What To Know
- Tomato paste is a concentrated form of tomatoes that is a great way to add flavor and thickness to chili.
- With a little experimentation, you can create a thick and flavorful chili that will warm you up on a cold night.
- Simply mix the cornstarch with a little bit of cold water to create a slurry, then whisk the slurry into the simmering chili.
Beef chili is a hearty and flavorful dish that can warm you up on a cold night. But what if your chili is too thin? Don’t worry, there are several ways to thicken beef chili and create a rich and satisfying meal.
Flour or Cornstarch
One of the most common ways to thicken chili is to add flour or cornstarch. These starches will absorb the liquid in the chili and create a thicker consistency. To use flour or cornstarch, mix 2-3 tablespoons of the starch with a little bit of cold water to create a slurry. Then, whisk the slurry into the simmering chili and cook until thickened.
Masa Harina
Masa harina is a corn flour that is commonly used in Mexican cuisine. It is a good choice for thickening chili because it adds a slightly sweet and earthy flavor. To use masa harina, mix 1-2 tablespoons with a little bit of cold water to create a slurry. Then, whisk the slurry into the simmering chili and cook until thickened.
Pureed Vegetables
Pureeing vegetables is a great way to add flavor and thickness to chili. You can use any type of vegetables you like, but some good options include carrots, celery, onions, and bell peppers. To puree the vegetables, simply roast or steam them until soft, then blend them in a food processor until smooth. Stir the pureed vegetables into the chili and cook until heated through.
Tomato Paste
Tomato paste is a concentrated form of tomatoes that is a great way to add flavor and thickness to chili. To use tomato paste, stir 1-2 tablespoons into the simmering chili. The tomato paste will dissolve and thicken the chili as it cooks.
Instant Oatmeal
Instant oatmeal is a quick and easy way to thicken chili. To use instant oatmeal, stir 1-2 tablespoons into the simmering chili. The oatmeal will absorb the liquid and thicken the chili as it cooks.
Breadcrumbs
Breadcrumbs are a good choice for thickening chili if you want a gluten-free option. To use breadcrumbs, stir 1-2 tablespoons into the simmering chili. The breadcrumbs will absorb the liquid and thicken the chili as it cooks.
Potato Flakes
Potato flakes are a good choice for thickening chili if you want a creamy texture. To use potato flakes, stir 1-2 tablespoons into the simmering chili. The potato flakes will dissolve and thicken the chili as it cooks.
In a nutshell
There are several ways to thicken beef chili, so you can choose the method that best suits your taste and dietary needs. With a little experimentation, you can create a thick and flavorful chili that will warm you up on a cold night.
FAQ
Q: How much thickener should I add to my chili?
A: The amount of thickener you need will depend on the consistency of your chili. Start with a small amount and add more as needed until you reach the desired consistency.
Q: Can I thicken chili with cornstarch after it has been cooked?
A: Yes, you can thicken chili with cornstarch after it has been cooked. Simply mix the cornstarch with a little bit of cold water to create a slurry, then whisk the slurry into the simmering chili. Cook the chili until thickened.
Q: What is the best way to thicken chili without flour?
A: There are several ways to thicken chili without flour, including using cornstarch, masa harina, pureed vegetables, tomato paste, instant oatmeal, breadcrumbs, and potato flakes.
