Red Chilli Powder is a ground spice made from dried red chillies. It’s widely used to add heat, color, and a bold, spicy flavor to a variety of dishes. This essential spice is especially popular in Indian, Mexican, and Asian cuisines, where it’s used in curries, stews, sauces, and marinades.
It can range in heat from mild to extremely hot, depending on the type of chilli used. The bright red color also makes it a natural coloring agent in many recipes.
Types of Red Chilli Powder
-
Kashmiri Red Chilli Powder
-
Heat Level: Mild
-
Color: Bright red
-
Flavor: Slightly smoky and aromatic
-
Use: Preferred for adding color without too much heat (e.g., tandoori dishes, curries)
-
Byadgi Chilli Powder (from Karnataka, India)
-
Heat Level: Mild to medium
-
Color: Deep red
-
Flavor: Earthy and rich
-
Use: Popular in South Indian cooking; great balance of color and flavor
-
Guntur Chilli Powder
-
Heat Level: Hot
-
Color: Reddish-brown
-
Flavor: Sharp, pungent
-
Use: Adds strong heat to curries and spicy dishes
-
Teja Chilli Powder
-
Heat Level: Very Hot
-
Color: Dark red
-
Flavor: Intense and fiery
-
Use: For those who love high heat in their dishes
-
Paprika (commonly used in Western cuisine)
-
Heat Level: Mild to sweet (some variants hot)
-
Color: Bright red
-
Flavor: Sweet, mild, sometimes smoky
-
Use: Used more for color and subtle flavor (soups, stews, sauces)