How Much Chili Powder in Chili?

[MIGrandma]

For those of you that make homemade chili, how much chili powder do you use?

We love chili and sometimes order it in casual restaurants, but I'd never made it myself...until today. I finally decided to give it a try.

The recipe called for 1-2 teaspoons of chili powder, so I only put 1 in at first. After it simmered awhile (at least an hour) I tasted the liquid and thought it needed more, so put in another half teaspoon. Another hour of simmering, and I decided to have a small cup of it. Tasted extremely bland to me so I added another teaspoon. So, as of right now, it has 2-1/2 teaspoons in it. I'll have DH taste it when he gets home and see what he thinks.

I did make a larger batch than the recipe makes, as I added more beans and more tomatoes, so maybe a little more chili powder will be okay.

 

[Breezy_Carol]

I use a heaping tablespoon for each pound of meat.

 

[shortbun]

I use a heaping tablespoon for each pound of meat.

We use at least that,(Tablespoon, not teaspoon) and 3 large cloves of garlic and a teaspoon of cumin and 1/8 t of cinnamon. My husband prefers it with a seeded pepper or two floating around in it but I often veto that because I like to taste the spices.

 

[Elainey]

Around 1-2 Tablespoons per pound of meat.

 

[mrsv98]

A good tablespoon for 1 1/2 pounds of ground turkey and I make sure to add plenty of cumin, that adds a nice smoky flavor that enhances the chili powder.

 

[Wishing on a star]

Chili powder, surprisingly to many, is not that potent or hot.

I always use a lot.

The key to adding flavor are in the other seasonings.
Use plenty of salt.
I use some garlic.
I also add some heat. Jalapeno's or ground red pepper, etc...

 

[NAB]

Plus Chili usually gets the kick the second day. So be careful of adding too much.

 

[threeboysmom]

Wowza!

My recipe that I make all the time calls for 1/4 cup of chili powder!!!

I'm constantly having to buy more, but my chili rocks and is worth it.

 

[BearcatsFan]

I'm so glad you asked this, MIGrandma, because I've always wondered.

My chili always, always tastes bland. I usually use 1 pound ground beef, 1 can tomatoes (diced or whatever), 1 can chili beans in sauce, cumin sprinkled liberally, garlic powder sprinkled liberally, and 1-2 Tbsp chili powder.

 

[BillSears]

Add it then taste it. Did it have that nice burn in my mouth? No then add more. Keep going until it taste right.

I do add some other hot sauce to it too so sometime's it a balance of hot sauce then chili powder. But almost all of my chili seasonings are "to taste".

 

[Kellydelly]

At least a couple of tablespoons for a large pot . I just keep shaking it in till I think it tastes good. Sometimes I need to add a dollop of sour cream to my bowl to counteract my excessive shakes .

 

[tar heel]

At least half a bottle, perhaps more depending on the size of the batch. I also add other spices. I wouldn't even call something with two teaspoons "chili."

There's a huge difference in commercial chili powders, so keep that in mind, too. The ingredients list on the best ones is pretty simply and doesn't have any ingredients that aren't peppers/spices.

 

[Mkaz]

Sometimes if mine seems bland I add some salsa to give it flavor.

 

[threeboysmom]

At least half a bottle, perhaps more depending on the size of the batch. I also add other spices. I wouldn't even call something with two teaspoons "chili."

There's a huge difference in commercial chili powders, so keep that in mind, too. The ingredients list on the best ones is pretty simply and doesn't have any ingredients that aren't peppers/spices.

Yay! Someone else that makes chili like I do!

 

[FormrCastMbr]

I always put way more than a recipe calls for. my secret is to add some Chinese hot mustard and a little cocoa powder!

now I want chili!!!

 

[Ladcassidy]

I'm on the upper end of the spectrum, too. Usually 1/2 cup plus 2 tbs. of Chili powder for 2 lbs of meat.

 

[RitaE]

I add spice with peppers -- not more chili powder

Chili is one of those things that you have to develop to your own tastes though. I actually have to make two batches here, one blazing hot spicy and one more mild.

 

[Emteach]

I always add about a palm full or chili powder. I also add some ground cumin, cinnamon and garlic and use flavoured canned tomatoes that have spices in them (gives it that extra flavour). If you want a real kick use a bit of chili flakes (I personally like that but the rest of my family prefers it more mild). Good luck! Chili is one of my favourites and a perfect go to when you are able to get it just right.

 

[abdmom]

I'm in the 1/4 cup camp, and I don't like things particularly hot. I also find I need to add salt or else the chili flavor just doesn't come through.

 

[MIGrandma]

Wow, I guess I didn't use enough!

The recipe I used didn't call for garlic or cumin, but I think I would definitely add those next time. I like the suggestion of sour cream too. Maybe some red pepper flakes next time too. DH hasn't tasted it yet, so the verdict isn't in yet on if he likes it or not.