Homemade Red Chilli Powder is an easy but flavorful spice made by grinding dried crimson chillies right into a effective powder. Start by deciding on dried crimson chillies, ideally with a balanced warmth stage and take away the stems and seeds. Toast the chillies calmly in a pan for just a few seconds to carry out their pure oils and taste. Once cooled, grind the chillies right into a effective powder utilizing a spice grinder or mixer-grinder. Store the freshly floor crimson chilli powder in an hermetic container and use it so as to add a vibrant, smoky warmth to your dishes.


About Red Chilli Powder
At its core, crimson chilli powder is just floor dried crimson chillies, used so as to add warmth, colour, and depth to dishes in Indian and international cuisines.
The spice and warmth come from a compound referred to as capsaicin, which is of course current within the seeds and interior membranes of the chillies.
The vibrant crimson colour comes from carotenoid pigments, primarily capsanthin and capsorubin, that are extra concentrated in varieties like Kashmiri and Byadgi chillies.
The warmth stage of crimson chilli powder is dependent upon the kind of chillies used. It can vary from delicate to fairly sizzling. It additionally provides a slight smokiness. This powder is utilized in curries, stews, soups, and snacks to usher in heat, spice, and colour.
Why Homemade
Homemade Red Chilli Powder is commonly the most suitable choice for a number of causes.
- Firstly, it ensures freshness, because the powder retains its important oils and vibrant colour, which may fade in store-bought varieties over time.
- You can management the warmth stage by deciding on the kind of chilli, permitting you to tailor the spice to your choice.
- Additionally, selfmade Red Chilli Powder doesn’t include any synthetic components, preservatives or fillers, supplying you with a pure and pure product.
- Grinding chillies at dwelling additionally preserves their taste profile, making certain your dishes have essentially the most fragrant and intense chilli style, making it an excellent alternative for cooking.
Ways To Make Red Chilli Powder
There are two straightforward methods to make selfmade Red Chilli Powder, every bringing out a novel taste profile in your spice mix: sun-drying and roasting crimson chillies.
Sun-Drying Method
Sun-drying is a conventional and pure technique that ends in a chilli powder with a vibrant colour and delicate, fruity taste.
- To make it, merely wash the dried crimson chilies, take away the stems, and dry them totally.
- Lay the chillies out within the solar for a number of days, making certain they’re absolutely dried and crisp.
- Once dried, the chillies are able to be floor into powder.
This technique retains the unique taste of the chilli intact. The powder seems contemporary, barely earthy, and mildly candy. Sun-drying additionally preserves the important oils of the chili, leading to a extra fragrant powder.
Roasting Method
Roasting dried crimson chillies enhances the smoky, sturdy taste of the chilli powder.
- Start by dry-roasting the entire crimson chillies in a pan over low to medium warmth, stirring often to make sure even roasting.
- The chillies ought to darken barely and emit a smoky perfume.
- Once roasted, allow them to cool earlier than grinding them into powder.
This technique imparts a wealthy, smoky taste to the powder, which is ideal for including a deeper depth to dishes like curries, and stews.
The roasted chilli powder has a extra intense, savory profile in comparison with sun-dried powder, making it ideally suited for dishes that want a bit extra warmth and complexity. I want the roasting technique as a result of robust daylight isn’t all the time assured.
What Chillies to Use
You can use any number of dried crimson chilli. I normally use Kashmiri chillies due to their vibrant vibrant colour and delicate warmth. Other choices embrace:
- Byadagi – vibrant crimson, barely spicier than Kashmiri
- Guntur – extra warmth, daring taste
- Reshampatti – medium to excessive warmth, generally utilized in Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra
