When a recipe calls for "chili powder", what is it?

[ersatz]

Originally Posted by RobertFisher

My understanding is "chili" can refer to a hot pepper, or the Mexican meat stew dish. “Chili powder" thus also has two meanings: the grounded form of the hot pepper, or a mixture of spices including the hot pepper, cumin, garlic powder, among other things, used in the stew.

So if a recipe calls for chili powder, what is it referring to?

As you have noticed, individual chili powder blend preferences are all over the map. I have noticed that the price of different spice mixes (especially pumpkin pie spice) has gone through the roof. Now I keep basic spices on hand and make my own mixes. Not only do I save money by buying basic spices economically, I can mix and match my own spice blends to suit myself. I found this chart very helpful (it includes a basic chili powder blend.) https://ifunny.co/picture/OlRca7kg8?s=p

[oregonwoodsmoke]

Originally Posted by ersatz

........ I have noticed that the price of different spice mixes (especially pumpkin pie spice) has gone through the roof. ......

Not the topic at hand, but i bought a commercial pumpkin pie spice mixture and it was truly awful. It ruined my recipe. So no more pumpkin pie spice blends for me. I'll do my own. It's more work but sure beats having a fairly complicated recipe with expensive ingredients taste awful.