How to Make Homemade Chili Powder

Chili powder is a staple ingredient in Mexican cooking.

Chili powder consists of chile peppers that are dried, then ground into a fine powder with other spices. While you can purchase good off-the-shelf chili powder at your grocery store, making your own chili powder gives you the freedom to select different types of chiles. Each chile variety has a different flavor profile. For example, dried poblano peppers, called anchos, are sweeter and more mild, while chipoltle peppers, which are dried and smoked jalepenos, are rich and spicy. Prepare chili powder with your preferred mix of flavors at home.

Things You'll Need

• 5 dried ancho chiles
• 3 dried guajillo chiles
• 3 dried chipoltle chiles
• 1 dried arbol chile
• 2 tbsp. cumin seeds
• 1 tbsp. garlic powder
• 1 tbsp. thyme
• Iron frying pan
• Spice mill or coffee grinder
• Sealable plastic container

Instructions

1. Split the chiles in two along their lengths. Remove the seeds and stems from the chiles. Place the chiles and cumin seeds in the frying pan. Toast the chiles and cumin over medium heat for five minutes or until you smell the cumin. Remove from the pan and let it cool to room temperature.

2. Place the chiles, cumin, garlic powder and thyme in a blender or food processor. Grind the mixture until it forms a fine powder. Allow the powder to settle.

3. Pour the powdered ingredients into the plastic container and seal the lid. Label the container with the date to keep track of freshness and the ingredients, if desired.

4. Store the chili powder in a refrigerator to preserve its flavors and extend the shelf life of the powder.

References

• Food Network: AB's Chili Powder
• The Epicenter: Chile Pepper Varieties
• Texas Cooking: How to Make Your Own Chili Powder