What secret ingredient do you use for making your favorite chili?

Question

It´s cold and rainy here in Bavaria, Germany, so I´m making chili.

Answer 1

A can of Rotel

Answer 2

I guess that depends on the type, but your from a country were I used to use one of the main ingredients from, a good german beer is a good taste enhancer.

I am a former chef, and like to make the various types from the one with meat and beans to the Texas style with just meat to the southwestern green style with pork and green chilis.

I also do like the people who do the competition style chilis, in the first stages you add half of the seasonings and near the end an additional shot to reinforce the flavours, I even a a touch of unsweetened cocoa powder to my seasoning mix, it adds a bit of depth and a hint of sweetness to the flavour, and as I like mine hot the type of chilis are important.

In Germany you may have to use the Italian pepperoncinos or some hot hungarian paprika, or get a friend to ship you some mexican chili powder, when I was in Munich in 1985, I did see in the grocerteria a chili powder product.

Answer 3

It's a secret... but as an alternative, find dried chili peppers and grind them yourself. Don't use bottled chili powder.

Also, I believe the fewer the ingredients the better. No need for peanut butter, chocolate, cans of this or that.

Chili is a beef stew made from chiles, plus a couple secret ingredients. Anything else, just gets overwhelmed where you're spending extra time and money all for naught.

Just my opinion...

Answer 4

A little bit of Guinness during the last 45 minutes, before i take it off! Just about a 1/4-1/2cup. Or any good dark beer that you have in Germany. It is soo good and it gives the chili a rich flavor! Love It !

Answer 5

Chipotle Chile Powder

Answer 6

A bit of sugar. It sounds odd, but it cuts the acid of the tomatos and brings out the heat of the chili. Like a table spoon - no more, then it is too sweet.

Answer 7

I never use water when making chili, I use Beer, spices should be chili powder, cumin and paprika, add a couple of chopped jalapeños or serrano chilis for heat.

Answer 8

Chili

Answer 9

I live in Indiana, U.S.A. and it is going to be a heat index today of 108-112 degrees outside.....but when I make my chili...I add cocoa powder or unsweetened chocolate squares and a pinch of white sugar....

Answer 10

ground turkey instead of ground beef

I always save my juices from cooking other meats (chicken, roast, etc) and add to my stews and chili gives it a much deeper taste. If you don't have any try adding a can of gravy or dry mix.

Answer 11

i like to add a couple of small cans of diced green chiles. really gives it a nice flavor without being too spicy.
oh, and serve it over some rice. my husband asked me to make some rice with the last batch of chili i made and i thought he was crazy, but it was really good!