You also can combine varieties to get the fitting steadiness of colour and warmth in your recipes.
Real Kashmiri Red Chillies
Not all chillies offered as Kashmiri are literally grown in Kashmir. Here’s the best way to inform the distinction.
Real Kashmiri crimson chillies are famend for his or her deep, vibrant crimson colour and delicate warmth. They are valued in Indian cooking, particularly in Kashmiri delicacies, for the colour they add with out overpowering the dish with pungency and warmth.
Grown within the fertile soils of Jammu and Kashmir, these chillies are fastidiously harvested and dried to protect their pure sweetness and aroma.
Unlike different varieties, Kashmiri chillies supply a refined, non-intense warmth, permitting them to reinforce dishes with out overwhelming the flavour.
Their wealthy crimson hue not solely provides visible attraction to curries and gravies but additionally imparts a novel, barely smoky taste that defines many conventional Kashmiri dishes like Kashmiri Dum Aloo, Methi Chaman and Roghan Josh type gravies.
Real Kashmiri chillies have a deep crimson colour, skinny pores and skin, fewer seeds, and are calmly wrinkled when dried. But in most Indian markets, what’s offered as “Kashmiri” is commonly not the genuine selection.
These are normally different sorts like Byadagi or blended chillies that mimic the crimson colour however are sometimes extra wrinkled and bulkier, with a special taste, aroma, and origin.
Buying Tips
For the very best outcomes, attempt to purchase from trusted sellers who clearly point out the area of origin as Jammu and Kashmir. Look for entire chillies, not simply pre-ground powder, and keep away from combined or blended varieties.
If shopping for on-line, test for clear product photographs, buyer critiques, and sourcing particulars to be sure you are getting the true factor.
Often floor right into a effective powder, actual Kashmiri crimson chillies are a key part in spice blends, offering depth and colour whereas sustaining a fragile warmth that balances fantastically with different spices.
Indian Red Chilli Powder vs Cayenne, Paprika & Mexican Chilli Powder
Below is a fast comparability of Indian crimson chilli powder with different generally used chilli powders all over the world.
| Spice | Heat Level | Flavor Profile | Common Uses | Type of Chilli Used |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Indian Red Chilli Powder | Medium to Hot | Pure chilli taste, earthy, sharp | Indian curries, dals, sabzis, pickles | Kashmiri, Byadgi, Guntur, Reshampatti |
| Cayenne Pepper | Hot | Clean, intense warmth with no added spices | Global spicy dishes, sauces, seasoning | Cayenne chilli (Capsicum annuum) |
| Paprika | Mild | Mild, candy or smoky relying on sort | Marinades, stews, soups, as garnish | Sweet crimson peppers (numerous sorts) |
| Mexican Chilli Powder | Mild to Medium | Blend of chilli, cumin, garlic, oregano, and so forth. | Tex-Mex dishes, chili, dry rubs, tacos | Usually ancho, pasilla, or guajillo |
I make my very own floor spices at dwelling and have shared a few of them on the weblog. They’re straightforward to arrange and provides a lot better taste than store-bought variations.
More selfmade floor spices to attempt:
Cumin Powder
Coriander Powder
Curry Leaves Powder
Chaat Masala Powder
Amchur Powder
Step-by-Step Guide
How to make Red Chilli Powder
Prep & Roast Red Chillies
1. Take 50 grams Kashmiri crimson chillies or most well-liked dried crimson chillies. Wear gloves and take away the stems.
Some types of chillies might be sizzling and should give a burning sensation in your arms. So higher to put on gloves. I’ve shared the best way to take away the seeds within the recipe card beneath.
That stated, it may be time-consuming; so in case you’re effective with a bit extra warmth, you possibly can go away the seeds as is.


2. Heat a wok or sauté pan or frying pan to a low. Add the dried crimson chillies.


3. Stirring at occasions, dry-roast for 4 to five minutes or till the chillies are aromatic. No must brown.


4. Transfer roasted crimson chillies to a plate and allow them to cool.


Make Red Chilli Powder
5. Transfer roasted crimson chillies to a mixer-grinder.


