Whether youre craving comfort food on a winter night or hosting a game-day party, you cant go wrong with chili. Its hearty, delicious, and endlessly customizable. And while the dish is relatively easy to make, there are times when you might end up with a soupy and thin result.
Luckily, there are several ways to thicken chili and reduce the excess liquid, as proven by these expert-approved tips and tricks.
Add Cornmeal to the Chili Cornmeal does an excellent job of absorbing extra liquids so adding a tablespoon of it to the chili will thicken the final dish. Mix 2 parts of cold water and 1 part of cornmeal, make it a slurry, and add this to the pot. Allow it to simmer for about 10 minutes after you add the slurry.
Simmer Longer
One of the easiest ways to thicken chili is to simply increase the cooking time. Simmer your dish for an additional 20 to 30 minutes, uncovered, stirring it occasionally, says Traci Weintraub, chef and founder of Gracefully Fed, a meal delivery service and restaurant in Los Angeles. Simmering it for longer will also help intensify and blend the flavors, she adds.
Use All-Purpose Flour or Cornstarch
All-purpose flour and cornstarch are useful for thickening chili, as well as sauces, soups, and stews. However, youll want to avoid adding these ingredients directly to your recipe, as this will result in clumps. Instead, create a slurry and add it slowly to help the thickener fully incorporate. “Transfer some warm liquid [from the chili] to a separate bowl. Whisk in the flour or cornstarch, then slowly stir it back in the pot,” advises Wofford. Bring the mixture back to a boil, which will “activate” the ingredient, instantly thickening the dish.
Whether you turn to flour or cornstarch, Wofford suggests using a small amount to start. You can always add another round of slurry if the chili is still too thin.
How to Thicken Chili: 6 Simple Steps to an Effective Strategy
FAQ
Why would you put cornmeal in chili?
What not to put in chili?
What can I add to chili to make it taste better?
What is a good thickener for chili?
Can you add cornmeal to chili?
Though adding cornmeal is our favorite method for thickening chili, there are several other ways to reach that thick, hearty texture you’re seeking: Cook longer: Sometimes chili just needs more time. Remove the lid and allow the pot to simmer on low heat for another 10 minutes. Stir and check to see if it needs to cook longer.
What can I substitute for chili pepper?
There are many varieties of chili peppers that have varying levels of heat. Typically, the larger the pepper, the milder the heat. If you don’t have chili peppers for the spicy kick needed in a dish you can substitute cayenne pepper or hot paprika. Start with small amounts to taste, then add more if the dish is not spicy enough. For individuals who don’t like spicy food, a mild sweet paprika works as a replacement, or simply use less chili pepper than the recipe calls for. You can also try bell peppers if you are looking to replace nutrients lost by removing chili pepper. For those who are allergic to peppers in general, the appropriate substitution will depend on the specific recipe. Many times chili pepper can be left out of a recipe. Experimentation is best way to find out what works.
Does corn go well with chili?
Versatility: Corn pairs well with various other ingredients in chili, such as black beans, bell peppers, and tomatoes, allowing you to customize the flavor and texture of the dish to your liking. Budget-friendly: Corn is an affordable ingredient that can stretch the servings of chili and make it more budget-friendly. What Are The Cons Of Adding It?
How much cornmeal do you need to cook chili?
If your chili recipe doesn’t already call for cornmeal, you can stir it into the pot at the end of the cooking time. Usually, 1 to 2 tablespoons of cornmeal are all you will need to get a nice, thick texture. Let the chili simmer for an additional 10 minutes or so, stirring frequently until you’ve reached your desired thickness.