What is Kashmiri Chilli Powder? Everything You Need to Know

What is Kashmiri Chilli Powder? Everything You Need to Know

Table of Contents

  1. History and Origins of Kashmiri Chilli
  2. The Unique Flavour of Kashmiri Chilli Powder
  3. The Health Benefits of Kashmiri Chilli Powder
  4. How to Use Kashmiri Chilli Powder in Cooking?
  5. Kashmiri Chilli powder Substitute/Alternatives
  6. Difference between Kashmiri Chilli Powder and Red Chilli Powder

Ready to add a pop of flavour and colour to your dishes? Kashmiri chilli powder (known as Kashmiri Mirch in India) is a versatile and nutritious spice that can elevate any meal. With its mild heat and rich taste, it's perfect for all palates. Whether it's in curry, soup, dip, or rub, this spice is sure to bring your cooking to the next level. 

In this article, we'll dive into the world of Kashmiri chilli. You'll learn about its history and health benefits, as well as tips on how to use it in your cooking. We'll provide advice on incorporating this spice into your dishes and share recipe ideas to help you make the most of this fantastic ingredient. So, let's get started and add some excitement to your meals with the power of Kashmiri chilli powder!

kashmiri_chilli_powder_overview

History and Origins of Kashmiri Chilli

Located at the crossroads of Central Asia and South Asia, Kashmir has a long history of spice trade and cultivation. The region's fertile soil and temperate climate have made it the ideal place for growing a wide variety of spices, including chilli peppers. The exact date of their arrival in Kashmir is not known, but it is believed that they were introduced by the Mughals, who ruled over the region from the 16th to the 18th century.

In the early 20th century, the first Kashmiri chilli powder was produced in India, by grinding dried Kashmiri Mirch into a fine powder. This powder quickly gained popularity among Indian cooks, and was soon exported to other parts of the world.

Kashmiri cooks have been using chilli peppers for centuries, combining them with other spices like cumin, coriander, and cardamom to create complex and flavourful blends of spices. Today, this tradition has spread beyond Kashmir, and Kashmiri chilli powder is a popular ingredient in many international cuisines, including Mexican, Thai, and African. This versatile spice adds a touch of Indian flavour to dishes around the world, bringing a unique and complex flavour to everything from salsas to stews.

Women harvesting kashmiri chilli

The Unique Flavour of Kashmiri Chilli Powder

Kashmiri chilli powder has a unique flavour profile that sets it apart from other chilli powders. This special spice is known for its mild heat, and rich, smoky flavour. On the Scoville scale, which measures the heat level of chilli peppers, Kashmiri chilli powder typically falls between 1,000 to 2,000 Scoville units (view comparison below), making it milder than cayenne pepper but spicier than paprika.

Type of Chilli Scoville Heat Units (SHU)
Bell Pepper 0
Paprika 500 - 1,000
Smoked Paprika 500 - 1,000
Kashmiri Chilli 1,000 - 2,000
Jalapeno 2,500 - 8,000
Chipotle 2,500 - 8,000
Cayenne Pepper 30,000 - 50,000
Habanero

100,000 - 350,000

What sets Kashmiri chilli powder apart from other chilli powders is its depth of flavour. Its combination of mild heat and subtle sweetness makes it the perfect ingredient for adding an extra dimension of flavour to dishes without overpowering them. The smoky flavour of Kashmiri chilli powder is especially pronounced, lending a rich and complex taste to dishes like curries, stews, and tandoori chicken.

Whether you're looking to add a touch of Indian flavour to your cooking or you're simply searching for a milder chilli powder, Kashmiri chilli powder is a great choice. Its versatility and unique flavour profile make it a staple ingredient in many kitchens, both in India and around the world.

The Health Benefits of Kashmiri Chilli Powder

Kashmiri chilli not only has a great taste, but it also offers numerous health benefits. Let's take a look at some of them!

  • Antioxidant-Rich

Kashmiri chilli powder has a lot of antioxidants, which are special things that protect the body from harmful molecules called free radicals. These free radicals can hurt cells and increases the likeihood of getting chronic diseases like heart disease, cancer, and Alzheimer's. Antioxidants help stop free radicals from causing harm, which lowers the risk of getting these diseases.

  • Boosts Metabolism

In addition to being antioxidant-rich, Kashmiri chilli powder can boost metabolism. Capsaicin, the compound that gives chilli peppers their heat, has been shown to increase energy expenditure and reduce fat storage. This makes Kashmiri chilli powder a great choice for those looking to maintain a healthy weight.

