Chili

Capsicum annuum or Capsicum frutescens Spice/Vegetable

Chili Spice/Vegetable

At a Glance

  • Category Spice/Vegetable

The Forktionary Angle

"Beyond mere heat, chili peppers contribute a complex layer of fruitiness, smokiness, or earthiness, transforming dishes with their nuanced piquancy."

Definition

The fruit of plants from the genus Capsicum, characterized by its pungent heat, used fresh, dried, or powdered to add spice and flavor to dishes worldwide.

Active Compound Capsaicin (responsible for heat).
Global Cultivation Grown in nearly every continent.
Heat Measurement Scoville Heat Units (SHU).

Flavor Profile

The primary flavor notes for Chili are:

Pungent Spicy Fruity Grassy Smoky (depending on type)

Chef’s Secret

To temper chili heat, remove the seeds and inner white membrane. For deep, smoky flavor without extreme heat, roast whole chilies until charred, then peel.

Best Substitutes

Cayenne Pepper

powdered, less fresh flavor, use 1/2 tsp for 1 fresh small chili

Red Pepper Flakes

for heat, less fresh flavor
Ratio 1:1

Buying Guide

Look for firm, brightly colored chilies without blemishes or soft spots. Store in the refrigerator crisper drawer.

Recipes Using Chili

Main Ingredient Dietary Low Carb Cuisine

Harak Mas Curry Sri Lankan Beef Curry

Indulge in the rich, aromatic flavors of Harak Mas Curry, a classic Sri Lankan beef curry. This authentic recipe, inspired by Charmaine Solomon, delivers tender, melt-in-your-mouth beef in a deeply flavorful gravy. Perfect for a special occasion or a cozy weeknight meal, this curry is sure to become a family favorite. Learn how to make this delicious dish with our easy-to-follow instructions and detailed ingredient list.

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Gifts Course Dietary Condiments Etc

Apricot And Date Chutney

Elevate your meals with this vibrant Apricot & Date Chutney! Simple to make and bursting with flavor, this gluten-free chutney is the perfect accompaniment to cold cuts, grilled meats (chicken, chops), curries, and more. A fantastic homemade gift, it's easily customizable – add a chopped fresh chili for an extra kick! Makes approximately 6 cups.

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Presentation No Cook Technique Fruit

Avocado And Goat Cheese Dip

Creamy, dreamy, and ridiculously delicious! This Avocado and Goat Cheese Dip is a twist on classic guacamole, adding the tangy, smooth richness of goat cheese for an unforgettable flavor experience. Perfect for parties, snacks, or a quick and healthy weeknight meal.

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Mexican Course Main Ingredient Mexican

Award Winning Chili

This isn't just chili; it's a champion! My award-winning chili recipe, perfected over years of chili cook-off victories, delivers a depth of flavor that will leave you speechless. Get ready for tender, juicy beef infused with smoky spices and a rich, hearty tomato base. This recipe is perfect for game day, family gatherings, or simply satisfying your chili cravings. Prepare to be amazed!

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Vegetables Preparation Main Ingredient Tomatoes

Another Shrimp Creole

Dive into a flavor explosion with this Another Shrimp Creole recipe! Sweet molasses, fiery chilies, and savory Worcestershire sauce create a perfect balance of sweet, hot, and salty in every bite. This easy 30-minute recipe is served over fluffy rice with a kick of Louisiana hot sauce on the side – the ultimate comfort food with a Cajun twist. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion!

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3 Steps Or Less Course Easy Chili

Almost Instant Black Bean Chili

This incredibly flavorful black bean chili recipe from PCRM is ready in under 30 minutes! Perfect for a quick weeknight meal, this vibrant chili is packed with protein and satisfying spices. Skip the long simmer and enjoy a delicious, healthy chili without the wait. Get your taste buds ready for a fiesta!

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Weeknight Beans Weeknight High In Something

Arroz Con Queso Rice With Cheese

A cheesy, comforting Arroz Con Queso recipe passed down from a friend! This baked rice dish is layered with flavorful rice, beans, and a blend of cheddar, jack, and ricotta cheeses. A perfect side dish or satisfying vegetarian meal, this recipe is easy to follow and sure to become a family favorite. Get ready for a fiesta of flavors!

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Vegetables Chicken Breasts Stir Fry Dinner Party

Bangkok Chicken Curry

Impress your friends with this authentic Bangkok Chicken Curry recipe! This vibrant and flavorful dish is easier to make than you think. Enjoy tender chicken simmered in a rich coconut milk curry sauce, bursting with aromatic spices, fresh basil, and crunchy vegetables. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.

