It’s never too late to strike the perfect balance of heat and flavor.
Overusing hot peppers or selecting particularlyspicy varietiescan lead to a chili that’s too fiery for some to enjoy.
If you find your chili has turned out too hot, don’t worry.
Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox
What Makes Chili Spicy?
Capsaicinis the active compound found in chili peppers that accounts for their heat level.
Interestingly, capsaicin doesn’t have a flavorit simply affects the sensory nerves, causing food tofeelhot or spicy.
Credit:Fred Hardy, Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall, Prop Stylist: Christina Daley
The intensity of this sensation varies based on the concentration of capsaicin in different chili peppers.
But it’s important to monitor your heat levels from the start to accomplish that.
Experimenting with contrasting flavor profiles can also help mask the heat.
These additions can shift the focus away from the spice and create a more complex and balanced dish.
