Is Kashmiri Chilli Powder Hot?
No, Kashmiri chilli powder is not very hot. It's known for being mild to medium in heat, ranking around 1,000-2,000 on the Scoville scale. This makes it much milder than regular Indian red chilli powder or cayenne pepper. Kashmiri chillies are mainly used for their bright red colour and mild, smoky flavour rather than heat.
Heat level comparison:
- Kashmiri chilli powder: 1,000-2,000 Scoville units (mild)
- Regular Indian red chilli powder: 15,000-35,000 Scoville units (hot)
- Cayenne pepper powder: 30,000-50,000 Scoville units (very hot)
If you're looking to reduce heat in your recipes, Kashmiri chilli powder is a good choice. It adds the traditional red color to dishes like butter chicken and tandoori chicken without making them too spicy.
