Chili Powder

Let's Cook

1. Step 1.

   Toast on the stovetop or in the oven: 2 ½ ounces dried whole chiles, stemmed, seeded, and flattened

2. Step 2.

   Let cool and set aside. Toast until fragrant and browned in a dry skillet over medium heat: 1 tablespoon cumin seeds; 1 tablespoon coriander seeds; (1 tablespoon black peppercorns)

3. Step 3.

   Transfer to a bowl. Once cool, crush the chiles and add them along with the spices to a spice grinder or mortar and pestle. Add: 1 tablespoon dried oregano, preferably Mexican

4. Step 4.

   Grind the ingredients into a fine powder. If using as a condiment, grind in: (1 tablespoon garlic powder); (1 tablespoon onion powder)

5. Step 5.

   Prepare version I, substituting ½ cup ancho, chipotle, or other pure ground chile powder for the whole chiles and 1 tablespoon each ground cumin, ground coriander, and black pepper (if using) for the whole spices.