Chili soup can be spicy, but it doesn't have to be.
Chili, whether you consider it a soup or a stew, is a dish flavored with chili peppers. This foundational ingredient provides the potential for spiciness. However, the level of heat is entirely dependent on:
- The type of chili peppers used: Some peppers are mild (like bell peppers or poblano peppers), while others are extremely hot (like habaneros or ghost peppers).
- The quantity of chili peppers used: A small amount of mild peppers will result in little to no spiciness, while a large quantity of hotter peppers will create a very spicy dish.
- Whether the chili peppers' seeds and membranes are included: These parts of the pepper contain the highest concentration of capsaicin, the compound that creates the sensation of heat. Removing them reduces the spiciness.
- Additional spices added: Spices like cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes can be added to further increase the heat.
Therefore, chili can be made mild, medium, or hot, according to preference. It's a versatile dish that can be customized to suit individual tastes.
