chili seasoning homemade

1. Remove seeds and stems from all chiles. Using a pair of kitchen shears or scissors, cut the chiles into 1/2" wide strips. Heat a pan over medium heat (dry, no oil) and very lightly toast chile strips, tossing quite frequently, until they begin to brown slightly and curl. You want to dehydrate and toast the chiles, but not burn them.

2. Remove from pan and set aside to cool, at least 1/2 hour - they should be brittle and easy to crumble. If not, repeat process. Add cumin seeds to pan and lightly toast until slightly brown and aromatic, again taking care not to burn the seeds.

3. Place toasted chile strips, toasted cumin seeds, garlic, oregano, salt, and paprika (if you didn't use the chipotles) into a spice grinder or coffee mill. Grind to a fine powder and seal in a glass jar. Keep in the refrigerator.