Chili seasoning is an essential blend for creating rich, flavorful chili, but it’s also versatile enough to use in tacos, soups, roasted vegetables, and more. Making chili seasoning from scratch allows you to control the heat, flavor, and salt content, giving you a blend that's tailored to your taste. Here’s a simple recipe to make chili seasoning at home.
Why
Make Homemade Chili Seasoning?
Store-bought chili seasoning mixes
often contain added salt, preservatives, and other fillers. When you make your
own, you get a fresher, healthier mix that lets you skip the extras. It’s also
cost-effective and easy to customize for those who love their chili extra spicy
or a little milder.
Ingredients
You’ll Need
This homemade chili seasoning blend
is made with common pantry spices:
- Chili Powder
- The main ingredient, providing that deep, earthy chili flavor.
- Cumin
- Adds warmth and a smoky, nutty flavor.
- Paprika
- Enhances the color and adds a mild sweetness.
- Garlic Powder
- Gives a rich, savory base to the seasoning.
- Onion Powder
- Balances out the garlic with a milder, aromatic note.
- Oregano
- Adds a bit of herbaceous depth to the mix.
- Salt and Black Pepper
- Essential for seasoning and enhancing the other flavors.
- Cayenne Pepper
(optional) - For extra heat, add as much or as little as you like.
These spices are likely already in
your pantry, and by combining them, you can create a blend that’s fresher and
more flavorful than pre-packaged options.
Simple
Chili Seasoning Recipe
Here’s a basic chili seasoning
recipe that yields about 1/4 cup, enough for a large pot of chili or multiple
uses in other dishes.
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon /> cayenne pepper <>/ optional />; or adjust to
taste /
Instructions:
- In / “a small | bowl /<> combine all / the spices /\
- Stir until they’re evenly mixed.
- Transfer the mixture to an airtight container, such as
a glass jar, and store it in a cool, dry place.
This mix should stay fresh for up to
six months, though the flavors may gradually weaken over time.
How
to Use Your Chili Seasoning
Chili seasoning is incredibly
versatile, and there are endless ways to use it in your cooking. Here \ are
some \ ideas to get \ you started \
- Classic Chili:
Use 2–3 tablespoons per pot of chili, adjusting to your taste.
- Tacos and Burritos:
Sprinkle a tablespoon on ground beef, chicken, or beans for a flavorful
filling.
- Soup and Stew:
Add 1–2 teaspoons to soups and stews for a warm, spicy depth.
- Roasted Vegetables:
Toss vegetables like sweet potatoes or cauliflower in a little olive oil
and seasoning before roasting.
- Scrambled Eggs:
Sprinkle a pinch of seasoning on scrambled eggs for a flavorful breakfast.
- Burgers and Meatloaf:
Add a teaspoon to burger patties or meatloaf for a smoky kick.
Storage
Tips
Store your chili seasoning in an
airtight container in a cool, dark place, such as a spice cabinet or pantry.
This will help keep it fresh and aromatic for longer.
Final
Thoughts
Making homemade chili seasoning is a simple and rewarding way to elevate your cooking. With a mix that’s customizable and free of preservatives, you’ll be ready to make hearty chili, flavorful tacos, and more with just a few simple ingredients. Give it a try, and enjoy your freshly made, flavorful chili seasoning!