  • Improves Heart Health

Kashmiri chilli powder can also have a positive effect on heart health. Capsaicin has been shown to improve cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of heart disease. Additionally, chilli peppers are rich in vitamin C, which has been shown to reduce the risk of heart disease.

*Please note that we're not health professionals, and the information provided is solely based on research. We recommend consulting with a medical professional before making any changes to your diet or lifestyle.

kashmiri chilli powder in a plate

How to Use Kashmiri Chilli Powder in Cooking?

There are numerous ways to incorporate this chilli powder into your cooking, from curries to soups to salsas. Here are some ideas on how to use this spice in your cooking:

  • Spice up Your Curries 
Kashmiri chilli powder is especially great for adding depth and flavour to curries. Try using it in traditional Indian dishes like chicken tikka masala, lamb rogan josh, or veggie korma. The mild heat and rich, smoky flavour of Kashmiri chilli powder will complement the spices and flavours in these dishes perfectly.
  • Add to Sauces 
Kashmiri chilli powder is also a great choice for adding flavour to sauces. Whether you're making a marinade for grilled meats, a sauce for pasta, or a dressing for salads, a pinch of Kashmiri chilli powder will add a touch of flavour and heat to your dish.
  • Liven Up Soups and Stews 
Kashmiri chilli powder is a great ingredient for adding flavour to soups and stews. Whether you're making a traditional Indian dish like dal or a hearty western stew, a pinch of Kashmiri chilli powder will add depth and flavour to your dish.
  • Use as a Rub for Grilled Meats 

Kashmiri chilli powder can also be used as a rub for grilled meats like chicken, beef, or pork. Simply mix Kashmiri chilli powder with a little oil and apply it to your meat before grilling. The heat and flavour of the Kashmiri chilli powder will infuse your meat, giving it a rich and complex taste.

Kashmiri chilli powder chicken

Kashmiri Chilli powder Substitute/Alternatives

If you don't have access to Kashmiri chilli powder or you're looking for alternatives, there are several options you can use.

  • Paprika
Paprika is a good substitute for Kashmiri chilli powder as it has a similar mild heat and a bright red colour. Paprika can be found in most grocery stores and is often used as a substitute for chilli powder.
  • Cayenne Pepper
Cayenne pepper is a bit spicier than Kashmiri chilli powder, but it has a similar colour. Use cayenne pepper in smaller quantities and adjust to taste.
  • Degi Mirch
Degi mirch is a mild chilli powder that is also commonly used in Indian cooking. It has a bright red colour and is slightly sweeter than Kashmiri chilli powder, but it's still a good substitute.
  • Ancho Chilli Powder
Ancho chilli powder is a mild chilli powder that is often used in Mexican cooking. It has a slightly smoky flavour and a deep red colour. Ancho chilli powder is a good alternative to Kashmiri chilli powder, but it may alter the flavour of your dish slightly.
  • Red Chili Powder:
Red chilli powder is a single-variety chilli powder made from dried red chilli peppers. It's often spicier than Kashmiri chilli powder, but it's still a good substitute if you don't have access to any of the other alternatives.

Difference between Kashmiri Chilli Powder and Red Chilli Powder

Kashmiri chilli powder and red chilli powder are both commonly used spices in Indian and South Asian cuisine, but they have some differences in terms of heat level, colour, and flavour.

  • Heat Level
Kashmiri chilli powder has a mild heat level, while red chilli powder is often spicier. This means that you may need to use less red chilli powder compared to Kashmiri chilli powder to achieve the same level of heat.
  • Colour
Kashmiri chilli powder is known for its vibrant red colour, which is why it is often used to add colour to dishes. Red chilli powder also has a red colour, but it is often not as bright as Kashmiri chilli powder.
  • Flavour
Kashmiri chilli powder has a slightly sweeter and milder flavour compared to red chilli powder. Red chilli powder is often spicier and has a more pungent flavour.

    Conclusion

    In conclusion, Kashmiri chilli powder is a versatile and flavourful ingredient that should be a staple in any home cook's pantry. With its unique flavour profile, mild heat, and numerous health benefits, it's no wonder that Kashmiri chilli powder has become popular among people all over the world. From spicing up curries to livening up soups and stews, there are many ways to incorporate this special blend of spices into your cooking.

    So if you're looking to add a touch of Indian flavour to your dishes, or you simply want a milder chilli powder, give Kashmiri chilli powder a try. You won't be disappointed!

    Read more: 7 Simple Tips to Store Spices. 

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