Chili is a popular stew that is beloved for its rich, thick texture and robust flavor. However, sometimes chili can turn out too thin and watery, which can make it unappealing. Thankfully, there are several easy methods you can use to thicken and add body to chili that’s too loose.
Why Does Chili Turn Out Watery?
There are a few common reasons chili can end up too thin:
- Adding too much liquid – Using too much tomato juice, stock, beer, etc. will thin out the chili.
- Not simmering long enough – Chili often needs several hours of simmering to thicken up and meld flavors.
- Too many vegetables – Veggies like tomatoes, peppers and onions contain a lot of water.
- Fat wasn’t browned – Browning ground meat in batches helps remove excess moisture.
- Beans weren’t drained – Canned beans hold on to a lot of liquid that gets added to the chili.
Tips for Thickening Watery Chili
If your chili comes out too thin, there are several simple fixes you can try:
Simmer Uncovered
Simply letting the chili simmer uncovered for an hour or more will allow some of the excess moisture to cook off, naturally concentrating the flavors and thickening it up.
Mix in a Slurry
Making a slurry is an easy way to add body and thickness. To make a slurry:
- In a small bowl, mix together 1-2 tbsp of cornstarch with 2-3 tbsp of water until smooth.
- Stir the slurry into the pot of chili.
- Let simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened.
The starch molecules from the cornstarch will swell and absorb liquid, thickening the chili nicely.
Add Some Grains
Adding a small amount of rice, barley, or bulgur wheat is an easy way to absorb excess moisture and give chili more body. Cook the grains separately, then stir into the chili and continue simmering until heated through and thickened up.
Mix in Crushed Tortilla Chips
Crush up some tortilla chips into coarse crumbs and stir a couple handfuls right into the chili pot. The starch from the chips will help absorb liquid and add thickness.
Add Mashed Beans
Mash up a cup or two of your chili beans right in the pot using a potato masher or fork. This will release starch from the beans and give your chili more body.
Sprinkle in Flour
For a quick fix, sprinkle a couple tablespoons of all-purpose flour over the chili, stir well, and let simmer for 10-15 minutes to thicken. The flour absorbs moisture and adds body.
Grate in Raw Potatoes
Grating in 1-2 raw potatoes works wonders to thicken chili. The starch is released from the potatoes as they simmer, absorbing liquid and thickening the chili.
Which Thickening Method is Best?
The best method depends on your specific recipe and preferences:
| Method | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Simmering | Natural method, deepens flavors | Takes a long time |
| Slurry | Works quickly without changing flavor | Can make chili gloppy if over-thickened |
| Grains | Adds texture and flavor | Alters flavor profile |
| Crushed chips | Convenient pantry item | Strong tortilla flavor |
| Mashed beans | Thickens from natural starch | Can make texture mushy |
| Flour | Very easy, uses pantry staple | Raw flour taste |
| Potatoes | Natural starch thickener | Dilutes chili flavor |
Tips for Preventing Watery Chili
To avoid overly thin chili in the future:
- Start with less broth/liquid
- Simmer uncovered for long enough
- Limit high-moisture ingredients like tomatoes
- Drain canned beans well
- Brown meat thoroughly before adding to chili
- Use tomato paste for richness
- Add body with beans, grains, lentils
- Skim fat from the surface as it simmers
- Let chili sit overnight in fridge to develop thickness
Conclusion
While watery chili can be disappointing, it’s easy to salvage the dish with simple fixes like simmering longer, adding a slurry or sprinkling in dry thickeners. Letting the chili sit overnight in the fridge can also help the flavors concentrate. With a few tweaks to ingredients and techniques, you can achieve the rich, hearty chili you were craving. The key is being patient and experimenting with different starch-based thickeners. Soon, you’ll master the art of creating thick, robust chili every time.