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Homemade Chili Powder

I did this quickly this morning, to test out my new Mortar & Pestle. I don’t talk about food or cooking much on this blog, but I actually really enjoy both. I usually cook the majority of meals in my household and I love it.

Anyway, this is something I have done before, and it is very easy.

Step 1: Obtain a large amount of dried red chilies (or use your favorite chili). I got mine at the local farmers market, which is probably the best way because they are fresh, and I got a huge bag for literally $1. You need about a dozen chilies or so to make 2T of powder.

Step 2: Cut off the tops of the chilies and shake the seeds out. If you prefer this to be extremely hot, leave the seeds in. Cut the chilies into 1/4” rings.

Step 3: Toast them over low heat in a pan. Do not use anything else in the pan (i.e. oil, butter, nonstick spray, etc.). Make sure to turn them often when toasting.

Step 4: To make a fine powder, simply put the toasted chilies in a clean coffee bean grinder, and then you are done. I decided I wanted flakes instead, and a chance to use my new toy. Grind the chilies by hand with a mortar & pestle for flakes. Place in an air tight container when done. I had an empty spice jar available.

There are many don’t s when doing this. Don’t be like me taking so many pictures, I forget to watch the chilies and burn them. I used them anyway, because I don’t mind a little burnt flavor added. Don’t be like me taking a photo directly above the pan and consequently inhaling the fumes. This results in a serious coughing fit for the next 30 minutes. Don’t rub your eyes after handling the chilies.

Anyway, this is an easy thing to do, and you can use this for future batches of Chili or with the flakes you can shake it on Pizza. Plus it will keep for a very long time, and is much fresher than buying chili powder from the store.