Chili powder is a spice made by grinding dried chili peppers.
It's popular in various cuisines such as Tex-Mex, Indian, Chinese, Thai, and Korean; however, there are multiple types, each with distinct flavor and heat levels.
What is Chili Powder?
Chili powder is a combination of dried chili peppers and spices.
Red cayenne pepper is the most popular variety for making it; other types, like green jalapeno, New Mexico, or Anaheim, may also be included.
It typically contains cumin, garlic powder, and oregano as additional spices.
Numerous chili powder varieties are available, each offering its distinct flavor profile.
Popular options include:
- Ancho powder: Because it's made from dried poblano peppers, this powder has a deep red color and an aromatic, milder taste with notes of sweetness. It is commonly used in Mexican dishes like enchiladas and tamales.
- Chipotle powder: Made from smoked and dried jalapenos, this powder is dark brown with an aromatic smokiness that offers moderate heat. It is often featured in Tex-Mex dishes like tacos or fajitas.
- New Mexico powder: Crafted with a blend of chili peppers, including the New Mexico chile, this powder has an intense red hue and medium heat level with earthy undertones. It is commonly used in Southwestern dishes such as stews and sauces.
- Cascabel powder: Made from smoked and ground cascabel peppers, this powder has a reddish-brown hue and an intense, smoky taste with moderate heat. It's widely used in Mexican dishes like carne asada and posole.
What is the Difference Between Types of Chili Powder?
Ancho chili powder
Ancho powder, made from dried poblano peppers, has a mild, fruity flavor with subtle hints of chocolate and licorice.
It's often used in enchiladas, tamales, and mole sauce.
Chipotle Chili Powder
Chipotle powder is made from smoked and dried jalapeno peppers and has a smoky, earthy flavor.
It's often used in barbacoa, chiles rellenos, and adobo sauce recipes.
New Mexico Chili Powder
New Mexico powder is made with chili peppers, including the ancho pepper.
It has a moderate heat and an aromatic flavor, making it suitable for use in any recipe for chili powder.
Cascabel Chili Powder
Cascabel powder is made from dried and ground cascabel peppers that have been dried and ground into a fine powder.
Its nutty flavor with moderate heat makes it ideal for use in stews, soups, sauces, or as a rub for meats.
Cayenne Chili Powder
Cayenne powder is made from dried and ground cayenne peppers that have been dried and ground into a fine powder.
Its fiery hot taste makes it ideal for adding spice to dishes like curries, salsas, or marinades.
Tips and Tricks for Utilizing Different Types of Chili Powder
Ancho chili powder
It is made from dried ancho chilies and has a mild, sweet flavor with subtle hints of raisins or prunes.
It's widely used in Mexican dishes like enchiladas, tamales, and mole sauces.
To use ancho powder effectively, mix it with other spices to create rubs for meats or add it to soups and stews for a flavor boost.
Alternatively, season roasted vegetables or sprinkle some on tacos/nachos.
Chipotle Chili Powder
It is made from smoked and dried jalapeno peppers and has a spicy, smoky taste.
It's often used in Mexican dishes like barbacoa, mole, and salsa.
To use chipotle powder effectively, mix it with other spices to create rubs for meats or add it to soups and stews for a flavor boost.
Alternatively, season roasted vegetables or sprinkle them on tacos/nachos before grilling.
New Mexico Chili Powder
It is made from ancho chili, guajillo chili, and New Mexico chili pepper.
It has a deep red color with an earthy, slightly sweet flavor with a moderate heat level.
New Mexico powder is commonly used in Southwestern dishes like carne adovada or posole soup for flavor.
You can also mix it with other spices to create rubs for meats or add it to soups/stews as seasoning.
Alternatively, sprinkle it on tacos/nachos to kick them extra.
Cascabel Chili Powder
It is made from mature cascabel chilies, small, round chilies with a vibrant red color when ripe.
They have an intense, rich flavor with a moderate heat that lingers on the palate.
Cascabel powder is widely used in Mexican dishes like enchiladas, tamales, posole soup, and mole sauce; you can also season meats or add them to soups and stews for a flavor boost.
It also works excellent as seasoning vegetables or topping tacos/nachos/etc.
Cayenne Chili Powder
Cayenne pepper is one of the hottest varieties of chili pepper, measuring between 30,000-50,000 Scoville heat units (SHU). It has thin flesh, wrinkled skin that turns red when ripe and sharp pointed ends, and fruity notes and floral aromas that make its taste complex despite its high heat level.
Cayenne powder can add heat to dishes or season soups and stews for flavor; you could also sprinkle it on top of tacos or nachos for some added kick!
Conclusion
Chili powder is an adaptable and flavorful spice that can be used in many dishes.
There are various types, each with its distinct profile.
When selecting a powder for your plate, consider what other ingredients will be present and choose the one that best complements them.