What type of chili powder is used in the recipe?

I know the recipe is probably calling for a non-pepper specific powder-what people use in chili. I don't keep that stuff but DO use Chipotle, ancho among other dried chilies. What would the measurement be for using these chili peppers?

cosmiccook
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5 Comments

Nancy August 14, 2024
I too generally don't keep commercial chile powder on hand...it usually has other spices and sometimes salt, so using it gives you less control over taste and blending flavors.

Since this recipe is more about smoky tastes than hot ones, I would use something on the lower end of the Scoville scale for hotness...ancho, jalapeno, serrano. Chipotle is somewhat hotter, but if you like it and have it, go for it.

If you need to use fresh chilies, remove the ribs and seeds, and use 3x volume of the dry powder specified (general ratio for converting dried to fresh seasoning).

Here is a link to the Scoville scale (there are many charts out there).
https://inmamamaggieskitchen.com/scoville-scale-how-hot-is-that-pepper/
 
cosmiccook August 14, 2024
EXACTLY. Since it has Poblano in it, I'll use Ancho chili powder--low heat index and from the same pepper--although hatch chilis are now in season (for the poblano not dried). Yes, I'm aware of how to make chilis less hot lol, thank you! I also make chili purees from dried toasted & pureed w a liquid of some sort.
 
Nancy August 14, 2024
Sounds good!
I would love to see your recipe for the chile puree…
 
cosmiccook August 15, 2024
Nancy, I char (in a cast iron pan) seeded, cleaned dried chilis (3 or 4 of large ones, small like Morita's 1/2-1 cup) along w onions, garlic, etc. spices (cumin, coriander Mexican oregano, dried epazote) Then add liquid (water, stock depending on what its for) 1/4 to start to Vitamix w some lime (it really puree's the mixture--most is done to taste. I'd check Rick Bayless, Pati Jinich, Serious Eats for more detailed as these are the recipes I'm typically making.
 
Nancy August 16, 2024
CosmicCook - thanks for both your recipe and pointers to the Mexican cooks and Serious Eats for more recipes. A chile lover.
 
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