Spice | Vegan Vegetarian Gluten Free Low Calorie

Red Chilis

Capsicum annuum Allergen-Free
red chilis

Sourcing & Taxonomy

  • Family Solanaceae
  • Primary Cuisine Global (especially Asian, Latin American)
  • Seasonality Summer-Fall (fresh), Year-Round (dried/powder)
  • Source Chili plant fruit

The Forktionary Angle

"The fiery, flavor-packed fruit that brings heat and depth to every dish."

Definition

The ripe, often pungent fruit of plants in the Capsicum genus, primarily used as a spice for heat and flavor.

Sensory Profile

TastePungent, Spicy, Fruity, Earthy
TextureCrisp (fresh), Fibrous, Crumbly (dried)
AromaPungent, Fruity, Smoky (dried)
AcidityLow

Technical Metrics

Heat Measurement Unit

Scoville Heat Units (SHU)

Preservation Method

Drying, pickling, freezing

Primary Heat Compound

Capsaicin (concentrated in placenta)

Nutrition Facts

Per 10 g (1 medium chili)
Calories40 kcal
Total Fat0.4 g
Saturated Fat0.1 g
Trans Fat0 g
Cholesterol0 mg
Protein1.9 g
Total Carbohydrate8.8 g
Dietary Fiber1.5 g
Total Sugars5.3 g
Calcium14 mg
Iron1 mg
Potassium322 mg

Chef’s Secret

Roasting fresh chilis before use intensifies their flavor and mellows their heat slightly, also making them easier to peel.

Substitutions

Best Match

Cayenne Pepper (powder)

1/2 tsp (for 1 medium chili)

Best for heat, but lacks fresh chili flavor/texture. Adjust to taste.

Chili Flakes

1:1 (by weight)

Good for heat and some texture, especially in sauces and oils.

Bell Pepper (with a pinch of hot sauce)

1:1 (for bell pepper)

Provides bulk and texture, hot sauce adds adjustable heat.

Paprika (smoked)

1:1

Adds color and earthy flavor, but very little heat. Good for aesthetic.

Buying Guide

For fresh, look for firm, unblemished chilis with vibrant color. For dried, ensure they are fragrant.

Flavor Pairings

Garlic Ginger Cumin Lime Cilantro Chocolate Pineapple.

Recipes Using Red Chilis

Time To Make Presentation Cuisine Inexpensive

Achingya Thoren Kerala Style Green Bean Curry

Experience the vibrant flavors of Kerala with this authentic Achingya Thoren! This dry curry features tender green beans, fragrant coconut, and a delightful blend of spices. A perfect side dish for rice or roti, this recipe is quick, easy, and bursting with the aromatic essence of South India. Get ready to tantalize your taste buds with this simple yet incredibly flavorful Kerala specialty!

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3 Steps Or Less Cuisine Summer Preparation

Aglio Olio E Peperoncino Garlic Oil And Chilli Pasta Sauce

Transform your weeknight dinner with this vibrant and flavorful Aglio e Olio e Peperoncino pasta recipe! Ready in just 25 minutes, this simple yet sensational sauce combines the aromatic punch of garlic and chili with the richness of olive oil for a truly unforgettable pasta experience. Perfect for a quick weeknight meal or a satisfying lunch.

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Side Dishes Low Protein Low Cholesterol Seasonal

Ajillo Mushrooms

Experience the irresistible flavors of Spain with this authentic Champiñones al Ajillo recipe! Succulent mushrooms sautéed to perfection in fragrant garlic, rich olive oil, and a splash of dry Spanish sherry. This easy tapas recipe is bursting with umami and is best enjoyed with crusty bread to soak up every last drop of delicious, garlicky oil. A simple yet impressive dish perfect for a weeknight meal or your next tapas party!

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Curries Stove Top Course 60 Minutes Or Less

Aloo Gobi Potato And Cauliflower Curry

This Aloo Gobi recipe is a guaranteed family favorite! My youngest son requests this delicious potato and cauliflower curry again and again. Tender potatoes and perfectly crisp-tender cauliflower florets simmer in a fragrant blend of warming spices. Enjoy it hot as a side dish to your favorite curry, or cold the next day – it's equally delightful! Easy to make and incredibly flavorful, this recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners.

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Vegetarian Vegan Preparation Side Dishes

Aromatic Sticky Rice

Recreate the magic of London's best Thai restaurants with this simple yet flavorful sticky rice recipe! Inspired by a Leith's cooking class, this recipe guarantees perfectly cooked, aromatic rice every time. Get ready to impress your guests with restaurant-quality sticky rice in just 20 minutes.

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Main Dish Low In Something Cuisine Course

Asparagus Fried Rice

Elevate your weeknight dinner with this vibrant Asparagus Fried Rice! Fresh asparagus adds a delightful nuttiness and satisfying crunch that canned asparagus simply can't match. This recipe is quick, easy, and incredibly versatile – perfect as a light meal or a delicious side dish. Learn how to achieve perfectly loose-grained rice (the key to amazing fried rice!) and discover endless variations to customize this recipe to your liking. Add protein like bacon or ham, experiment with different peppers and chillies for spice, or swap the asparagus for mushrooms or even tuna! Get ready for a flavor explosion in just 20 minutes!

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Time To Make Preparation Cuisine Meat

Beef Kurmah Curried Beef

Indulge in the rich, aromatic flavors of Beef Kurmah, a delightful Malaysian curry! This incredibly tender, flavorful beef curry is perfect for a cozy night in and is freezer-friendly for future delicious meals. Easy to follow instructions guide you to curry perfection!

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Steaks Asian Main Ingredient Beef

Beef Pho

Experience the rich, savory depths of authentic Vietnamese Beef Pho! This classic recipe, perfect for beef lovers, delivers a heartwarming and flavorful soup that's worth the time. While the elaborate, slow-simmered broth takes dedication (and is best made a day ahead), the result is a deeply rewarding culinary journey. Fresh herbs and perfectly seared beef elevate this dish to an unforgettable experience. Prepare to be amazed!

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Preparation One Dish Meal Main Ingredient Dietary

Beef With Oyster Sauce

This incredibly flavorful Beef with Oyster Sauce recipe is ready in just 30 minutes! Par-freezing the beef (a pro tip!) ensures perfectly thin slices for maximum surface area and delicious browning. The rich oyster sauce, combined with aromatic garlic, ginger, and chili, coats tender beef, creating a restaurant-quality meal that's surprisingly simple to make. Serve over fluffy rice for a complete and satisfying dinner.

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