Adding peanut butter to chili is an unusual technique that some cooks use to provide a subtle nutty flavor and thicken the chili. Peanut butter seems like an odd ingredient for chili, but it can work well when used judiciously. Here is a look at what peanut butter does to chili and how best to incorporate it.
Does peanut butter belong in chili?
Traditional chili recipes do not call for peanut butter. The classic ingredients in chili are meat, chile peppers, tomatoes, beans, onions, garlic, and spices like cumin. So peanut butter is not a usual suspect. However, some cooks have discovered that adding a small amount of peanut butter to chili can provide depth of flavor. The nuttiness of peanut butter can round out the flavor of the chili.
That said, peanut butter is not an ingredient that people typically associate with savory dishes like chili. It’s much more commonly used in sweets and snacks. So there is often some skepticism about adding peanut butter to chili. Some chili purists argue that it has no place in the dish at all. But those who have tried it often find that just a spoonful or two of peanut butter can work surprisingly well in chili.
How does peanut butter change the flavor of chili?
Peanut butter has a distinctive nutty and earthy flavor. When added to chili, it gives the dish a subtle undertone of peanut flavor. You do not taste the peanut butter directly as you would in a peanut butter cookie. But it does impart a rich, nutty background note.
In addition to flavor, the oils in peanut butter add a velvety texture to the chili. The natural fats smooth out the flavor and give it more body. So peanut butter helps make the chili taste thicker and richer.
Peanut butter also contains small amounts of sweetness. Just a spoonful can balance out any bitterness from the chiles and other spices. This rounds out the overall flavor profile of the chili.
So in summary, here’s what peanut butter brings to chili:
- Nutty, earthy flavor
- Rich, velvety texture
- Subtle sweetness to balance other flavors
How much peanut butter should you add to chili?
When adding an unorthodox ingredient like peanut butter to chili, moderation is key. You only need a small amount to impart extra flavor and richness. Adding too much peanut butter can make the chili taste oddly sweet or overly thick.
A good rule of thumb is to add 1 to 2 tablespoons of peanut butter per batch of chili. Start with just 1 spoonful thoroughly incorporated into the pot. Then you can add a little more to adjust the flavor to your liking. Any more than 2 tablespoons of peanut butter risks overwhelming the other flavors.
You’ll also get better results using an all-natural peanut butter without added sugars. The simple peanut flavor will integrate better into the savory chili. And avoid chunky peanut butter, which could give an uneven texture.
When should you add peanut butter to chili?
Proper timing is important when adding an outside ingredient like peanut butter to chili. You want the peanut butter to melt into the chili and prevent it from clumping or separating. Here are two approaches:
Add it at the beginning
For the peanut butter flavor to permeate the entire pot, stir it in at the start of cooking. Add the spoonful of peanut butter when you are browning the meat and aromatics. Let it cook down and meld with the other ingredients for at least 15-20 minutes.
Add it at the end
If you only want a subtle peanut flavor, you can stir in the peanut butter right before serving. Add it after the chili has finished cooking and you have adjusted the seasonings. The residual heat will melt the peanut butter into the chili evenly.
Adding it at the end minimizes the peanut flavor, while incorporating it early on gives it more presence. Do what suits your taste preferences.
What kind of chili is best with peanut butter?
Peanut butter can work in many different chili recipes. But it pairs particularly well with chili styles that have some sweetness. The nutty peanut flavor complements and enhances the sweet tones. Here are some chili varieties where peanut butter is a great addition:
Texas-style chili
Texas chili often includes a touch of cocoa powder for subtle sweet chocolate notes. Peanut butter marries perfectly with the chocolate accents.
Cincinnati chili
Cincinnati chili gets sweetness from ingredients like cinnamon and cocoa. The peanut butter aligns with these sweet spices.
White chicken chili
White chilis made with chicken and white beans tend to be mildly spiced and a little sweet. Peanut butter can provide an extra layer of flavor.
Vegetarian chili
Vegetarian chilis rely on sweet vegetables like corn, sweet potatoes, and carrots. Peanut butter complements the natural sweetness.
On the other hand, traditional beef-only Texas red chili may not be the best choice for peanut butter. Stick to chili recipes that have some inherent sweet tones.
