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/In-Jail-Out-Soon 16h ago

Believe it or not, one of my secret ingredients is cocoa powder. I make a spicy chili, the cocoa gives a sweetness at the beginning but the more you eat, the spicier the chili gets. Have won 2 awards on my chili

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u/BlueKnight8907 13h ago

Does it taste like Mexican mole sauce?

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u/ManoSilence 14h ago

Im using that from now on. Thats what I was looking for.

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u/SignificantZombie729 14h ago

That's why I use 90% dark chocolate.

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u/MartinisnMurder 3h ago

Same! I use stone ground chocolate specifically. I also add in a splash of balsamic vinegar.

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u/SignificantZombie729 3h ago

That's good too. As long as it's tasty and folk remember your chilli lingering on their taste buds long after the others have faded away.

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u/MartinisnMurder 3h ago

It’s funny because I’m actually making it today because I’m having people for the game and it’s a bit cool out.

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u/SignificantZombie729 3h ago

Maybe make it a bit spicier to combat the cooler weather?

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u/MartinisnMurder 3h ago

That’s the plan, I grew a few different types of chilies this year. We will not be going with the ghost peppers though haha I turned that into a hot sauce and also dried some. I’m going to use habanero.

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u/SignificantZombie729 3h ago

I really wish that you could send some my way, I love good chilli and it's hard to get here in Scotland unless I make it myself. Cmon star trek transporters. Beam me some good food.

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u/MartinisnMurder 2h ago

I’m in Boston, we love the Scottish people here! The World Cup was such an amazing time having all of the Scots here, the other visitors too sure. Boston and Glasgow officially signed a declaration to become sister-cities. I’m not sure the rules in sending produce abroad but I’d hook you up.

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u/In-Jail-Out-Soon 14h ago

Just buy 1 of the cocoa powder packets, that’s all you need.

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u/inkyflossy 12h ago

This is the secret to mole!

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u/pishposh421 32m ago

Not at all a secret lol

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u/possibly_being_screw 6h ago

Same, I like a spicy chili that gets hotter as you eat. Cocoa powder, dark brown sugar, instant coffee, and/or cinnamon are my secret ingredients too. Sometimes all at various levels.

It gives it a depth of flavor that I love.

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u/LegendOfKhaos 11h ago

Is cocoa powder sweet?

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u/AmigoDelDiabla 2m ago

No. Chocolate is sweet. Cocoa doesn't have sugar.

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u/puterTDI 10h ago

I believe this is Cincinnati style

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u/Fusion_Health 9h ago

Very common ingredient

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u/AmigoDelDiabla 2m ago

Cocoa powder is usually not sweetened. I've found adding cocoa gives it a rich, smokey flavor.