What can be used to thicken chili other than masa harina?

What can be used to thicken chili other than masa harina? - Tin vessels and metal bucket with milk placed near bike leaned on shabby rusty wall

We like to make our own chili and it seems like masa harina is pretty traditionally used as a thickening agent. However, I don't particularly like the flavor it adds and I always have to add more spices after using it.

Does anyone know of other ingredients that can be used in place of the masa harina?



Best Answer

There are several ways you can thicken Chili than adding Masa Harina:

  • Add another thickening agent: flour and cornstarch are both widely used, you can also try other flours like graham flour, chickpea flour, or arrowroot. Note that if you use flour you'll want to fry it in oil or butter or risk a raw flour taste in the dish
  • Add refried beans: this adds thickening and a richness. It does dilute the spices some so you'll want to make the chili more powerful to compensate
  • Cook it down: Why add a thickener when simply simmering with the lid off will do it for you? It takes some time (an hour or so depending on the water content of the ingredients you add), but it will concentrate the flavors and give you a nice, thick chili without any additional ingredients at all



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Quick Answer about "What can be used to thicken chili other than masa harina?"

Cornmeal and masa harina will give the chili a slightly grainy texture, so this method is best when serving chili with crumbled cornbread. Add cornstarch or all-purpose flour: Cornstarch and all-purpose flour are common thickening agents that you might already have on hand in your pantry.

What can I use instead of masa in chili?

There are several ways you can thicken Chili than adding Masa Harina:
  • Add another thickening agent: flour and cornstarch are both widely used, you can also try other flours like graham flour, chickpea flour, or arrowroot. ...
  • Add refried beans: this adds thickening and a richness.


  • How can I thicken my chili without flour or cornstarch?

    Add a Cup of Beans Use a potato masher to mash up some black beans or pinto beans. That will allow them to release their natural starches, which will help thicken the liquid. Be sure to even out the recipe with a couple extra pinches of spice (chili powder, cumin, salt and pepper, etc.) to maintain the flavor.

    What is traditionally used as a thickener when making chili?

    Both Masa and plain cornmeal can be used to thicken chili. Just add a tablespoon or two of Masa Harina or cornmeal to your chili and mix them. The cornmeal needs to be mixed very well so that it absorbs the excess liquid.

    What do I do if my chili is too watery?

    For Chili That's Too Thin and Thinks It's Soup
  • Simmer with the lid off. Did you try this yet? ...
  • Add beans or veggies. Thick-cut root veggies will release their natural starches as they cook and help thicken the pot. ...
  • Mash it. ...
  • Add masa harina or tortillas. ...
  • Make a cornstarch slurry.




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