Chipotle Chili Powder - A Tasty Mix of
Smoky Peppers and Ground Spices

For authentic chipotle chili powder, you're going to need whole dried chipotle peppers. These are readily available in specialist shops or online, but if you can't get them other varieties, anchos for example, are perfectly acceptable.

What You'll Need: (makes about 6-7 tablespoons)

6-8 chipotle peppers
1 tbsp cumin seeds
1 tbsp smoked paprika powder (or regular paprika)
2 tsp onion powder
2 tsp garlic powder
2 tsp black peppercorns
1 tsp cayenne pepper
1 tsp salt

tbsp = tablespoon
tsp = teaspoon

Directions:

Remove the stems from the chipotles and cut into smallish pieces

Over a medium heat, put the pieces into a pan with the cumin and peppercorns and dry toast for a few minutes (see below for toasting tips)

Take the pan off the heat and let cool for a few minutes

Add the cooled ingredients and salt to your grinder. Finely grind

Add to a bowl

Finally, add the cayenne pepper, garlic, onion and paprika powders to the bowl and stir everything together

Store your chipotle chili powder in an airtight jar out of direct sunlight and use within 6 months before making a fresh amount.

Toasting Note: Whilst the dry toasting step is not absolutely necessary to get a fab tasting blend, I do highly recommend it!

The heat helps release even more flavours and aromas from the ingredients. And it literally takes 5 minutes or so from start to finish. Click here to read more on toasting and grinding. (Link opens in new window)