6. Grind to a effective powder.


7. Store Homemade Red Chilli Powder in a small spice-jar or glass jars or spice metal jars. Make positive the lid is air-tight to protect freshness and aroma. Keep in a cool dry place and use as wanted.


8. Use Red Chilli Powder as and when wanted in your recipes.


Variations
You can grind the chillies to a effective or coarse texture. The coarser model is often utilized in Indian households, particularly when making ready dry or sautéed vegetable dishes.
Alternatively, attempt mixing 2 to three types of chillies – one for warmth and one other for a vibrant colour with out the spiciness.
For a extra refined contact, yellow chillies can be utilized to create yellow chilli powder, a preferred alternative amongst cooks in high-end lodges and luxurious eating places for its distinct taste and chic look.
Using Red Chilli Powder in Indian Cooking
Red Chilli Powder is a key spice in Indian delicacies. It provides vivid crimson colour and a fiery kick to many conventional dishes.
- It’s typically used early within the cooking course of to mix with different spices and develop taste.
- When mixed with spice blends like Garam Masala, it provides curries, dals, and stews their signature heat and colour.
- In dry dishes like Tikka or Kababs, it provides warmth and a deep crimson colour. In gravies and sauces, it brings heat and spice.
- It’s additionally utilized in chutneys, marinades and pickles, giving them an additional kick and a contact of smokiness.
Red chilli powder doesn’t simply add warmth; it additionally brings a depth of taste that balances creamy dishes, candy greens, or the tang from Tamarind and Yogurt.
I normally make a small batch that lasts a couple of month. For bigger portions, you possibly can take the dried chillies to an area mill. But for smaller quantities, a powerful mixer-grinder works effectively.
My Tips For Best Flavor
- Choose the fitting chillies: The sort of crimson chili you utilize will vastly affect the flavour and warmth of your chilli powder. For a milder warmth and smoky taste, use Kashmiri chillies. If you like extra warmth, use varieties like Byadgi or Guntur chillies. Mixing several types of chillies can assist steadiness warmth and colour to your liking.
- Sun-drying: Drying chillies within the solar helps protect their pure oils, giving the powder a brisker and extra aromatic taste. Just make sure you dry them fully till they’re crisp, which may take just a few days relying on the climate.
- Roasting: Roasting dried chillies on low warmth brings out a deeper, barely smoky taste. I normally stir them typically in order that they don’t burn and roast evenly. This step actually lifts the aroma and makes the chilli powder extra flavourful, particularly for dishes that want a bit extra warmth and depth.
- Deseed for a milder powder: To cut back the warmth of your chilli powder, take away the seeds from the dried chillies earlier than grinding. The seeds are the place many of the warmth resides, so by discarding them, you create a milder powder that also maintains the chili’s wealthy taste and colour.
- Grind contemporary for max taste: Grinding dried crimson chillies at dwelling ensures optimum freshness and taste. Use a high-quality spice grinder for a fair, effective powder. Freshly floor chilli powder is all the time extra fragrant and stuffed with taste in comparison with older batches.
- Store correctly to retain freshness: To hold your selfmade Red Chilli Powder contemporary and potent, retailer it in an hermetic container away from warmth, moisture and direct daylight. A cool, darkish place is good. Avoid storing it in plastic baggage as they’ll lure moisture. A glass jar or stainless-steel container works finest for long-lasting freshness.
- Adjust the feel: Depending in your choice, you possibly can grind your chillies to a effective or coarse powder. A rough texture works effectively for stir-fries, sautéed dishes the place you need the chilli to launch its taste slowly. A finer powder is ideal for dishes like curries, gravies, soups or marinades the place you need the chilli to combine seamlessly into the sauce.
Your Questions Answered
Homemade Red Chilli Powder is brisker, has higher flavour, and doesn’t include any added colors or preservatives. You can select the chillies you want and alter the warmth and colour to fit your style.
Kashmiri and Byadgi chillies are identified for his or her vibrant crimson colour and delicate warmth. They add wealthy colour to meals with out making it too spicy and ideally suited for dishes the place colour issues as a lot as taste.
Homemade Red Chilli Powder stays contemporary for 3 to six months if saved in an hermetic container in a cool, dry place. Over time, it could lose its efficiency and taste, so it’s finest to make small batches and use them inside just a few months.
The main uncooked materials for Red Chilli Powder is dried crimson chillies. You can use varieties like Guntur, Kashmiri, or Byadgi relying on the warmth and taste you need. The chillies are both sun-dried or roasted earlier than grinding.
You can, however with some changes. Cayenne is far hotter, so use much less. Paprika is delicate and provides colour, not a lot warmth. You might want to alter these to get the fitting taste and spice stage.
Deggi Mirch (or Deghi Mirch) is a light crimson chilli powder created from a mix of Kashmiri chillies and dried crimson bell peppers. It’s primarily used for its vibrant crimson colour and delicate warmth, particularly in tandoori dishes and North Indian cooking.
If you’ve tried this recipe, please price it within the recipe card or go away a remark beneath – I’d love to listen to your suggestions. For extra vegetarian inspiration, sign up for my email updates or observe me on Instagram, Youtube, Facebook, Pinterest or X.


