Definition

Noun: A powdered seasoning blend made primarily from dried, ground chili peppers, often combined with other spices such as cumin, garlic powder, and oregano.

Usage

Chili powder is used as a seasoning to add flavor, color, and heat to dishes. It is a key ingredient in many recipes, particularly in Tex-Mex and Southwestern cuisines. - It is typically added during cooking. - It is distinct from pure ground chili peppers (like cayenne pepper), as it is a pre-mixed blend.

Examples

Advanced Usage

• "To taste": Chili powder is often added "to taste," meaning according to personal preference for spiciness.
  • Season the soup with salt and chili powder to taste.

Variants and Related Words

• Chile powder (noun): An alternate spelling. Sometimes used to specify a powder made from a single type of dried chili pepper, but often used interchangeably with "chili powder."
• Chili pepper (noun): The fresh or dried fruit from which the powder is derived.
• Cayenne pepper (noun): A specific type of ground chili pepper, which is much hotter and not a blended spice mix like standard chili powder.

Synonyms

• Chile powder (see Variants)
• Mexican seasoning blend (a broader, less common term)

Related Phrases

• Chili powder blend: Emphasizes that it is a mixture of spices.
  • Check the label to see what's in your chili powder blend.

Noun

1. powder made of ground chili peppers mixed with e.g. cumin and garlic and oregano