South of the Border Flip

The flavor team

The pairs that carry this dish. Each one is judged two ways: how much their aromas overlap, and how often cooks already put them together.

1. Oregano + cumintop 1% of all pairs
   Smell alikestrong
   Cooked together983 recipes

   Shared aroma: estragole (anise, licorice).

2. Basil + oreganotop 1% of all pairs
   Smell alikestrong
   Cooked together1,390 recipes

   Shared aroma: estragole (anise, licorice).

3. Oregano + thymetop 1% of all pairs
   Smell alikestrong
   Cooked together791 recipes

   Shared aroma: beta-phellandrene (minty, terpene).

4. Basil + thymetop 1% of all pairs
   Smell alikestrong
   Cooked together1,768 recipes

   Shared aroma: terpineol (pine, woody).

5. Tomato + basiltop 1% of all pairs
   Smell alikemoderate
   Cooked together3,979 recipes

   Shared aroma: 3-hexenal (apple, fruity).

Ranks compare each pair with 20,000 random ingredient pairs on CompKitchen. How we score pairs

What each ingredient does

Tvp

Dry textured protein that rehydrates in boiling water to become the chewy, meaty base of the chili.

Tomatoes

Provide liquid and acidity that build the chili's body and savory flavor during simmering.

Onion

Adds sweetness and aromatic depth as it softens into the simmered sauce.

Chili powder

Contributes warm, earthy heat and aroma that define the chili's character.

Swap the onion

How well each one fits the dish's main ingredients (tomato, basil, oregano, cumin, thyme, pepper):

1. Capsicumfits better
2. Eggplantfits better
3. Carrotfits better
4. Onionthe original

Fit is the average pairing score against tomato, basil, oregano, cumin, thyme, pepper. Candidates are from the same food group and used in at least 100 recipes.