With chili season upon us, we thought we would share our tips and tricks for enhancing and elevating this classic dish. Did you know Pacific Foods has tons of great, ready-to-eat chili options and chili recipes?
Maybe you take great pride in creating your unique chili recipe but you’re looking for some new secret ingredients. Or you need to reinvent your old chili routine altogether. Either way, we can help you create a dish that’ll have your guests begging for seconds. And we have a few time-saving suggestions along the way!
Below are some tips to help you bring your prized recipes to the next level with secret ingredients, helpful tips, and a few shortcuts.
Start Here: Choose High-Quality Ingredients
When it comes to creating a delicious chili recipe from scratch, the first step is to choose high-quality ingredients. If you prefer organic and non-GMO ingredients, you can find several options at your local grocery store. Opting for high-quality foods will help you craft a dish that’s flavorful and delicious.
To elevate the flavor of your chili, consider using ingredients known for their strong, distinctive taste profiles.
For instance, instead of using tomato paste, a staple ingredient in most chili recipes, try substituting a rich flavorful tomato-based soup like Pacific Foods Roasted Red Pepper or Creamy Tomato Basil soup. These soups add depth and complexity to your chili, making it stand out from the rest. For a bit of a mix up, try incorporating Pacific Foods Butternut Squash soup to bring a subtle sweetness to your chili.
Make Sure Your Base Brings the Flavor Too
The base of your chili determines the success of the dish! This flavor foundation plays a crucial role in enhancing the overall flavor. Instead of using plain water (please, never just use water), consider using stock, broth, or bone broth as your base to add richness and depth.
Not sure which broth to use? Luckily, there isn’t a right or wrong answer. Beef broth adds a hearty, robust flavor, while chicken broth brings a lighter, more delicate taste. Veggie broth or organic mushroom broth is a great option for those who prefer a plant-based chili. Experiment with different types of broth to find the one that best complements your chili recipe.
5 Cooking Tips to Try When Making Chili From Scratch
1. Cook Low & Long
For the best results, cook your chili on low heat for an extended period of time. This slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld together and intensify over time, resulting in a rich, flavorful chili.
2. Bloom Your Spices
Before adding your spices, try blooming (heating) them in a little oil or butter. This process helps release their aromatic oils, intensifying their flavors and adding depth to your dish.
3. Brown Your Meat First
To enhance the flavor of your chili, brown the meat before adding it to the pot. This step not only caramelizes the meat, but gives your chili more texture, adding a depth that cannot be achieved by simply simmering it in the chili.
4. Brown Your Veggies Too
Just like with the meat, browning your vegetables before incorporating them into the chili can take the flavor to new heights. The Maillard reaction that occurs during browning adds a rich savory taste that will elevate your chili.
5. Choose the Right Pot
The type of pot you use can affect the cooking process and the flavor of your chili. Opt for a heavy-bottomed pot, such as a Dutch oven, to ensure even heat distribution and prevent burning.
Don’t Be Afraid of Chili Shortcuts
If you’re short on time but still want to bring your chili to the next level, don’t be afraid to take some shortcuts. With a few secret ingredients and clever tricks, you can transform a basic chili into a culinary masterpiece.
Try starting with a can of chili as your base and then add your own secret ingredients to customize the flavor. These secret chili ingredients can add depth, complexity, and a unique twist to your chili, impressing your family and friends with minimal effort.
We asked our chef and came up with these examples to inspire you:
Chili: Plant Based White Bean Verde
Pacific Foods Organic Plant-based White Bean Verde Chile offers the bright and zesty flavors of lime, tomatillos and roasted poblano peppers without the prep work. While this plant-based chili is a meal in itself, there are a few ingredients you can add to enhance its flavors! We chose these secret ingredients for their earthy and savory flavors.
- Avocado
- Cilantro
- Red Onion
Chili: Harvest Black Bean
Pacific Foods Organic Harvest Black Bean Chili is a warm, comforting dish brimming with the richness of black beans, assorted vegetables, and a blend of aromatic spices, embodying the essence of the harvest season.
To add texture and heat, try adding these secret ingredients:
- Scallions
- Sliced Jalapenos
- Toasted Pepitas
Chili: Fire Roasted Veggies
Pacific Foods Organic Plant-Based Fire Roasted Vegetable Chili combines the bold and satisfying flavors of beans, quinoa, and roasted vegetables into a delicious plant-based-take on chili. To enhance the fire-roasted flavors of this chili, try adding these ingredients:
- White Onion
- Cheddar Cheese
- Tortilla Chips
Take Your Chili to The Next Level With Pacific Foods
By following these tips, incorporating high-quality ingredients, and experimenting with a few super-top-secret ingredients, you can take your chili recipe to new heights. Don’t be afraid to get creative, have fun, and make it your own. Remember, there are no wrong answers here –only full bellies. So grab your favorite pot, gather your herbs and spices, and add a Pacific Foods broth, soup, or recipe to create a bowl of chili that’ll leave everyone wanting more.
