The swap that saved my chili from bland disaster

Last month I was making a big batch of chili and realized I was out of chili powder. I found a stat online that said one tablespoon of cumin plus paprika can replace two tablespoons of chili powder in a pinch. Tried it and honestly the flavor was way deeper than usual. I've been using that swap ever since. Has anyone else found a good substitute for a missing spice that worked better than the original?

3 comments

3 Comments

smith.anna15d ago

yeah cumin and paprika is a solid combo but honestly i just started using smoked paprika in everything. that stuff is a game changer. swapped it for regular paprika in my chili once and never looked back. adds this campfire taste that regular powder just doesnt have. plus a little chipotle powder for heat if you want it.

grantw3214d ago

Man, smoked paprika really is one of those things you can't go back from once you try it. I did the same thing with my chili a couple years back and now I feel like regular paprika is just for coloring food. @wells.olivia hit it right, it just hits different. Funny story though, I once grabbed a jar of "smoked paprika" from a farmer's market that turned out to be just regular paprika mixed with liquid smoke. Made my whole kitchen smell like a barbecue pit for three days. I still use it honestly, just not in chili anymore. The chipotle tip is solid too, a little goes a long way.

wells.olivia15d ago

Oh man smoked paprika is the real deal. It just hits different.