Chili powder (also spelled chile,chilli, or, alternatively,powdered chili) is the dried, pulverizedfruit of one or more varieties ofchili pepper, sometimes with the addition of otherspices (in which case it is also sometimes known aschili powder blend orchili seasoning mix).[1] It is used as a spice (or spice blend) to addpungency (piquancy) and flavor to culinary dishes. InAmerican English, the spelling is usually "chili"; inBritish English, "chilli" (with two "l"s) is used consistently.
Chili powder is used in many different cuisines, includingAmerican (particularlyTex-Mex),Chinese,Indian,Sri Lankan,Bangladeshi,Mexican,Nigerian,Portuguese,Vietnamese andThai.
Chili powder is sometimes known by the specific type of chili pepper used. Varieties of chili peppers used to make chili powder includeAleppo,ancho,cayenne,chipotle,chile de árbol,jalapeño,New Mexico,pasilla, andpiri piri chili peppers.Gochugaru is a variety used inKorean cuisine traditionally made from sun-driedKorean red chili peppers known astaeyang-cho, with spicier varieties usingCheongyang peppers.[2] Ata gun gun powder is widely used inYoruba cuisine.[3]Kashmiri chili powder is bright red, but mild in heat and used inIndian cuisine, named after the region ofKashmir.[citation needed]
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Chili powder blends are composed chiefly of chili peppers and blended with other spices includingcumin,onion,garlic powder, and sometimessalt.[4][5] The chilis are most commonly red chili peppers; "hot" varieties usually also includecayenne pepper. As a result of the varying recipes used, the spiciness of any given chili powder is variable.[citation needed]
The first commercial blends of chili powder in the U.S. were created by D.C. Pendery and William Gebhardt for chili con carne.[6] Gebhardt opened Miller's Saloon inNew Braunfels, Texas. Chili was the town's favorite dish. However, chili peppers could only be found at certain times of the year. Gebhardt imported someancho peppers from Mexico and ran the peppers through a small meat grinder three times and created the first commercial chili powder in 1894.[7]
Chili blends are found in spice blends likeYaji.
Chili powder is very commonly seen in traditional African, Latin American and Asian cuisine. It is used in soups,ewa agoyin,tacos,enchiladas,fajitas, curries and meat.[8]
Chili powder blend is the primary flavor in Americanchili con carne.[1]
The dictionary definition ofchili powder at Wiktionary
Media related toChilli powder at Wikimedia Commons
