In a large skillet, add cumin seeds and chilies. Remember to remove any stems and seeds from chilies while wearing gloves and break them into pieces.
Once the chilies begin to sweat, transpose the contents of the pan into a blender along with the other spices.
Blend to a fine powder; occasionally stopping to stir the chilies so the powder does not clump.
Transfer to a air-tight container.
Notes
For better results and a smoother process, consider the following suggestions.
Wear gloves, if you have them, while handling the chilis – and DON’T touch your eyes until you’ve thoroughly washed your hands several times.
Dried chilis – 2 or three varieties, including California, Ancho, Cascabel, and Jalapenos, of course. I generally use three types, although two or four is also okay.
The number of peppers varies depending on size. In this recipe, I used six large peppers, which yielded about a cup of powder.
Make sure to shake the fry pan and stir.
If you can cook the chilies outside, do so, or turn on the fan over your stove.
Don’t cook too quickly – it may take a few minutes for the cumin seeds to begin toasting, but be patient. Too much heat, too quickly, will burn the peppers.
De-seed the chilis over a paper towel or into the trash. Although a few seeds in your powder are okay, the seeds do tend to make the end product bitter and spicier.