Recipe Note
What are Mexican Chilli Spices? An explosion of Flavour
Our Mexican chilli spice is an homage to Mexican flavours. There’s no doubt Mexican food is colourful and vibrant, and it always has an addictive spicy kick. The secret behind such a thrilling cuisine is the spices, and that’s where our chilli spice mix comes in. Bless your next meal with an authentic Mexican flavour combination and surprise your friends and family with a fantastic, new experience.
Mexican food is never all that complicated — it’s based on fresh ingredients and judicious use of spices. Done right, though; it’s one of the most rewarding cuisines on the planet.
Here’s all you need to know about our Mexican spice mix, all you need to create Mexican-inspired meals quick and easy. From tacos and grilled “Asada” steaks to a flavourful bowl of chilli con carne, these are what we call versatile spices.
The History of Chilli Con Carne
Mexico’s relationship with hot peppers goes back for thousands of years. In fact, every hot pepper and even non-spicy bell pepper varieties have their origins in the country, where there are still dozens of unique peppers used every day in every kitchen.
Spanish conquerors took the spicy fruit to the Old World, and everyone fell in love with the spicy ingredient — from Italy to China. Still, when you use hot peppers to flavour Mexican food, it just feels right. There’s no doubt a slight spiciness goes a long way, and that’s exciting! Our spice blend is more than just heat, though; it’s all the flavours that give character to Mexican food in one balanced and harmonious blend.
A great way to use our Mexican chilli blend is by making a pot of chilli con carne. “Hot peppers and meat” is amongst the most satisfying and filling specialities in Mexico’s repertoire.
Chilli con carne or just chilli has its origins in the Aztec Empire, where people already flavoured wholesome stews with hot peppers. Beef, though, didn’t make an appearance until the Spanish conquerors introduced it to the American continent.
By the 1850s, chilli con carne was already a popular dish, mainly in Northern Mexico and Southern USA, and became a staple in Tex-Mex cooking. Now, of course, chilli con carne is an international phenomenon, but mastering the complex use of spices to put together this rich dish has always been challenging — well, not anymore. Spice Master’s Mexican chilli spice blend allows anyone to cook authentic Mexican food, including the legendary chilli con carne, with ease.
How to Use Mexican Chilli Con Carne Spices?
Mexican chilli spices make a superb pot of chilli con carne, but the spice blend is much more versatile than that. Grilled or roasted meat, including beef, chicken and pork, can benefit from the spicy blend, gaining a unique flavour that just tastes like Mexico.
Add a few tablespoons of the Mexican spice blend to any broth, stew or soups to give it a spicy personality. And dry rub your favourite meat with the spice blend before roasting or grilling for colourful and vibrant results.
Elevate barbecued meat, beans, seitan and even grilled veggies with just a pinch of Mexican spices, and you’ll take your cooking to another level. Spice up our life with Spice Masters’ Mexican-inspired Blend No. 9!
What Goes Into Mexican Chilli Con Carne Spices
1. Cumin
Cumin arrived in Mexico on the first Spanish ships to arrive in the country. Native to the Mediterranean, cumin soon became a common spice in Mexican cuisine, especially in the north. Today, cumin is widespread in Tex-Mex cooking, and it’s used in almost every Mexican-inspired recipe.
2. Garlic
The aromatic bulb is native to Central Asia, and it arrived in Mexico during the colonial era. Garlic now plays a critical role in everything, from salsas to fajitas. Garlic adds warm scents to a wide variety of Mexican dishes.
3. Onion
Along with garlic, onion is a common ingredient used to build complex flavours. Raw white onion is also a typical garnish in many dishes, from tacos to enchiladas.
4. Celery Salt
Much more flavourful than regular salt, celery salt enhances other flavours in the spice blend and helps round out the spice combination.
5. Oregano
Oregano is one of the most used Mediterranean herbs. Mexican oregano, though, is milder and less intensely aromatic. Grassy, citrusy and earthy, oregano adds layers of flavour to our Mexican chilli spice blend.
6. Smoked Paprika
The smoky scents in these smoked, dried and grounded red bell peppers are more than an aromatic enhancer; paprika also adds colour to any dish. Paprika was developed in Spain using Mexican peppers.
7. Paprika
Spicier but sweeter than smoked paprika, but never too aggressive, paprika adds colour, flavour and aroma to Mexican food without being overpowering. All types of paprika are made with red bell peppers, which are native to Mexico.
8. Chilli Flakes
Chilli flakes are dried hot peppers, coarsely grounded to give spiciness, colour and texture to any meal, especially Mexican stews like chilli con carne. Not as spicy as fresh chilli peppers, chilli flakes are among the most versatile hot spices in the Mexican spice box.
9. Black Pepper
Black pepper is a universal flavour enhancer that adds aroma and subtle heat to any meal. Not a spice but shrivelled fruit from the peppercorn bush, black pepper has a place in every spice blend.
10. Coriander
Spicy, earthy and citrusy, coriander seeds add depth of flavour to our Mexican chilli spice blend. Coriander leaves are much more prevalent in Mexican cooking, primarily as a garnish. Still, ground coriander seeds are also used, often in complex soups and stews or in rich sauces like mole.
Spice Up Your Life with Mexican Chilli Con Carne Spices
Mexican chilli spices are the perfect dry rub for your next grilling session, and they’re also a neat way of adding colour, flavour and an addictive heat to stews and soups. From fajitas to the famous chilli con carne, there’s no doubt you’ll find creative ways of using this unique spice blend.
