chili powder

I was REALLY surprised to learn that chili powder is a spice blend. I guess I thought it was just ground peppers.

It is actually a mixture of Paprika, ancho, cumin, oregano, garlic, and possibly other peppers.

3 ancho chiles, stemmed, seeded and sliced
3 cascabel chiles, stemmed, seeded and sliced
3 dried arbol chiles, stemmed, seeded and sliced
2 tablespoons whole cumin seeds
2 tablespoons garlic powder
1 tablespoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon smoked paprika


I typically don't like spice mixes, but this one is good to have on hand, and like most things, is ALOT better if you make it. I JUST used ancho powder and paprika as far as mine goes and is GOOD.

I buy ancho peppers dried (available in a big plastic bag almost anywhere) and grind them up myself.

In addition to chili powder, it is a must for barbecue sauce, spice rubs, even coffee.

Cheers!

Yep it is a must have. Paprika, chili powder, cayenne powder -- while looking the same are very very very different.

Learned the hard way by using one for another on a dish a few weeks back

The only other blend I use is a bastardized version of Emeril's essence.

I will post that tonight.

I use straight chili pepper powders in the creation of my rub.

dfess1 said:

I use straight chili pepper powders in the creation of my rub.

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Me too. Ancho and red jalapeno being my goto, chili powder is really only around for SWMBO to make chili.

You obviously never saw the Good Eats episode where Alton described the difference between chili with an "i" powder and chile with an "e" powder.

i use a combo of ancho, passillia, and chipolte. Sometimes some habenero.

I used both. Most of the recipies I make that I plan on recreating though only have McCormick Chili powerder and maybe 1 other powdered pepper. I do that just for consistency.

dataz722 said:

I used both. Most of the recipies I make that I plan on recreating though only have McCormick Chili powerder and maybe 1 other powdered pepper. I do that just for consistency.

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Kinda my point. If there is going to be garlic powder or cumin in it, I want to put it in in the amounts I want.

I normally hate spice blends just because I can make a better product myself, and what is the art involved in dumping Mccormic steak spice on a steak?