{"id":19678,"date":"2024-12-16T13:54:22","date_gmt":"2024-12-16T20:54:22","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/uwyoextension.org\/uwnutrition\/?post_type=newsletters&p=19678"},"modified":"2025-11-18T15:39:07","modified_gmt":"2025-11-18T22:39:07","slug":"creating-a-great-chili","status":"publish","type":"newsletters","link":"https:\/\/uwyoextension.org\/uwnutrition\/newsletters\/creating-a-great-chili\/","title":{"rendered":"Creating a Great Chili"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t
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Do you know the difference between chili and chile? Chili with an \u201ci\u201d is a dish that mixes chile peppers with other ingredients. Chile with an \u201ce\u201d refers to a hot pepper; the plural is chilies. Chilies can be either fresh or dried. Ground-up dried chile peppers produce chile powder. Chile powder only contains chilies. By contrast, chili powder is a mixture of herbs and spices that includes ground-dried chilies and is used to flavor the chili dish.
While chili is a dish commonly described as a spicy stew with meat and tomatoes, it differs from place to place. One chili debate is whether or not it should contain beans. Regardless of your definition of chili, it is a great dish when hankering a heartier food.
Chili is commonly made of tomatoes, beans, chile peppers, meat, garlic, onions, and cumin. However, there are many variations to the basic chili. Whereas a meaty chili con carne is probably the most traditional version of this dish, chili can take many forms. The key ingredients that bind them all together are the chili spices. Making chili is easy. It\u2019s always nice to have a twist on a classic dish, so learn to customize your homemade chili.<\/p>

Use A Different Protein:
\u2022 Use a half-pound of ground meat and add an extra can of pinto beans.
\u2022 Make chili without beef (vegetarian) with two cans of extra beans instead of the beef.
\u2022 To make chili without beans, use 2 lbs. ground meat instead of one.
\u2022 Mexican chorizo makes a spicy alternative to beef and increases the flavor of the chili.
\u2022 Use other ground meat, such as ground turkey, chicken, pork, Italian sausage, or wild game.
\u2022 Shredded chicken breast and chopped chicken thighs work well in chili.<\/p>

Add Flavorful Liquids:
\u2022 Instead of water, use tomato or vegetable juice.
\u2022 Low-sodium beef broth instead of water gives the chili an extra flavor boost.
\u2022 Using dark beer instead of water adds an earthy flavor.
\u2022 A small amount of red wine imparts richness, depth, and body to beefy chili.
\u2022 Liquid smoke will add a smokey dimension to the chili.
\u2022 A few tablespoons of jarred brine from pickled jalape\u00f1os or pickles, stirred in at the end, adds a bright acidity to the chili. Also, try balsamic vinegar.
\u2022 A few dashes of soy sauce, liquid aminos, Worcestershire sauce, or fish sauce enhance the umami savor of chili. You might even try a small dose of miso.
\u2022 A moderate amount of espresso, strong-brewed black coffee, or instant coffee granules will amp up the deep, complex flavors of chili, and work well alone or pleasantly with a little chocolate.
\u2022 Sriracha hot sauce will add a spicy, tangy, slightly sweet heat to chili.
\u2022 Cola adds an alluring, mysterious, sweet taste.
\u2022 Coconut milk will make a creamy, rich chili.
\u2022 Add a squeeze of lime juice for tang and a clean, fresh taste.<\/p>

Customize The Spices:
\u2022 Adding a couple of chipotle chiles in adobo will give the chili a spicy and smokey flavor.
\u2022 Smoked paprika (1 teaspoon) will add smokiness without extra heat.
\u2022 Cocoa powder (1\/2-1 Tablespoon) or unsweetened baking chocolate adds another flavor note to the chili.
\u2022 Cinnamon (1 teaspoon) plays nicely with the chili peppers.
\u2022 Use a small amount of nutmeg, cloves, allspice, and other sweet spices to make the chili more aromatic.
\u2022 Natural peanut butter will give the chili a creamy richness and nutty nuance.
\u2022 Add a touch of sweetening with molasses, honey, or brown sugar.<\/p>

Add Extra Vegetables and\/or Fruit:
\u2022 Poblano peppers saut\u00e9ed with onions and garlic add an excellent southwest flavor.
\u2022 Add saut\u00e9ed jalape\u00f1os or serrano peppers to make a spicy chili.
\u2022 Make an extra veggie-licious chili by adding finely diced zucchini, bell pepper, and shredded carrots.
\u2022 Include frozen corn kernels for flavor, color, and texture.
\u2022 Diced sweet potato, pumpkin, or butternut squash adds a unique, pleasing contrast and beautiful color.
\u2022 Add browned cauliflower florets to a regular chili recipe.
\u2022 Olives have a briny flavor that lends a salty depth to the chili.
\u2022 Many Asian dishes incorporate fruit into savory dishes, so try mango for a tropical twist.
\u2022 Sweet, tart cranberries will temper the heat of chili.<\/p>

Use Fun Toppings:
\u2022 Shredded cheese (cheddar, provolone, Mexican blend, or your favorite variety)
\u2022 Sour cream
\u2022 Sliced green onions or diced red onions
\u2022 Cubed avocado
\u2022 Sliced jalapenos
\u2022 Chopped cilantro
\u2022 Crushed tortilla chips, corn chips, or oyster crackers<\/p>

Putting out bowls of toppings lets everyone customize their own bowl, which is always fun.<\/p>

Chili freezes and reheats beautifully. Freeze it in single servings for lunches or in freezer bags for a quick and easy weeknight meal. Defrost the chili by thawing it in the refrigerator, microwave, or on the stovetop. Add additional water if necessary.
If it\u2019s chilly outside and you\u2019ve decided to eat something warm and cozy for dinner \u2013 chili it is! Find some ways to make a classic chili recipe even better.<\/p>

Written by Vicki Hayman, MS, University of Wyoming Community Vitality & Health Educator<\/p>

Sources:<\/p>

  • Kitchen Riff, www.kitchenriffs.com<\/li>
  • Merriam-Webster, www.merriam-webster.com<\/li>
  • Taste of Home, www.tasteofhome<\/li>
  • Tasting Table, www.tastingtable.com<\/li>
  • The Kitchn, www.thekitchn.com<\/li>
  • Whats Cooking American, whatscookingamerica.net<\/li><\/ul>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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