-cup chili powder
Rich in vitamin A, vitamin C, and capsaicin (a compound with anti-inflammatory properties); provides minimal calories per teaspoon but contains beneficial antioxidants.
About
Chili powder is a ground spice blend derived primarily from dried chili peppers, typically combined with cumin, garlic, oregano, and salt. The composition varies regionally; American chili powder (used in Tex-Mex cuisine) differs significantly from pure ground chili pepper powders found in Mexican and Asian cuisines. The base ingredient—dried chili peppers—may include varieties such as ancho, cayenne, or guajillo, contributing a spectrum of heat levels from mild to intensely hot and flavor notes ranging from fruity and smoky to bright and peppery.
The production involves harvesting mature chili peppers, drying them in the sun or kilns, and grinding them with complementary spices to create a balanced seasoning mixture. American-style chili powder blends are typically milder and more herbaceous, while pure chili powders from chile-producing regions (Mexico, India, China) are predominantly ground peppers with minimal additives.
Culinary Uses
Chili powder is essential in Tex-Mex, Mexican, and Southwestern American cuisines, functioning as a primary seasoning in chili con carne, enchilada sauces, and spice rubs for grilled meats. Beyond the Americas, it appears in Indian curries, Chinese stir-fries, and Middle Eastern spice blends. The spice layer flavor complexity to soups, stews, and bean dishes while providing heat and depth. When used raw, chili powder can taste harsh; toasting it briefly in a dry pan or blooming it in fat (oil or lard) mellows the flavor and releases aromatic compounds, enhancing its integration into finished dishes.