Over-seasoning chili can happen to anyone! Here's a breakdown of how to fix it, depending on what kind of over-seasoning you're dealing with:1. Too Spicy (Too Much Heat):
Dairy:
Dairy is your friend! Add sour cream, plain yogurt, heavy cream, or even milk.1 The casein in dairy binds to the capsaicin (the spicy compound) and neutralizes it.2
Cheese can also help.3
Sweetness:
A touch of sugar, honey, or maple syrup can balance the heat.4 Start small and taste as you go.
Acidity:
A squeeze of lime or lemon juice, or a dash of vinegar, can cut through the spiciness.5
Dilution:
Add more of the base ingredients: more diced tomatoes, beans, or broth. This will dilute the concentration of the spices.
Adding potatos that will absorb some of the liquid and spice, is also a great option.6
Nut Butters:
Adding a small amount of nut butter, like peanut butter, can also help to cut the spice.7
2. Too Salty:
Dilution:
Similar to dealing with spice, adding more base ingredients (tomatoes, beans, etc.) can help dilute the salt.
Starch:
Potatoes, rice, or pasta can absorb excess salt.8
Adding cornstarch slurry can also help.9
Sweetness:
A small amount of sugar can help to balance out the salt.10
Acid:
A small amount of acid, such as lemon juice, can also help to balance the salt.
3. Overly "Chili Powder" Taste:
Add More Base Ingredients:
Again, adding more tomatoes, beans, and broth will dilute the overpowering spice flavor.
Longer Simmering:
Sometimes, the spices just need more time to meld. A long, slow simmer can mellow out the harshness.
Add Fresh Ingredients:
Fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley can brighten the flavor and counteract the heavy spice taste.11
Add a touch of unsweetened cocoa powder, or dark chocolate:
This can add depth to the flavor, and help to balance out the over powering chili powder flavor.
General Tips:
Taste as You Go:
Add adjustments in small increments and taste frequently.
Simmer:
Simmering the chili after adding adjustments allows the flavors to meld.12
Don't Panic:
Chili is very forgiving. With a little tweaking, you can usually save it.
I hope this helps!