Kashmiri chili powder is known for its vibrant red color and mild heat, making it a favorite in many Indian dishes. If you run out or can’t find it in stores, there are several excellent substitutes that can deliver similar color and flavor.
What is Kashmiri Chili Powder?
Kashmiri chili powder is made from dried Kashmiri chilies, which are known for their deep red color and mild spiciness. It’s commonly used in Indian cuisine to add a rich color to curries, tandoori dishes, and marinades without making the dish too spicy.
The mild heat and bright color are the primary characteristics that make this chili powder popular in many kitchens.
5 Kashmiri Chili Powder Substitutes
Here are five substitutes that you can use to replicate the effects of Kashmiri chili powder in your recipes.
1. Paprika and Cayenne Pepper (4:1 Ratio)
A blend of paprika and cayenne pepper is a great substitute for Kashmiri chili powder, especially when you need to balance color with a bit of heat. Paprika provides the rich red color that Kashmiri chili powder is known for, while cayenne adds a bit of heat to mimic the mild spiciness.
To make this substitute, mix four parts paprika with one part cayenne pepper. This combination will give you a color similar to Kashmiri chili powder, with a slight increase in heat. You can then adjust the cayenne pepper ratio depending on how much spice you want to add to the recipe.
2. Byadgi Chili Powder
Byadgi chili powder is made from Byadgi chilies and is another excellent substitute. It’s widely used in South Indian cuisine and is known for its vibrant red color and relatively mild heat, similar to Kashmiri chili powder. Byadgi chili powder can replicate the visual appeal of Kashmiri chili powder while adding a slightly different, yet still mild, heat.
The texture of Byadgi chili powder is fine, like Kashmir red chili powder, making it easy to incorporate into recipes. You can use Byadgi chili powder in a 1:1 ratio as a substitute for Kashmiri chili powder. It’s particularly effective in dishes where color is important, such as tandoori chicken, curries, and marinades.
3. Gochugaru Powder
Gochugaru is a Korean chili powder and is another viable substitute for Kashmiri chili powder. It has a mildly spicy flavor with a slightly sweet undertone, and its color ranges from bright red to deep red, similar to Kashmiri chili powder. While the texture of Gochugaru can be coarser, it can still be used effectively in most recipes that call for Kashmiri chili powder.
Gochugaru powder is commonly found in Asian grocery stores or online and is a bit more expensive than typical chili powders. However, it brings a unique flavor that can add an interesting twist to your dishes.
Use Gochugaru powder in a 1:1 ratio as a substitute. It’s especially good in stews, marinades, and dishes where a balance of heat and color is desired.
4. Guajillo Chili Powder
Guajillo chili powder is made from dried guajillo chilies and is another good substitute. It has a mild to medium heat and a slightly sweet, fruity flavor, which can add a different but complementary profile to your dish. The deep red color of guajillo chili powder makes it an appealing visual substitute for Kashmiri chili powder.
Guajillo chili powder is relatively easy to find in grocery stores, especially those that stock Mexican ingredients. You can use it in a 1:1 ratio as a substitute, and the chili powder is particularly suitable for sauces, stews, and any recipe where you want a subtle heat with a rich color.
5. Red Chili Powder (Mild)
Mild red chili powder, often simply labeled as “red chili powder” in stores, is a straightforward and accessible substitute for Kashmiri chili powder. It provides a similar red color and a bit more heat, making it a versatile option when you need a quick replacement.
The texture of mild red chili powder is fine and blends easily into dishes, just like Kashmiri chili powder. It’s widely available in most supermarkets and is inexpensive.
When substituting, start with a little less than the amount called for in your recipe and adjust based on your heat preference. This substitute works well in a variety of dishes, from curries and stews to marinades and spice rubs.
How to Incorporate These Substitutes
Here’s how you can incorporate these substitutes into your cooking:
- Curries and Stews: Use the paprika and cayenne blend or Byadgi chili powder to add color and mild heat.
- Grilled Meats: Guajillo chili powder or Gochugaru powder can enhance marinades and rubs with their unique flavors.
- Tandoori Dishes: Byadgi chili powder or mild red chili powder is perfect for replicating the color and heat in tandoori recipes.
- Sauces: Gochugaru powder and Guajillo chili powder work well in sauces where you want to add a mild, rich flavor.
Final Thoughts
When Kashmiri chili powder isn’t available, you have several options that can provide similar color and heat. Whether you choose the familiar blend of paprika and cayenne, the vibrant Byadgi chili powder, or the sweet heat of guajillo chili powder, each substitute brings its own unique qualities to your dishes.
By using these alternatives, you can maintain the flavor and visual appeal of your recipes, even when the original ingredient isn’t available.