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Beginner Cook Eggs Dairy Beginner Cook North American

Anne's Chile Con Queso

A treasured family recipe passed down through generations! This creamy, cheesy Chile Con Queso is the perfect warm and comforting appetizer or snack. Originally from a family cookbook, this recipe has been lovingly recreated from handwritten notes, capturing the delicious essence of Mom's cooking. Get ready to relive cherished memories with every bite! Enjoy this easy-to-make dip with tortilla chips, crackers, or your favorite sides.

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Omelets And Frittatas Time To Make 15 Minutes Or Less Eggs Dairy

Akoori Parsi Scrambled Eggs

Spice up your morning with Akoori Parsi, a flavorful and vibrant Persian scrambled egg recipe! This quick and easy breakfast dish combines fluffy scrambled eggs with aromatic spices like turmeric and coriander, and a delightful hint of chili. Perfect served with warm chapatis for a truly authentic experience.

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Cuisine 60 Minutes Or Less Main Ingredient Cuisine

Bbq Pork Enchiladas

Transform leftover BBQ pork into a flavor explosion with these irresistible BBQ Pork Enchiladas! This recipe takes your favorite slow-cooked pork and elevates it with zesty green chilies, creamy cheeses, and rich enchilada sauce. Easy to assemble and bursting with flavor, these enchiladas are a crowd-pleaser perfect for a weeknight dinner or a casual get-together.

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Dietary Main Ingredient Mexican Time To Make

Bacon And Cheese Quesadillas For Two

Craving a cheesy, bacon-y treat? This recipe delivers crispy, flavorful bacon and cheese quesadillas in just 10 minutes! A simplified version of a Cook's Illustrated classic, perfect for a quick lunch, satisfying snack, or impressive appetizer. Get ready for cheesy, crispy perfection!

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Nepalese Dietary Winter Seasonal

Bhutanese Cheese Curry Ema Daji

Experience the rich, warming flavors of Bhutanese Ema Daji, a unique cheese curry! This recipe offers a milder take on the traditionally spicy Bhutanese version, using jalapeños and fewer chilies for customizable heat. Feta cheese stands in for the harder-to-find churpi cheese, creating a creamy, comforting soup-like curry perfect for a cool evening. Adapted from "Mangoes and Curry Leaves" by Alford and Duguid, this recipe is a culinary adventure you won't want to miss! Serve with Bhutanese red rice or your favorite rice alongside a stir-fried green vegetable for a complete meal.

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Low Calorie Preparation Spicy 60 Minutes Or Less

Aubergine Eggplant Pitas

Spice up your lunch with these flavorful Aubergine Eggplant Pitas! This quick and easy recipe combines tender eggplant, a vibrant spicy tomato sauce, and crunchy salad for a delicious and satisfying meal. Ready in under an hour, it's perfect for a weeknight dinner or a flavorful lunch. Get the recipe now!

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Low Calorie Low Saturated Fat European Dietary

Amazing Roasted Shrimp With Garlic

Experience a taste of Bobby Flay-inspired culinary magic with this incredible roasted garlic shrimp recipe! Perfectly roasted shrimp with a rich, garlicky, and slightly spicy sauce. Serve with crusty Italian bread for dipping or tossed over pasta with a squeeze of lemon for an unforgettable meal. This recipe is quick, easy, and delivers restaurant-quality flavor in under an hour!

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Pasta Rice And Grains Course Main Dish Preparation

Chicken On Pasta With Spicy Asian Style Sauce

Craving a flavor explosion? This Spicy Asian Peanut Chicken & Linguine recipe from Bon Appetit magazine delivers! A creamy, spicy peanut sauce coats tender chicken and perfectly cooked linguine. Quick, easy, and bursting with authentic Asian flavors – perfect for a weeknight dinner.

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Occasion Malaysian Dietary Main Ingredient

Aromatic Chicken Rendang

Embark on a culinary adventure with our Aromatic Chicken Rendang, a traditional Malaysian dry curry bursting with rich, complex flavors. This recipe features tender chicken slow-cooked in a fragrant coconut milk base, infused with aromatic spices and a touch of sweet brown sugar. The key? Dry-fried coconut added at the end for an irresistible texture and nutty depth. Customize the spice level to your liking with fresh or dried chilies! Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.

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Spicy Holiday Event Spicy Cuisine

Authentic Balinese Indonesian Satay Chicken

Indonesian home-style cooking at its finest! This Authentic Balinese Satay Chicken recipe, learned from a Balinese local, delivers unbelievably tender and flavorful chicken skewers. Skip the tourist traps and savor the true taste of Bali. Customize the spice level to your liking – use less chili for a milder dish. For a time-saving shortcut, substitute roasted peanuts with smooth peanut butter. This recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner or an impressive weekend meal. Get ready for a taste of paradise!

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