Kashmiri Chilli – The Colour of Indian Cooking
Understanding Kashmiri Chillies
In Indian cuisine, Kashmiri chilli is famous not for its heat, but for its deep red colour and rich aroma. It’s used throughout the subcontinent in curries, tandoori blends, biryanis, and sauces to give that signature hue and warm depth of flavour.
But here's the twist — "Kashmiri" isn’t one single chilli variety. It’s a market term that covers several types of mild Indian chillies with similar appearance and performance, including chillies sometimes referred to as Degi Mirch, Byadgi, or other regional names.
What they all have in common is a vibrant red tone, mild heat, and soft, slightly sweet flavour. At CHILLIESontheWEB, we supply the types commonly used under the Kashmiri name in commercial kitchens — perfect for anyone wanting authenticity, colour, and control in their cooking.
Flavour Profile & Heat Level
Kashmiri chillies are all about the visual and aromatic impact, with a mild warmth that builds slowly.
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Heat Level: Mild
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Scoville Rating: 1,000 – 5,000 SHU (varies slightly across types)
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Flavour Notes: Mild, slightly sweet, earthy and aromatic
Culinary Uses of Kashmiri Chilli
Kashmiri chillies are used in both whole and powdered form depending on the dish. They’re essential in Indian kitchens and great for anyone looking to build flavour without adding too much heat.
Perfect for:
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Curries & sauces – Adds beautiful red colour and balanced warmth
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Tandoori marinades – Especially in yoghurt-based blends with garlic and ginger
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Chilli powders & masalas – A base for countless Indian spice mixes
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Rice & lentil dishes – Gives dishes a glow without overpowering
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Western fusion – Use in tomato sauces, stews and soups for colour and depth
Use whole pods rehydrated in sauces, or sprinkle the powder into dishes at any stage of cooking.
Why Buy Kashmiri Chillies from CHILLIESontheWEB?
We supply true market-grade Kashmiri chilli, carefully selected to deliver the colour, flavour and consistency expected by home cooks and professional chefs alike. All our powders and whole pods are clean, rich in colour and naturally mild — exactly what you need for traditional Indian cooking.
Forget the confusion — we bring you the chilli that delivers what “Kashmiri” has come to mean: bold red colour, gentle heat, and reliable flavour in every dish.