To Cook!
- Color – The chili should look appetizing.
- Aroma – The chili should smell good. ...
- Consistency - Chili should have a good meat-to-sauce ratio. ...
- Taste – The chili should taste, well, like chili. ...
- Aftertaste - The aftertaste or bite is the heat created by the various types of spices and or peppers.
With only about 1 tablespoon per pot added toward the end of the cooking process, the vinegar will make the flavors more vibrant without overwhelming the dish with its biting tang. Through just a splash, everything becomes a little brighter, and the chili's flavors are more balanced.
How to make bland chili taste better? ›
Add a hit of soy sauce, Worcestershire, or tamari. These salty, savory powerhouses won't dominate or change the flavor of your chili so much as amplify what's there. Start with one tablespoon, stir, and taste before you add another.
What liquid to add to chili? ›
While something as basic as water will get the job done, broth is a quick and simple way to give chili an extra-savory flavor, and canned tomatoes can add a layer of sweetness. When adding beer or wine, you'll want to keep it to about 1/2 cup when using the slow cooker, so the flavor isn't overpowering.
