If you love cooking, you might have used Mexene chili powder before. This spice blend adds rich flavor and mild heat to many dishes. It has dried ancho, pasilla, and guajillo chili peppers.
But what if you don't have it or want to try something new? Discover the most commonly used substitutes for it in this post.
You will learn the following:
- Why you might want to use Mexene chili powder substitutes.
- Best alternatives that can give you authentic flavors in your food.
- Useful tips on how to use these substitutes.
- How to mix them with other spices.
- How to find different chili powder options from around the world.
Why use Mexene Chili Powder substitutes?
These are the main reasons why cooks search for alternatives:
- You may not find Mexene chili powder where you shop or on the internet.
- You may want to change the chili powder blend to try new tastes and spiciness in your food.
- Using something else can save you money on your groceries.
Top Mexene Chili Powder substitutes for authentic flavors
We will tell you some of the best choices from the store and your kitchen.
Using fresh chili peppers as a substitute
To get a taste like Mexene powder, use fresh chili peppers.
Ancho, pasilla, and guajillo chilies make this chili powder. Use these fresh peppers for a similar taste. Cut off the stems and seeds. Chop or blend the peppers well. Add them to your recipe.
Try different chili peppers to find your dish's best taste and heat.
Jalapeno, serrano, and poblano peppers are some good choices. Fresh chili peppers have different heat levels. Use more or less peppers in your recipe, depending on the heat needed.
Store-bought chili powder alternatives
A possible substitute is a store-bought chili powder blend.
You can find different chili powder options in many grocery stores, such as:
- McCormick Chili Powder: This mild chili powder blend tastes similar. It has chili pepper, spices, salt, and garlic.
- Gebhardt Chili Powder: This chili powder blend is a bit hotter and has a smoky flavor. It has ancho chili pepper, cumin, oregano, and garlic.
- Fiesta Brand Chili Powder: This Texas-style chili powder mixes ancho, cayenne, New Mexico chilies, and spices like cumin, garlic, and oregano. It has a strong and spicy flavor. You can use it if you want more heat in your dishes.
Homemade chili powder blend recipes
If you like making chili powder, try these easy recipes for homemade Mexene powder. You can choose the flavor and spiciness that you want. It is suggested to use good-quality ingredients.
These are two simple ways to make it:
Mexene chili powder substitute recipe 1:
- Two tablespoons of ancho chili powder
- One tablespoon of pasilla chili powder
- One tablespoon of guajillo chili powder
- One teaspoon cumin
- One teaspoon of garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon oregano
Mexene chili powder substitute recipe 2:
- Three tablespoons ancho chili powder
- One tablespoon of chipotle chili powder
- One tablespoon of guajillo chili powder
- One teaspoon cumin
- One teaspoon of garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Mix the ingredients and store the blends in an airtight container.
Tips for using Mexene Chili Powder substitutes in your dishes
To substitute other spices correctly, follow these tips to get the right taste and spiciness in your dishes:
- Use less at first and add more later: Chili powders have different heat and flavor levels, so start with a bit of taste to avoid making your dish too spicy.
- Heat your spices: To bring out the flavor of your chili powder substitute, heat the spices in a dry pan over low heat until they smell good before using them in your recipe.
- Try different chili peppers: Have fun with new chili pepper kinds in your homemade chili powder mixes. Each kind has its flavor and spiciness, so you can make a unique mix that suits you.
Pairing Mexene Chili Powder substitutes with other spices
You can make your dishes more delicious by using spices that go well with the mentioned substitutes.
Some good choices are:
- Cumin: This spice adds a smoky, earthy flavor that works well with chili powder.
- Paprika: Paprika gives dishes a sweet, slightly smoky flavor and bright red color.
- Garlic: Garlic is a common ingredient in many Mexican dishes. It makes chili powder substitutes more flavorful and complex.
- Oregano: This herb balances the heat of chili powder substitutes and adds a fresh, herbaceous flavor.
- Cinnamon: Cinnamon is not a typical Mexican spice, but it gives a warm and slightly sweet flavor that complements the heat of chili powder substitutes.
Exploring international chili powder options
Other cultures have their own chili powder blends.
Here are some:
- Korean gochugaru: This chili powder is made from dried red peppers. It is medium-hot and slightly sweet.
- Indian chili powder: This mixes dried peppers and spices like cumin, coriander, and turmeric. It has a red color and medium heat.
- Hungarian paprika: This is a key spice in Hungarian food. It comes in different types, such as sweet, hot, and smoked. It is mild to medium-hot and has a sweet, earthy taste.
Conclusion
You can find many substitutes to make your dishes taste great. You can use fresh chili peppers, buy different blends, or make your own blend at home.
You can also use other spices that go well with chili powder and try chili powder from other countries.
These are some ways to spice up your dishes without Mexene chili powder.