Chili Powder & Chili Seasoning

American-style chili powder is a blend built around ground dried chilies, rounded out with cumin, oregano, garlic powder, and often a bit of paprika for color — distinct from a single pure ground chili, which most Latin American and Asian recipes call for instead. Chili seasoning packets extend the same basic idea with salt and thickeners for a one-step pot of chili.

Growing the Components

A home garden can supply most of a chili powder blend directly — dried, ground cayenne or other hot peppers for the base, plus homegrown cumin and oregano — leaving only garlic powder to source separately unless you're up for dehydrating your own garlic too.

Culinary Uses

Beyond its namesake dish, chili powder seasons taco fillings, marinades, and roasted vegetables anywhere a smoky, moderately spicy warmth is wanted. Making your own blend at home lets you control the heat level and salt content far more precisely than a pre-mixed jar.