If you’re apprehensive about the bitter taste of coffee ruining the delicate aromas of the spices inside the chili, rest assured, you will be pleasantly surprised. The earthiness of the coffee deepens the flavors of the other spices inside the chili, especially cumin and paprika. However, it must be underlined that coffee is used in chili to purely highlight other ingredients, and its flavor should in no way be overpowering. Considering this, it’s best to start experimenting with the less is more approach.
Adding coffee is not just the ideal flavor booster for spices but can also work to tenderize the meat. There’s a reason why rubbing your burgers in coffee is gaining popularity, and the same logic applies to your chili. The coffee invigorates the beef’s flavor, creating an even more succulent and meaty bite every time. Coffee is not just an excellent addition to meaty chilis either, as it is equally delicious in a vegan chili using chopped walnuts instead of ground meat.