FOOD NEWS
The Crucial Difference Between Chili Powder And Chile Powder
BY Matthew Spina
While chile powder and chili powder have many similarities, they are not the same thing. The issue is knowing what these spices are actually named after.
Chili refers specifically to the Southwestern stew, not peppers. It usually contains some ground peppers, but it's a spice mix that originated as a flavoring for chili recipes.
Chile is the technically correct way of referring to the peppers. Although both contain chiles, the two spices can actually lend pretty different flavors to your dishes.
Depending on the brand, chili powder can contain different mixes of chiles, like cayenne. It usually contains other staples like cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, and oregano.
The mix of ingredients tends to make chili powder milder and more balanced. Chile powders tend to add more unique flavors and are named after the specific types of chile used.
Being made from one type of ground chile, you get a more intense yet one-note taste from these spices, such as the fruity and smoky flavor of ancho chile powder.