Chili Powder Recipe – Immaculate Bites

The Beauty of Chili Powder

Chili powder is a popular spice blend that kicks up any dish a few notches on the flavor scale. The vibrant reddish hue from the ground anchos, paprika, and cayenne powder makes it as beautiful as it is mouthwateringly good.

Popular brands, like McCormick and Gebhardt, often contain cumin, Mexican oregano, coriander, garlic, and onion powder. On the other hand, some are made from pure ancho, cayenne, or guajillo without any added herbs and spices. Either way, this versatile spice mix is a staple in my pantry.

Recipe Ingredients

You can use many types of chili to make this recipe, but it will mostly depend on which kind you have available in your area. For my recipe, you’ll need the following.

1. Ancho Chili – This chili is moderately spicy and has a sweet flavor. It will give our dish the right amount of heat, not too overpowering.
2. Paprika and Cayenne – These two are essential spices to our spice blend because they boost the spicy level and add a dark red color. Paprika is mild, and cayenne is hot, so you can customize the heat level by adjusting the amount of your preferred spice.
3. Other Spices – Garlic and onion add their special touch, coriander has a slight lemony flavor that adds depth, and cumin and oregano definitely add a Mexican flair.

How to Make Chili Powder

• One Easy Step – Combine all the ingredients in a bowl until all the ingredients are thoroughly combined. Store in an airtight container (or ziplock bag) and use it for your recipes.

Recipe Variations

1. Its versatility makes this homemade spice blend an excellent substitute for a store-bought jar. And if this recipe isn’t enough, I’ve got you covered with a list of chili powder substitutes for your convenience. 😍
2. Pepper Swap – I used ancho chili for this recipe, but if you find it too mild, use dried serrano instead. It’s up to 8x hotter than ancho chili. You can also use ground cayenne pepper. It’s up to you to make it spicier and double the amount.
3. Pepper Combo – A combination of paprika, cayenne pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes will do the trick for quick replacement. I really like smoked paprika for an extra kick.
4. Cocoa Powder – Yes, I know we usually use cocoa powder for desserts but adding it to our chili powder works like magic. It adds a layer of tasty richness. Think a rich mole sauce.

Tips and Tricks

1. You can put some into a shaker with a lid for easier access.
2. Place a food-safe silica gel packet into the chili powder container to avoid clumping.
3. You can omit the cayenne pepper or replace it with paprika if you don’t want the heat.

Storage Instructions

To maximize your chili powder’s shelf life, store it in an airtight container to maintain its freshness for up to three years. I know it’s tempting to have your spices right next to the stove, but it’s best to keep spices away from direct sunlight, heat, and moisture.

FAQs

Ways to Use Chili Powder

Adding this spiciness to sliced fruits and vegetables is a new trend. They usually use grounded pequin or chiltepin chili with salt to add a spicy twist to fresh fruits like mango, pineapple, and watermelon. Tajin seasoning works great in fruits and vegetables, too.

1. Chili Mac
2. White Bean Chicken Chili
3. Southern Soul-Food Chili
4. Homemade Pita Chips
5. Fattoush Salad

More Amazing Homemade Seasoning Recipes

1. All-Purpose Seasoning
2. Jamaican Curry Powder
3. Zaatar Seasoning
4. Everything Bagel Seasoning
5. Sazon Seasoning

Conclusion

Save yourself some pennies and trip to the grocery store with my homemade chili powder recipe. Are you hungry for more deliciously spicy recipes? Check out my 12 Easy and Juicy Grilled Chicken Recipes to satisfy your craving.❤️