Homemade Red Chilli Powder Recipe
Homemade Red Chilli Powder is an easy but flavorful spice made by grinding dried crimson chillies right into a effective powder. It provides vibrant colour and warmth to Indian dishes like curries, sabzis, dals, and snacks. You can alter the spice stage by selecting the kind of chillies used. Making it at dwelling additionally ensures freshness and purity, with none added preservatives.
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
Prevent your display screen from going darkish whereas making the recipe
First take away the stems from the Kashmiri chillies.
Heat up a wok or a kadai or a frying pan. Keep warmth to a low or medium-low.
Add the chillies and stirring typically roast for 4 to five minutes or till calmly toasted/roasted and fragrant. There is not any must brown the chillies.
Turn off warmth and switch the roasted/toasted crimson chilies to a plate to chill.
Once cooled, switch the chillies in a mixer-grinder or spice-grinder.
Grind to a effective powder.
Transfer to an air-tight spice jar or a small glass or metal jar. Store in a cool dry place.
Use the crimson chilli powder as wanted to make your recipes.
- Use Kashmiri or Byadgi chillies for wealthy colour and delicate warmth.
- Roast on low warmth for a deeper, smoky taste.
- Make positive chillies are fully dry earlier than grinding.
- Store in an hermetic glass or metal jar in a cool, dry place.
- Grind in small batches to keep away from overheating the grinder and to get a finer texture.
- Let the roasted chillies cool fully earlier than grinding to forestall moisture buildup.
- Break every chilli in half or lower it open with kitchen scissors.
- Shake or faucet gently to launch the seeds.
- Use your a small spoon to scrape out any remaining seeds.
- Wear gloves in case you’re delicate to chilli warmth, and keep away from touching your face and eyes.
Nutrition Facts
Homemade Red Chilli Powder Recipe
Amount Per Serving
Calories 162 Calories from Fat 27
% Daily Value*
Fat 3g5%
Saturated Fat 0.4g3%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2g
Monounsaturated Fat 0.2g
Sodium 46mg2%
Potassium 935mg27%
Carbohydrates 35g12%
Fiber 14g58%
Sugar 21g23%
Protein 5g10%
Vitamin A 13244IU265%
Vitamin B1 (Thiamine) 0.04mg3%
Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin) 1mg59%
Vitamin B3 (Niacin) 4mg20%
Vitamin B6 0.4mg20%
Vitamin C 16mg19%
Vitamin E 2mg13%
Vitamin Ok 54µg51%
Calcium 23mg2%
Vitamin B9 (Folate) 26µg7%
Iron 3mg17%
Magnesium 44mg11%
Phosphorus 80mg8%
Zinc 1mg7%
* Percent Daily Values are primarily based on a 2000 calorie food regimen.
