Spicy dishes are a preference for most people in as opposed to bland ones. Commonly used spices include cardamoms, black pepper, clove, cinnamon, garlic, garcinia, nutmeg, ginger, vanilla, turmeric, and paprika, not to mention the wide variety of chilies. All these are used as per personal preferences. Chilies are classified among the most commonly used spices and are well known for giving dishes some heat. Among the various varieties include Aleppo pepper, Ancho chili powder, piri piri powder, Indian chili powder, Korean chili powder as well as the regular chili powder.

What is Chili Powder?

This is a mixture of spices, ranging from, paprika, garlic powder, oregano, onion powder and cayenne powder, and chili peppers, commonly from the Capsicum annuum species. However, this can be substituted for other spices. The spiciness is hence variable, based on the additives used. It is used in many cuisines including Chinese, American, Korean, Indian, Thai, Portuguese, and Tex-Mex, just to name a few.

What is Ancho Chili Powder?

Common in Mexican cuisines, this is a powder derived from dried and ground pOblano chilies. It has moderate heat, with a sweet, fruity and earthy flavor. Among the common dishes incorporated with ancho chili powder include salsa, sauces, and mole. This chili powder can be substituted with Guajillo pepper, Pasilla pepper powder, Chipotle powder, and Mulato pepper powder.

Similarities between Chili Powder and Ancho Chili Powder

• Both have hot peppers

Differences between Chili Powder and Ancho Chili Powder

Definition

Chili powder refers to a mixture of spices, ranging from paprika, garlic powder, oregano, onion powder and cayenne powder, and chili peppers, commonly from the Capsicum annuum species. On the other hand, ancho chili powder refers to a powder derived from dried and ground poblano chilies.

Cuisines

While chili powder is common in various cuisines such as including Chinese, American, Korean, Indian, Thai, Portuguese, and Tex-Mex cuisines, ancho chili powder is common in Mexican cuisines.

Ingredients

Chili powder is made by mixing various spices including paprika, garlic powder, oregano, onion powder and cayenne powder, and chili peppers, commonly from the Capsicum annuum species. On the other hand, ancho chili powder is derived from dried and ground poblano chilies.

Heat

While chili powder is hot but can be adjusted based on ingredients used, ancho chili powder is very mild.

Chili Powder vs. Ancho Chili Powder: Comparison Table

Summary of Chili Powder vs. Ancho Chili Powder

Chili powder refers to a mixture of spices, ranging from paprika, garlic powder, oregano, onion powder and cayenne powder, and chili peppers, commonly from the Capsicum annuum species. On the other hand, ancho chili powder refers to a powder derived from dried and ground poblano chilies. While both chili powder and ancho chili powder have hot peppers, they are not recommended for substitution against each other.

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