Homemade Chili Powder

🥘 Ingredients

• ancho peppers 4
• guajillo peppers 4
• chiles de arbol 2-5
• cumin seeds 2 tbsp
• coriander seeds ½ tbsp
• dried Mexican oregano or regular oregano or marjoram 2 tsp
• garlic powder 2 tsp
• onion powder 2 tsp
• smoked paprika 1 tsp
• ground cinnamon ¼ tsp

1. 1

   Prepare: ancho peppers , guajillo peppers , chiles de arbol , cumin seeds , coriander seeds , dried Mexican oregano or regular oregano or marjoram , garlic powder , onion powder , smoked paprika , ground cinnamon .
2. 2

   Using your fingers, remove the stem from each chile pepper and gently tear the peppers apart. You can use kitchen shears, but using your hands is easier. Be sure to wash your hands after handling the peppers, or wear food safe gloves if your skin is sensitive.
3. 3

   Once the peppers are open, loosen all of the seeds and any membranes, or scrape them out. This is necessary to minimize bitterness.
4. 4

   Heat a cast iron skillet or other heavy, dark pan over medium heat, but don't heat for too long. Add the larger chiles (anchos and guajillos) in a single layer without overlap. Toast just until fragrant, about 1 minute, maybe 1 ½ minutes, then flip and toast for 30-60 seconds . Smaller peppers like chiles de arbol need 30 to 45 seconds, so I toast those separately (see Note 1). Take care not to scorch them or they will taste bitter. Remove and allow to cool completely. Take off the heat and allow to cool.
5. 5

   Add the cumin and coriander seeds to the hot pan. Toast until very fragrant, about 45 to 60 seconds, shaking the pan or stirring frequently to prevent burning, until toasty and aromatic. Remove and allow to cool.
6. 6

   Once cool, add the chile peppers and toasted whole spices to a spice grinder or high-powered blender. If using a small spice grinder, tear up the chiles with your hands into smaller pieces and do this in batches. Blend until the peppers and spices are pulverized.
7. 7

   Add the ground spices (oregano, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and cinnamon). Blend until a fine powder has formed. Allow the powder to settle before removing the lid.
8. 8

   Store in a sealed glass jar in a dark place, like your pantry. It’ll stay good for up to 6 months.