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Chili Spice mix

Chili Spice Mix

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Prep Time 5 minutes
Total Time 5 minutes
Course Seasoning
Cuisine Indian, Mexican, Tex-Mex
Servings 5 recipes (about 1.5 tablespoons per batch for chili seasoning recipe for 1 pound of meat)

Equipment

  • Small Mixing Bowl For combining your spices thoroughly.
  • Measuring Spoons Accuracy is key when balancing spice blends.
  • Mini whisk or spoon To evenly distribute all ingredients.
  • Airtight spice jar or container To keep your spice mix fresh and potent. A small mason jar works perfectly, or you can reuse old spice containers.

Ingredients
  

  • Chili powder – The base of most chili seasoning blends. Choose a good-quality mild chili powder for balance, or blend your own using ancho, guajillo, or New Mexico chiles for a more authentic chili powder recipe homemade style.
  • Ground cumin – Adds a nutty earthy warmth that plays well with the chili flavor.
  • Paprika – Smoked paprika works best here offering depth and a subtle smokiness. Sweet paprika is a good alternative if you prefer less intensity.
  • Oregano – Mexican oregano is ideal if you have it but Mediterranean oregano also works.
  • Garlic powder – A pantry staple that adds savory depth.
  • Onion powder – Complements the garlic and enhances umami.
  • Salt – Balances everything out. You can leave this out if you want a salt-free base.
  • Black pepper – Adds just the right amount of bite.
  • Cayenne pepper – Optional but recommended for a touch of heat. Adjust to your spice tolerance.

Instructions
 

Measure your spices

  1. Use precise measurements for the perfect balance. For example:
  2. 3 tbsp chili powder
  3. 1 tbsp ground cumin
  4. 2 tsp smoked paprika
  5. 1 tsp oregano
  6. 1 tsp garlic powder
  7. 1 tsp onion powder
  8. 1/2 tsp salt (optional)
  9. 1/4 tsp black pepper
  10. 1/8 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)

Combine everything in a bowl

  1. Add all spices to a small bowl. Whisk thoroughly until evenly mixed.

Taste and tweak (optional)

  1. If you’re unsure about spice levels, start with a small batch and do a test run in a quick soup or stew. You can then adjust proportions to suit your personal taste.

Transfer to storage container

  1. Pour the mix into an airtight container or jar, label it with the date, and store it in a cool, dry place.

Use it liberally

  1. For most soups and stews, about 1.5 tablespoons of this chili seasoning mix recipe will season a batch using 1 pound of meat or equivalent plant-based ingredients.