What other ingredients pair well with peanut butter in chili?
You can build on the peanut butter flavor in chili by adding ingredients that complement its nutty, sweet profile. Here are some ingredients that pair excellently with peanut butter chili:
- Cocoa powder – enhances the chocolate notes
- Carrots – extra sweetness
- Sweet potato – more sweet richness
- Cinnamon – highlights the sweet-savory contrast
- Cumin – doubles down on the earthiness
- Crushed peanuts – extra nutty crunch
Stirring in a spoonful of natural peanut butter is the gateway to all sorts of creative chili inventions. Use it as a base flavor to experiment with sweet and savory ingredients.
Should you put peanut butter in chili for a competition?
If you plan to enter your chili in a competition or cook-off, you may want to exercise caution with non-traditional ingredients like peanut butter. Here are some pros and cons of putting peanut butter in competitive chili:
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Competition chili tends to follow pretty traditional recipes and ingredients. The judges are often looking for classic chili done perfectly. Unconventional twists like peanut butter are risky in competitive cooking.
That said, a small amount of peanut butter likely won’t turn off judges if used prudently. It can give your chili an extra layer of savory flavor. Just be judicious with the quantity so it enhances rather than dominates the overall taste.
What are the best methods to incorporate peanut butter into chili?
To get the ideal peanut flavor infusion in your chili, use these preparation tips:
Whisk it in
Whisk the peanut butter into the hot liquid ingredients before adding to the rest of the chili. This emulsifies it so the oils incorporate smoothly.
Mash it in
Mashing the peanut butter into the cooked chili helps it integrate fully. Use a potato masher or sturdy whisk to mash it into the mix.
Simmer it
After adding the peanut butter, let the chili simmer gently for 10-15 minutes. This allows the flavor to meld with the spices and other ingredients.
Add creaminess
Mixing in a tiny amount of cream cheese or mascarpone can make the peanut butter melt in more smoothly. The extra creaminess helps distribute the flavor.
Puree some chili
For ultra-smooth integration, puree a ladleful of the finished chili, peanut butter, and cooking liquid. Stir the puree back into the pot.
With these techniques, you can get the peanut butter fully blended into the chili for a cohesive, harmonious flavor.
What are some recipe ideas for chili with peanut butter?
Here are a few tasty chili recipes that use peanut butter to add depth and richness:
Thai Peanut Chili
This lighter chili gets nuttiness from peanut butter and spicy kick from Thai red curry paste. It uses chicken, sweet potato, corn, and zucchini.
White Chicken Chili with Peanut Sauce
A creamy white chili made with chicken, white beans, tomatillos, and peanut butter whisked into the sauce for nutty flavor.
West African Groundnut Stew
This stew contains bold West African flavors like ginger, cloves, chili peppers, and peanut butter melted into the thick tomato-based sauce.
Sweet Potato Turkey Chili
Lean ground turkey and sweet potato makes a healthier chili base for nutty peanut butter and warm cinnamon spice.
Pumpkin Turkey Chili
Pumpkin puree gives this turkey chili sweetness that complements peanut butter and makes a nice fall meal.
Feel free to get creative with peanut butter additions to your favorite chili recipes. Just remember to add it gradually and find the balance and blend of flavors that taste best to you.
What are some common mistakes when adding peanut butter to chili?
It’s easy to go overboard when adding a rich ingredient like peanut butter to chili. Here are some common mistakes to avoid:
- Using too much peanut butter so it overwhelms the chili flavor
- Not fully incorporating the peanut butter so it clumps up
- Adding chunky peanut butter instead of smooth
- Stirring in the peanut butter too late in the cooking process
- Letting the peanut butter oil separate out of the chili
- Pairing it with extremely spicy or acidic chilis where it clashes
Pay attention to finding the right chili recipes for peanut butter and use care in how much you add and when you incorporate it. With some trial and error, you’ll learn how to balance the flavors successfully.
Conclusion
Peanut butter may seem like an outside-the-box addition to chili, but it can provide wonderful richness, texture, and nutty depth of flavor. When used judiciously in the right chili recipes, just a spoonful or two of peanut butter can elevate your chili to new taste heights. Approach it with an open mind and willingness to experiment. You may just find that this unusual ingredient brings your chili to the next level.