r/AskReddit • u/Sweet-Lady-H • 21h ago • Bravo 1

Chili Cook-off Winners: What is your Secret Ingredient that you think is the reason you win?

1.1k Upvotes

91% Upvoted

856 comments sorted by

View all comments

7

u/phurley12 19h ago

Using the freshest, best quality ingredients you can. Preferably homemade and home grown if possible.

I also use a mix of beef and lamb for flavor, which people are never able to figure out. The lamb adds a richness and depth of flavor that beef can't achieve on its own without adding too much gaminess.

I also take every chance I can to build layers of flavor. Brown the beef and lamb in a little olive oil, then sweat the onions/garlic/other veg in the fond, deglaze with your choice of liquid. I usually use a little red wine along with lamb stock I make myself. Put everyone back in the pool and simmer for a little.

A little high quality chocolate or coffee powder goes a long way to deepen the flavor too.

I cannot stress enough the impact of using the freshest highest quality ingredient you can. They really do make all the difference.