Photo: Andrea Davis

How can I thicken my chili without flour or cornstarch?

Use tortilla chips: If you don't have cornmeal on hand, tortilla chips can make a good substitute as a thickener (though keep in mind that they will add more salt to the dish). Crush up a few chips and sprinkle them into the chili. Mix into the pot and simmer until the chips are fully absorbed.

southernliving.com - How to Thicken Chili Fast - Southern Living

What does keto do to female hormones?

Keto diet helps women in treating irregular menstrual cycles. It also has a positive impact on ovulation and the chances of pregnancy. Increased...

Last updated Jan 31, 2018

How will I know I'm in ketosis?

When a person is in nutritional ketosis, they will have blood ketone levels of 0.5–3 millimoles per liter . Alternatively, people can use a breath...

Last updated Jun 4, 2021

Promotion

Whether you like your chili with beans or without, chock full of beef or strictly vegetarian, mild or spicy enough to make you sweat, we can all agree that a good bowl of chili should have a thick and chunky texture. After all, you want to pile your bowl full of delicious toppings, right?

Many chili recipes, especially ones made with beans, will thicken up in the pot all by themselves as the cooking liquid simmers and reduces down. Other chili recipes have a brothier, soupier consistency, which means you'll need an extra ingredient to help give it more body. Read on for our favorite ingredient for thickening chili and tips on how to use it.

Hector M. Sanchez

Using Cornmeal to Thicken Chili

Cornmeal is one of our go-to thickening agents for chili. Unlike all-purpose flour, this Southern pantry staple adds a subtle earthy flavor to the chili in addition to thickening it up. You can use white or yellow cornmeal that is fine to medium-grain. Or try masa harina, a very fine corn flour traditionally used to make corn tortillas or tamales. Masa harina is usually stocked near other Latin American food products in grocery stores.

Types of Cornmeal to Avoid in Chili

Be sure to avoid using coarse-ground cornmeal or polenta. It has a larger grain that's great for baked goods like cornbread, but it won't dissolve properly in the chili and adds a gritty texture. Also avoid dry cornbread mixes, which may contain other ingredients like flour and sugar.

How to Thicken Chili with Cornmeal

If your chili recipe doesn't already call for cornmeal, you can stir it into the pot at the end of the cooking time. Usually, 1 to 2 tablespoons of cornmeal are all you will need to get a nice, thick texture. Let the chili simmer for an additional 10 minutes or so, stirring frequently until you've reached your desired thickness.

Other Ways to Thicken Chili

Though adding cornmeal is our favorite method for thickening chili, there are several other ways to reach that thick, hearty texture you're seeking:

Is tomato juice good for diabetes?

Tomato juice is a great choice for those who have type 2 diabetes. It has been known to reduce the risk of blood clots, a common issue for those...

Last updated Jul 17, 2018

What foods whiten the eyes?

Make sure that you include fresh vegetables and fruits in your diet such as carrots, pumpkins, lemons and oranges. The fruits and vegetable rich in...

Last updated Aug 1, 2018

Promotion

Does Halle Berry do keto?

Berry is one of the many devout celebrity followers of the popular ketogenic diet and regularly shares her favorite keto-friendly meals and recipes...

Last updated Aug 6, 2020