How to Make Chili Powder at Home

Making chili powder at home is a fun and easy way to add a spicy kick to your food. You don’t need fancy tools or hard-to-find ingredients—just some dried chilies and a few simple steps. Plus, it’s way tastier than store-bought chili powder because you control what goes in it. Let’s walk through how to do it in a way that’s clear and simple, even for a young kid!

Why Make Chili Powder at Home?

Store-bought chili powder is okay, but it can taste flat or have stuff you don’t want, like extra salt or preservatives. When you make it yourself, you pick the chilies and flavors you like. It’s like making your own secret recipe! Plus, it’s cheaper and feels cool to say, “I made this myself.”

What You’ll Need

Here’s what you need to get started

• Dried chilies (like ancho, guajillo, or cayenne—pick ones you like; 1-2 ounces makes about ¼ cup of powder)
• Optional spices (like cumin seeds, garlic powder, or oregano for extra flavor)
• A pan (to toast the chilies)
• A spice grinder, coffee grinder, or blender (to turn chilies into powder)
• A bowl or plate (to hold the chilies)
• Airtight container (to store your chili powder)
• Scissors or knife (to cut chilies, but ask an adult for help if you’re young)
• Optional: gloves (to avoid spicy hands)

You can find dried chilies at grocery stores, markets, or online. If you have fresh chilies, you can dry them in an oven at low heat (about 200°F) for a few hours until they’re crispy.

Step-by-Step Guide

Let’s make chili powder! Follow these steps, and ask an adult for help with anything hot or sharp.

1. Pick and Prep Your Chilies

   Get your dried chilies. Cut off the stems with scissors or a knife (careful!). Shake out the seeds or scrape them out. Seeds make it spicier, so keep some if you want extra heat.

2. Toast the Chilies

   Put a pan on medium heat. Add the chilies (no oil needed). Stir them for 1-2 minutes until they smell toasty and get a bit darker. Don’t let them burn, or they’ll taste bitter! Let them cool down.

3. Grind the Chilies

   Break the cooled chilies into smaller pieces and put them in your grinder or blender. Blend until it’s a fine powder. It might take a few seconds. If you’re adding spices like cumin or garlic powder, toss them in now and blend again.

4. Check Your Powder

   Look at your chili powder. If it’s too chunky, blend it more. It should look like the stuff you see in spice jars.

5. Store It

   Put your chili powder in a clean, dry, airtight container, like a small jar. Keep it in a cool, dark place so it stays fresh.

Tips for the Best Chili Powder

• Mix different chilies: Try combining mild ones (like ancho) with spicy ones (like arbol) for a balanced flavor.
• Don’t burn the chilies: Toasting makes them taste better, but burning makes them yucky.
• Wear gloves: Some chilies are spicy and can sting your hands or eyes if you touch them.
• Taste as you go: If you’re adding spices, taste a tiny bit to make sure it’s just right.
• Clean your grinder: If you use a coffee grinder, clean it well so your coffee doesn’t taste like chili later!

How to Use Your Chili Powder

You can sprinkle your homemade chili powder on lots of foods

• Tacos, soups, or chili (the dish!)
• Popcorn for a spicy snack
• Eggs or veggies for extra flavor
• Mix it into dips or sauces

Start with a little bit because it can be spicy. You can always add more if you want!

Storing Your Chili Powder

Keep your chili powder in a sealed jar in a cupboard away from heat or sunlight. It stays good for about 6 months, but it’s so tasty, you’ll probably use it up faster! If it starts to smell weak or look dull, it’s time to make a new batch.

Making chili powder at home is super simple and lets you create exactly the flavor you want. Try it out, and soon you’ll be spicing up all your favorite dishes with your own special blend!