chilli powder

What is Red Chilli Powder ? Glossary | Uses + How to Store, Recipes, Tarla Dalal Viewed 136153 times
Also Known as
Lal Mirchi powder

What is Chilli Powder, Red Chilli Powder?


Red chilli powder can set the taste buds on fire, and sometimes the tummy too! It is basically a spice blend consisting of one or two types of dried red chillies that are ground and pulverized into a fine powder. It is generally used to add spice to otherwise bland foods.


How to Select Red Chilli Powder?
• Read the labels before buying.
• As far as possible, avoid those that vaguely mention free-flowing agents or preservatives in the ingredient list, because pure chilli powder without such additives is easily available in stores, so you can do away with these added chemicals!
• Make sure you buy from a trusted source because the possibility of contaminating red chilli powder with other powders, red food colour, etc., is high.
• Check the seal of the package and the use-by date.

Culinary uses of Chilli Powder, Red Chilli Powder

Indian Snacks using chilli powder

Snacks should be spicy and chatpata to bring back the mood. Snacks can actually make you fresh for the day, as you eat your comfort food. Try these snack recipe and you will surely enjoy. 

1.      Bread Pakora a very famous Mumbai Street Food, quick evening snack and Indian breakfast which is famous and widely eaten all over India

2.      Aloo Tikki a relatively simple version that you can prepare with readymade spice powders.

3.      Paneer Tikka Roll a famous street food that comes from Kolkata and West Bengal.

4.      Pasta in Tomato Sauce pasta combined with homemade fresh tomato pulp, tomato ketchup, herbs and spring onions. This is so delicious that it retains its strong aroma and flavour.

5.      Masala Cheese Toast a scrumptious toast with a masaledar veggie topping that reminds you of all-time favourites like Samosa and Veg Puffs.

Guajarati recipes using chilli powder

Guajarati likes less spicy, but they enjoy their dals, farsaans and sabzi to be a little spicier at times. Here are specialty of Guajarati recipes, try it and you will know. why the food is so delicious .

1.      Khatta Dhokla a soft and fluffy steamed snack from the Gujarati repertoire. This all-time favourite is enjoyed as a starter, as a tea-time snack, or even for breakfast.

2.      Mixed Dal Handvo every Gujarati household has their own way of making handvo and here we have shared our version of Gujarati handvo.

3.      Gujarati Dal a characteristic sweet and sour taste, this traditional dal recipe is quite reflective of Gujarati culture and uses the typical ingredients and spices.

4.      Dal Dhokli a perfect combination of spiced whole wheat flour dhoklis simmered in Gujarati dal.

5.      Ragda Patties introduction to the food-lover. For the rest of you, it’s a yummy dish of potato patties, stuffed with spiced safed vatana, and drowned in a tongue-tickling gravy.


• Chilli powder is commonly used in Indian cuisine to make foods spicier.
• Used it moderation it adds a lovely red glow and sharp flavour to dishes without making it unpalatable.
• Include in any pot of beans or with baked corn and casseroles.
• It can be used to make marinades for paneer or sliced vegetables.
• It adds a wonderful spicy touch to tomato-based sauces.

How to Store Red Chilli Powder
• Chilli powder has a long shelf life.
• Store away from light and heat in airtight containers.
• It will remain fresh up to two years.
• Chunks of asafoetida can be added to retain its freshness.

Kashmiri red chilli powder
The Kashmiri chilli is smaller in size, it is less pungent and gives a very bright colour to the food. It is available in all super markets under different brands. It can be used in recipes like pav bhaji, aloo fry or even tava pulao.