Category: Spice
Chili powder is a spice blend made from dried and ground chili peppers, along with other ingredients such as cumin, garlic powder, oregano, and salt. It is commonly used in Mexican, Tex-Mex, and Southwestern cuisine to add heat and flavor to dishes such as chili, tacos, and enchiladas. Chili powder can vary in heat level depending on the type of chili peppers used, with some blends being mild and others being very spicy. It is typically reddish-brown in color and has a slightly smoky and earthy flavor.
Flavor Profiles:
- Earthy
- Savory
- Pungent
- Spicy
- Warming
- Peppery
What goes with Chili Powder:
- Cheese – The creamy, rich, and sometimes tangy flavor of cheese contrasts the heat of chili powder and adds a comforting element to the dish.
- Dark Chocolate – The slight bitterness of dark chocolate complements the spiciness of chili powder, while the sweetness helps balance the heat.
- Garlic – Garlic pairs well with chili powder because its pungent and savory flavor complements the spicy heat of the chili powder.
- Cinnamon – Cinnamon’s warm, sweet and slightly pungent flavor can enhance the complexity of chili powder, making it a great addition to chili dishes.
- Sour Cream – Sour cream’s cooling, tangy, and creamy texture balances the heat and spice of chili powder, adding a velvety richness.
- Maple Syrup – The sweetness and depth of flavor from maple syrup can balance the heat of chili powder and add a subtle layer of complexity.
- Coconut Milk – The rich, creamy and slightly sweet taste of coconut milk can help mellow out the heat from chili powder and add a unique twist to the dish.
- Corn – Corn pairs well with chili powder because the sweetness of the corn complements the spicy and smoky flavors of the chili powder.
- Lime Juice – The tangy acidity of lime juice complements the smoky heat of chili powder.
- Onions – Onions pair well with chili powder because their sweetness balances out the heat and spice of the chili powder.
- Tomatoes – Tomatoes’ acidity and natural sweetness balance the heat of chili powder and create a flavorful base for the dish.
- Cumin – Cumin and chili powder share earthy, warm spice notes, making them a classic pairing in chili.
- Cilantro – Cilantro’s bright, citrusy flavor and aroma provide a refreshing contrast to the deep, spicy notes of chili powder.
- Tomato Sauce – Tomato sauce pairs well with chili powder because the sweetness of the tomatoes complements the spiciness of the chili powder.
- Bell Peppers – Bell peppers pair well with chili powder because their sweet and slightly tangy flavor complements the spicy and earthy notes of the seasoning.
- Beef – The hearty and savory flavor of beef complements the rich and slightly spicy taste of chili powder.
- Onion –
- Avocado – The creamy texture and mild flavor of avocado helps to cool down the heat from the chili powder, creating a nice contrast.
- Tortillas – Tortillas pair well with chili powder because the smoky and spicy flavors of the chili powder complement the mild and versatile taste of the tortillas.
- Beef Broth –
- Lime – Lime pairs well with chili powder because the tangy citrus flavor of the lime complements the spicy heat of the chili powder.
- Paprika –
- Garlic Powder –
- Onion Powder –
- Kidney Beans – The mild, earthy flavor of kidney beans balances the heat of chili powder and adds a contrasting texture.
- Toppings Of Choice (Such As Avocado, Salsa, And Cilantro) – The fresh and vibrant flavors of avocado, salsa, and cilantro complement the smoky and spicy notes of chili powder.