Help!!! It's too hot!!

[cathyg]

I have just made a double batch of the Slow Cooker Barbeque-Beef Sandwiches for an office get-together for Tuesday. The chili powder was hotter than I thought-is there anyone out there who can suggest how to "kick it down a notch".

[AndreaU]

I thought I remembered reading something about adding cut up potatoes to the pot. They supposedly help absorb some of the heat.

[sneezles]

You could try adding a peeled raw potato and cooking for a while longer. Sometimes lime juice can do the trick. Remember that chiles (even chili powder) gets hotter over time!

[makedah]

I know that potatoes absorb salt, I never heard about them absorbing heat.

But this is a sure-fire proven tactic:

Sugar is the opposite of heat. Add some sugar to the pot (be sure to add slowly, then taste). Sugar also works if you've eaten wings, curry, or whatever else that's too hot. Put some sugar on your tongue and that will cool it right down.

[funnybone]

I thought that potatoes were for salty foods, but it's a try with hot foods. Once the spice is in there, not sure if you can get it out. I have heard that most traditional Indian spicy food is served with yogurt because it helps get rid of the hot taste, while water just makes it worse. Although yours is not an Indian dish, I guess you could always serve yogurt with it.

[hlao23]

Someone mentioned PF Changs on another thread. Isn't one of the condiments on their tables to put on food to make it less spicy? Vinegar maybe?

[schuh]

When chili is too hot, I add sour cream. They also say if you've eaten something really hot, drink milk (this does help). Wonder if a dairy product would help your recipe. I'm coming up with a blank as to exactly what, though...

Another similar idea is that I've had pulled pork sandwiches served with cole slaw as a topping and it was yummy. You could offer cole slaw as a topping to cut the heat.

[This message has been edited by schuh (edited 04-08-2001).]

[SusanL]

Cathy - I hate to say this but could you make a single batch without the chili powder and add it to your double batch? Freeze what you won't take with you on Tuesday. I don't know of any other way to tone down the chili without changing the flavors of the beef. Good luck and let us know what you did!!

[laughsandlaughs]

sugar

[ellielk]

I know you're going to think I'm just using this as an excuse but chocolate will work. Add a bit of cocoa powder to your pot - maybe just a half teaspoon. I usually add chocolate to my chili recipes (vodka, too, but that's another story).

[lorilei]

Chocolate is the SECRET to the best chili. http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif Definitely try it -- it gives an excellent depth to the flavor.

Dairy products do negate "heat". Try serving the chili with sour cream, or just keep a glass of milk nearby http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif

[Leanne]

Milk-based products cut the heat. Add sour cream or cheese to chili to cut the heat. Not sure if that would be good in your sandwiches - but maybe.