COMMENT:
Chili powders are now sold by a number of spice companies nationwide.
Although the formulas for each company’s chili powders are
closely guarded secrets, researchers have determined that commercially
packaged products may contain from one to more than two dozen kinds
of powdered chiles, which usually make-up about 80% of the chili
powder mix.
You can also make your own chili powder at home by combining powdered
chiles with other spices, experimenting until you find the flavor
and degree of heat you prefer. You can either purchase chiles that
are already powdered or buy whole, dried chile pods to toast and
grind yourself. Or you can start from scratch, growing your own
chile peppers, then drying the ripe pods, toasting and grinding
them into powder, and finally combining them with other spices for
your own special blend. Many an award-winning chili got its flavor
and kick from the cook’s secret formula... which all started
with a few select seeds sown in the pepper patch out back.
INGREDIENTS:
- 10 tablespoons Anaheim or guajillo chile powder
- 3 tablespoons ground cumin
- 3 tablespoons ground dried oregano
- 3 tablespoons garlic powder
- 2 tablespoons cayenne chile powder or other
- hot chile powder, such as chiltepin or Thai
- 2 tablespoons pasilla or other mild chile powder, such as ancho
- 2 tablespoons salt
METHOD:
Combine all ingredients and mix together well. Store in a tightly
sealed glass jar, away from heat and light. |
