Chilies

Capsicum spp. Spice, Vegetable, Fruit

Chilies Spice, Vegetable, Fruit

At a Glance

  • Category Spice, Vegetable, Fruit

The Forktionary Angle

"Beyond the burn: understanding the nuanced flavor profiles and aromatic contributions of different chili varieties."

Definition

The fruit of plants from the Capsicum genus, known for their pungent, spicy flavor due to capsaicin, used fresh, dried, or powdered.

Global Production ~35 million tons/year
Primary Pungent Compound Capsaicin
Pungency Measurement Scoville Heat Units (SHU)

Flavor Profile

The primary flavor notes for Chilies are:

Spicy Pungent Fruity Smoky Earthy (varies greatly by type)

Chef’s Secret

To temper the heat of fresh chilies for a broader flavor without removing it entirely, briefly blister them over an open flame or under a broiler.

Best Substitutes

Paprika

less heat
Ratio 1:1

Cayenne Pepper

more intense powder
Ratio 1:1

Bell Pepper

no heat, different flavor
Ratio 1:1

Buying Guide

Look for firm, brightly colored chilies without blemishes or soft spots. For dried, ensure flexibility, not brittleness.

Recipes Using Chilies

Portuguese Mussels Spanish Seafood

Arroz De Marisco

Dive into a delicious and easy-to-make Arroz de Marisco! This soupy version of the classic Spanish seafood rice is bursting with flavor and ready in under 30 minutes. Perfect for a weeknight meal or a casual weekend gathering, our recipe delivers a delightful balance of tender rice, succulent seafood, and vibrant herbs. Get ready to impress your taste buds!

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Ground Beef Course Meat Time To Make

Jamies Chilli Con Carne

This hearty and flavorful Jamie Oliver-inspired Chilli Con Carne is the perfect comfort food for a chilly evening. Packed with tender ground beef, vibrant spices, and sun-dried tomatoes for a unique twist, this recipe is easily customizable to your spice preference. Make it ahead for even deeper flavor – it tastes even better the next day! Serve over fluffy rice with your favorite toppings like sour cream, guacamole, or crusty bread for a truly satisfying meal. Perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings!

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Time To Make Course Time To Make Preparation

Best Kept Secret Soup

This ridiculously easy chili corn soup recipe is about to become your new favorite! Simple ingredients combine for a surprisingly delicious and satisfying meal ready in under 40 minutes. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend lunch. Don't let the simplicity fool you – this soup is bursting with flavor!

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Low In Something No Cook Low Sodium Occasion

Avocado Lime Pasta Sauce

This vibrant and creamy Avocado Lime Pasta Sauce is ready in just 15 minutes! A simple, yet incredibly flavorful sauce that's perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. The zesty lime and creamy avocado create a delicious and healthy sauce that coats your pasta perfectly. Get ready for a taste of sunshine!

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Main Ingredient Pasta Easy Course

Aglio E Olio Spaghetti With Garlic And Olive Oil

Experience the magic of Italy with this unbelievably quick and easy Aglio e Olio Spaghetti recipe! This stunningly delicious pasta dish, adapted from Australia's Better Homes and Gardens, is a light yet satisfying supper perfect for a weeknight meal. The simple combination of garlic, olive oil, and spaghetti creates a flavor explosion that will leave you wanting more. Serves 2 (easily doubled for 4).

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Vegetarian Vegetarian Preparation Chili

Yves Veggie Chili

This Yves Veggie Chili recipe, inspired by the official Yves website, delivers a rich and satisfying vegetarian chili packed with vegetables and the hearty texture of Yves Veggie Cuisine Original Veggie Ground Round. Perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or a satisfying game-day feast, this recipe is easy to follow and bursting with flavor. Get ready for a delicious and plant-powered meal!

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One Dish Meal 30 Minutes Or Less Cuisine Side Dishes

Baked Potato Buffet

Elevate your next buffet or surprise a loved one with this irresistible Baked Potato Buffet Bar! This recipe provides a simple yet elegant way to serve perfectly baked potatoes with three delicious, customizable toppings. Imagine the aroma of fluffy potatoes paired with your favorite toppings – it's a guaranteed hit! Perfect for potlucks, gatherings, or as a thoughtful, homemade gift (simply package the potatoes and toppings in a charming basket!).

