What to Do When Chili Is Too Tomatoey

Tomatoes are a pretty important chili ingredient, but it’s possible to go overboard. If you add too many tomatoes, there are many other additions you can make to change the chili flavor. Onions and bell peppers have a strong flavor that can balance out the acidic tomato taste. Spice and heat can also counterbalance the acid of tomatoes: Adding chili powder, cumin, and cayenne can add more depth of flavor. But do be cautious when adding peppers and hot spices, in case the flavor becomes too spicy for your liking. For a more subtle change in flavor, try adding basil, oregano, or bay leaves. Taste your chili as you make adjustments to make sure that you’re achieving a good flavor balance.