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Homemade red pepper flakes and cayenne powder in small glass jars

Homemade Red Pepper Flakes and Cayenne Powder

Learn how to make your own red pepper flakes and cayenne powder using dried peppers for fresher, more robust flavours.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 1 batch
Course: Condiment, Spice
Cuisine: American, Homemade
Calories: 6

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 10 pieces Dried red peppers (e.g., cayenne peppers or red chili peppers)
  • to taste Salt (optional) Enhances the flavor

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Start by drying the red peppers if they are fresh. Use a dehydrator or a warm oven until they are completely dry and brittle.
  2. Remove the stems and seeds from the dried peppers.
Crushing
  1. Crush the dried peppers using a spice grinder or mortar and pestle, or place them in a sealed plastic bag and crush using a rolling pin.
  2. If desired, mix in a little salt to enhance the flavor.
Storage
  1. Store the crushed red pepper flakes or cayenne powder in an airtight container in a cool, dark place.

Notes

For a smoother powder, blend the dried peppers longer. Always wear gloves when handling hot peppers to avoid irritation.