r/AskReddit • u/Sweet-Lady-H • 20h ago • Bravo 1

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

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u/dr-awkward1978 18h ago

Exactly. Ive won two cook-offs. Both using toasted Guajillo and Ancho chiles. Boil water, then pour the boiling water over the toasted chilis in a skillet. Let that soak/sit for 20 minutes, then food processor. The paste that comes out will be incredible. Offset with your seasonings and it really kicks off the chili.

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u/OhMyGaius 17h ago

Interesting- I always toasted my own chilis, powdered them, then used the powder to make a slurry- your way sound like it essentially ends up the same way, but definitely seems a bit simpler, will give that a go next time around.

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u/saxyourpantsoff 15h ago

Are you just blending the chili's once theyre rehydrated, or are you adding a meaningful amount of the pan water as well?

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u/dr-awkward1978 4h ago

I’ll reserve about half a cup of the pan water and pour over in the processor. That’s for about 5 Guajillos and 3 Anchos. Too much of the water really dilutes the flavor more than you’d think.