Does Tomato Sauce Thicken Chili?

When it comes to thickening chili, many people turn to tomato sauce. But does tomato sauce actually thicken chili? The answer is yes, tomato sauce can thicken chili, but there are a few things to keep in mind when using tomato sauce to thicken chili.

Understanding Tomato Sauce

Tomato sauce is not as thick as some other thickeners such as flour or cornstarch. This means that you may need to use more tomato sauce to achieve the desired thickness. Additionally, tomato sauce will also add a bit of acidity to the chili, which is not necessarily a bad thing, but you should consider this during your recipe development.

Alternative Thickeners

While tomato sauce is a convenient and tasty option, there are alternative thickeners you can use to achieve the perfect consistency in your chili.

Using Tomato Paste

If you prefer a thicker chili, one option is to use tomato paste. Heat the tomato paste in the pan first before adding the other ingredients. This not only thickens the chili but also flavors everything up.

Adding Cornmeal

Another option is to use cornmeal. Add a little at a time towards the end of the cooking time until you achieve the desired thickness.

Starting the chili with diced tomatoes as they cook down also helps build the liquid base as it thickens naturally. Don't forget the finely diced onions and the cheese for that extra layer of flavor.

Adding Variety to Your Chili

To elevate your chili recipe, consider adding a mix of different beans such as pinto beans, Ranch beans, white beans (Canelli beans), and kidney beans. Each type of bean brings its unique flavor and texture, creating a rich and layered dish.

Moreover, baking cornbread on the side of the chili is a wonderful addition. Not only does it provide a delightful contrast in texture, but it also enriches the overall flavor profile.

Conclusion

Thickening chili to your desired consistency can be achieved through various methods, including tomato sauce, tomato paste, cornmeal, or simply using diced tomatoes. Understanding these options and incorporating them into your recipe will help you create a perfect and flavorful chili that will satisfy your taste buds.