Name: Chili Powder
Total time: 15 min
Yield: Makes about ⅓ cup
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 2 ounces (7 to 8) dried New Mexican chiles, stemmed, seeded, and torn into ½-inch pieces (1½ cups); 1 teaspoon cumin seed; 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano, preferably Mexican; 1 tablespoon paprika; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper

Why This Recipe Works

This balanced all-purpose powder is mild but has perceptible smokiness and heat. The key to the best flavor was to use whole dried New Mexican chiles. Offering a mild, bright flavor with a hint of dried fruit, the whole chiles, along with other whole spices, produced a spice blend that was far superior to any preground chili powder.

Before You Begin

Mexican oregano is particularly robust, but any dried variety works.

Instructions

Working in batches, grind New Mexican chiles, cumin, and oregano in spice grinder until finely ground, about 30 seconds. Stir in paprika, garlic powder, and cayenne.

how to use

Add to chili, rubs, barbecue sauce; sprinkle over Mexican street corn; rim a glass for a michelada