KASHMIRI CHILLI POWDER - THE SPICE INDIA PREFERS
There are hundreds, if not thousands, of varieties of chili on Earth. Each variant differs in size, shape, color, taste, flavor, and use. The iconic Kashmiri red chili is one such variety. It imparts a lovely deep red color to the dishes it is added to. It’s used very commonly in most Indian dishes.
You can use whole Kashmiri Red Chillies in your dishes. This means instead of their powdered form, you can also use whole Kashmiri chilies. But using them whole does not lend that deep-red rich redness to the dish as opposed to Kashmiri red chili powder.
What Is Kashmiri Chilli?
As the name suggests, Kashmiri chilies come from the Kashmir region of India. Some argue that Kashmiri chilies do not belong to Kashmir. But as per the Spice Board of India, Kashmiri chilies are grown both in Jammu and Kashmir, as well as in the Himachal Pradesh states of India.
Kashmiri Chilli is used in both whole and powdered forms. It is the most popularly used chili in Indian households.
Whole Kashmiri Chilli
The whole dry Kashmiri Mirch is a cone-shaped, medium-sized chili with dark red, wrinkly skin.
Kashmiri Mirch is known for its tempting deep red color and mild heat. The ground Kashmiri chili powder has a distinct flavor. It imparts a deep and rich red color to dishes.
Some restaurants try to simulate the color of Kashmiri Laal Mirch by adding artificial food colors, which does more harm than good. Authentic and best Kashmiri chili powder should lend more color and less heat.
What is Kashmiri Laal Mirch called in other languages?
As it is a regional spice from Kashmir, there’s no specific translation into other languages. In Hindi, Kashmiri Chilli is called “Kashmiri Laal Mirch.”
What is the taste of Kashmiri Chillies?
The taste of Kashmiri chilies taste is mild and aromatic with a full-flavor body. Even though Kashmiri Mirch imparts a bright red color, its flavor is not as spicy as other chilies. It can be said to be similar to paprika. But paprika is a bit more spicier in taste.
How to use Kashmiri Mirch in cooking?
Kashmiri chilies can be used in the following ways:
- Whole
- Fresh
- Dried, or
- In powder form
Kashmiri Chilli can be added to almost any dish that you wish to lend bright color and mild heat. It is an incredibly wonderful Indian hot spice that can be used to cook Indian food without making it too spicy. It is one of the most recommended chili powder options to stock up in any Indian kitchen.
What are the uses of whole Kashmiri chilies?
- You can use whole Kashmiri mirch to temper in warm oil with other whole spices.
- You can break or chop the chilies and sprinkle them into stir-fries and curries.
- Soak the Kashmiri chilies whole in warm water. Grind it into a paste for a brighter red color and flavourful heat to the dish.
What are the uses of Kashmiri Laal Mirch powder?
1) You can add a tsp or two of Kashmiri Red Chilli powder to:
- Curries
- Vegetables
- Sauces
- Soups and
- Stews for flavor and color.
What are the benefits of Kashmiri Chilli Powder?
Consumption of Kashmiri Mirch in small amounts has many benefits, some of which are listed below. Apart from lending rich color and heat, using Kashmiri chilies in food also has several other health benefits. However, note that excessive quantities of chili can potentially damage the lining of the digestive tract.
If you have ever thought about whether consuming Kashmiri chilies is good for your health, here are some reasons for including them in your food.
- They’re Rich in vitamin C - Like other chilies, Kashmiri mirch is also high in Vitamin A, B complex, and C. These vitamins are also valuable for maintaining healthy skin, hair, and nails. As per Ayurvedic scriptures, being a rich source of such vitamins, Kashmiri Chilli is a great source to build your immune system naturally.
- They’re an excellent source of Antioxidants - Antioxidants help control the free radicals in your blood. Regular consumption of chilies, especially Kashmiri chilies, can help in building up Antioxidants in your body.
- Kashmiri Mirch helps ease respiratory disorders - As they’re mildly hot and rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, Kashmiri Chilli relieves respiratory disorders such as blocked and runny nose by dislodging phlegm from the chest.
- They can help maintain the body’s iron level - Kashmiri Chillies are an excellent source of vitamins and antioxidants. They also contain several minerals like :
- Iron
- Potassium
- Copper, and
- Manganese, which helps to regulate and maintain the optimum balance of these minerals in the body.
How to preserve Kashmiri Chilies?
To preserve Kashmiri chillies, it is important to ensure that they are completely dry before storing them in an airtight container away from light and heat. Keeping the container in a cool, dark place like a pantry or cupboard will help to prevent moisture from entering and protect the chilies from spoilage. Vacuum sealing the container can also further extend their shelf life. Properly stored, Kashmiri chillies can maintain their vibrant red color and mild to medium heat for months, allowing you to enjoy their unique flavor in your favorite recipes whenever you desire.
Where to Buy Kashmiri Chillies
You will find Kashmiri mirch in most Indian supermarkets or grocery stores near you. You can get top-quality Kashmiri Red Chilli like Alco Kashmiri Red Chilli powder, both in supermarkets and online. When buying Kashmiri Red Chilli powder, always look for those that have a bright red color.
You can also buy them online. One such site is www.alcofoods.com. Here, you get the finest and best-quality Kashmiri Red Chilli powder.
Apart from Alco Masala powders, Alco Foods offers a vast range of instant gravy mixes. Try our products, and your food will be next-level delicious!