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Pork Oamc Freezer Make Ahead Occasion Main Dish

Bean Soup With Sausage And More Southwest Flavors Nutritious

Experience the vibrant flavors of Arizona with this hearty Southwest bean soup! Made with tender dried beans (soaked for speed!), savory sausage, and the unique taste of Hatch green chiles (or jalapeños for a fiery kick!), this recipe is a comforting classic. Learn how to quickly soak dried beans for restaurant-quality results in under 3 hours. This recipe is perfect for a chilly evening and freezes beautifully (omit potatoes before freezing). Serve with warm corn tortillas or cornbread for a complete Southwestern feast!

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Occasion Preparation Meat Occasion

Beef With Chilli Plum Sauce

This recipe, inspired by our local paper, delivers a mouthwatering explosion of sweet and spicy flavors! Tender beef is marinated in a vibrant chilli plum sauce, then expertly seared to perfection. The result? A restaurant-quality dish that's surprisingly easy to make at home. Get ready for a flavor adventure!

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Kosher Course Kosher Beans

Awesome Sambhar

Craving comforting, flavorful Indian food? This Awesome Sambhar recipe delivers a delicious lentil curry with irresistible spices and just the right touch of heat – perfect for a weeknight meal! Ready in under an hour, it's surprisingly simple to make and pairs beautifully with rice and a fresh salad. Get ready for a taste of authentic Indian comfort food!

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Stove Top Australian Stove Top Dietary

Beef And Red Wine Casserole

Warm up your winter nights with this hearty, flavorful Beef and Red Wine Casserole! A simple one-pot wonder, this easy recipe delivers a rich, saucy dish perfect for a cozy evening. Tender beef slow-simmered in a deep red wine sauce, it's comfort food at its finest. Serve with your favorite sides for a complete and satisfying meal.

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Presentation Side Dishes Taste Mood Vegetables

Baked Potato Pockets With Chili

Transform leftover chili (or canned!) into a hearty and cheesy baked potato pocket sensation! This quick and easy recipe is perfect for a weeknight meal. Customize your potato cooking method – microwave, oven, or even BBQ – to fit your style. Get ready for a flavor explosion in under an hour!

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Preparation Pasta Rice And Grains Preparation For 1 Or 2

Arrabiata Sauce

A fiery and flavorful Arrabbiata sauce recipe ready in just 10 minutes! This vibrant pasta sauce builds on a simple pomodoro base, adding a kick of chili for an authentic Italian taste. Perfect for a quick weeknight meal.

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Course Number Of Servings Occasion Salads

4 Salad Dressings

Transform your boring salads into flavour explosions with these 4 quick and easy Australian-inspired dressings! Perfect for diabetic-friendly diets, each recipe makes a single serving and takes only 2 minutes to prepare. Get ready to experience creamy, citrusy, Asian-inspired, and apple-mustard delights!

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Time To Make Meat 60 Minutes Or Less Time To Make

Asian Style Chicken Cashew Cakes

These sensational Asian-style chicken cashew cakes are a delicious and unique twist on traditional meatballs! Easy to make and perfect served alongside a fresh salad, these savory cakes are packed with flavor. Enjoy them as a satisfying main course or scale down for delightful finger food appetizers. This recipe offers oven-baked instructions for convenience, but grilling on the BBQ is also an option for a smoky char. Get ready to impress your friends and family with this unforgettable dish!

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Cuisine Number Of Servings Preparation Cuisine

Awesome Sweet And Sour Kraut

Craving a vibrant and tangy side dish or a unique twist on sauerkraut? This homemade Sweet and Sour Kraut recipe is bursting with flavor! Featuring sweet-tart apples like Gala or Braeburn, this recipe is incredibly versatile – enjoy it hot or cold, anytime, anywhere! Perfect as a complement to grilled meats, sausages, or simply as a delicious standalone side. Get ready to impress your taste buds!

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Vegetables Low In Something Equipment Oven

Beef And Bacon Casserole

This hearty Beef and Bacon Casserole is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for chilly evenings. Surprisingly diet-friendly, it's packed with flavor and will impress even the most discerning palates. This recipe uses Australian measurements and is a crowd-pleaser, guaranteed to become a family favorite. Get ready for tender beef, crispy bacon, and a rich, savory sauce – all without sacrificing your healthy eating goals!

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Main Dish Fish Seafood Occasion

Barbequed Snapper

This vibrant recipe brings the taste of the tropics to your table with succulent barbequed snapper and a refreshing pineapple salsa. Perfect for a summer dinner party or a casual weeknight meal, this recipe easily serves 2-4. Feel free to substitute similar firm white fish like cod or sea bass. Get ready for a flavor explosion! (Inspired by an Australian Women's Weekly recipe)

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