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Ingredient

Chili Pepper

Vegetables and Vegetable Products

The fruit of Capsicum species, native to the Americas and the source of the capsaicin that gives Mexican, Sichuan, Indian and Southeast Asian cuisine much of their characteristic heat. Unknown outside the Americas before European contact, it spread with extraordinary speed after the Columbian Exchange and was fully naturalized into cuisines across Asia and Africa within a few centuries, to the point that several of those cuisines are now unimaginable without it.

Facts
Earliest Documented Use, From (Year)
6000 BCE to 4000 BCE 1
Origin Region
The Americas 1
Chili Pepper
Filter Results7 entries

Bagara khana

Chili Pepper

Bibimbap

Chili Pepper

Biryani

Chili Pepper

Couscous

Chili Pepper

Dal Bhat

Chili Pepper

Jollof Rice

Chili Pepper

Umngqusho

Chili Pepper
Connections

Expresses Tradition

Pickling, Food Traditions
Source On Food and Cooking: The Science and Lore of the KitchenHarold McGee
Spice Trade Traditions, Food Traditions
Source Encyclopaedia Britannica

Used By

Aji de Gallina, Dishes
Bagara khana, Dishes
Source Bagara khana (Wikipedia)
Baingan Bharta, Dishes
Source Wikipedia: Baingan bharta
Bibimbap, Dishes
Source The Oxford Companion to FoodAlan Davidson
Bicol Express, Dishes
Source Bicol express (Wikipedia)
Biryani, Dishes
Source The Oxford Companion to FoodAlan Davidson
Caribbean Cuisine, Cuisines

Scotch bonnet chili is central to Caribbean seasoning.

Source Caribbean Cuisine (Wikipedia)
Ceviche, Dishes
Source The Oxford Companion to FoodAlan Davidson
Chana Masala, Dishes
Source Chana Masala (Wikipedia)
Chicken Chettinad, Dishes
Source Chicken Chettinad (Wikipedia)
Chili con Carne, Dishes
Source Chili con Carne (Wikipedia)
Couscous, Dishes

Traditionally served alongside couscous as harissa rather than cooked into the grain itself.

Source Harissa, Knowledge, Skills and Culinary and Social Practices (UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage, RL 01710)
Curry, Dishes
Dal Bhat, Dishes
Source Dal bhat (Wikipedia)
Doro Wat, Dishes
Source The Oxford Companion to FoodAlan Davidson
Drunken noodles, Dishes
Source Drunken noodles (Wikipedia)
Ema datshi, Dishes
Source Ema datshi (Wikipedia)
Enchilada, Dishes
Source Enchilada (Wikipedia)
Ethiopian Cuisine, Cuisines
Source Larousse Gastronomique
Ewa Aganyin, Dishes
Source Ewa aganyin (Wikipedia)
Green Papaya Salad, Dishes
Source Green Papaya Salad (Wikipedia)
Guatemalan Cuisine, Cuisines
Source Guatemalan Cuisine (Wikipedia)
Hungarian Cuisine, Cuisines

Paprika, the defining Hungarian spice, is ground from a dried chili pepper cultivar.

Source Hungarian Cuisine (Wikipedia)
Indian Cuisine, Cuisines
Source Larousse Gastronomique
Israeli Salad, Dishes
Source Israeli salad (Wikipedia)
Jollof Rice, Dishes
Source The Oxford Companion to FoodAlan Davidson
Kashmiri Cuisine, Cuisines
Source Kashmiri Cuisine (Wikipedia)
Kimchi, Dishes
Source The Oxford Companion to FoodAlan Davidson
Korean Cuisine, Cuisines
Source Larousse Gastronomique
Kung Pao Chicken, Dishes
Source The Oxford Companion to FoodAlan Davidson
Malay Cuisine, Cuisines
Source Malay Cuisine (Wikipedia)
Massaman Curry, Dishes
Source Massaman Curry (Wikipedia)
Menemen, Dishes
Source Menemen (food) (Wikipedia)
Menudo, Dishes
Source Menudo (soup) - Wikipedia
Mexican Cuisine, Cuisines
Source Larousse Gastronomique
Mole Poblano, Dishes
Source The Oxford Companion to FoodAlan Davidson
Nacatamal, Dishes
Source Nacatamal - Wikipedia
North African Cuisine, Cuisines

Chili pepper reached North Africa only after the Columbian Exchange and is most closely associated with harissa rather than being a founding ingredient of the cuisine.

Source Harissa, Knowledge, Skills and Culinary and Social Practices (UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage, RL 01710)
Pad Thai, Dishes
Source The Oxford Companion to FoodAlan Davidson
Peruvian ceviche, Dishes
Source Peruvian ceviche (Wikipedia)
Peruvian Cuisine, Cuisines
Source Larousse Gastronomique
Pindang, Dishes
Source Pindang (Wikipedia)
Red curry, Dishes
Source Red curry (Wikipedia)
Rendang, Dishes
Source Rendang (Wikipedia)
Salt and pepper chips, Dishes
Source Salt and pepper chips (Wikipedia)
Saltah, Dishes
Source Saltah, Wikipedia
Shukto, Dishes
Source Shukto - Wikipedia
South African Cuisine, Cuisines
Source The Complex History of Cape Muslim Cuisine (Daily Maverick)
Tacos al Pastor, Dishes
Source The Oxford Companion to FoodAlan Davidson
Tandoori Chicken, Dishes
Source The Oxford Companion to FoodAlan Davidson
Thai Cuisine, Cuisines
Source Larousse Gastronomique
Tirokafteri, Dishes
Source Tirokafteri (Wikipedia)
Tom Yum, Dishes
Source The Oxford Companion to FoodAlan Davidson
Umngqusho, Dishes
Source Wikipedia: Umngqusho
Vietnamese Cuisine, Cuisines
Source A Taste of Vietnam, from Hearty Sour Broths to Fragrantly Spiced Street Food (National Geographic)Thuy Diem Pham
West African Cuisine, Cuisines
Source Larousse Gastronomique
In the Other Atlases
  • Also in Geography Atlas: Mexico, originated there.
  • Also in Geography Atlas: South America, originated there.
Sources
1. The Oxford Companion to Food
Alan Davidson, Oxford University Press, 2014
  • entry: Chilli peppers
  • Used By: Kimchi
  • Used By: Bibimbap
  • Used By: Pad Thai
  • Used By: Tom Yum
  • Used By: Ceviche
  • Used By: Doro Wat
  • Used By: Biryani
  • Used By: Jollof Rice
  • Used By: Kung Pao Chicken
  • Used By: Mole Poblano
  • Used By: Tacos al Pastor
  • Used By: Tandoori Chicken
Wikidata: Chili Pepper
Wikidata Q165199, class allow-list match (w-wdresolver-0926)View the Source
On Food and Cooking: The Science and Lore of the Kitchen
Harold McGee, Scribner, 2004Expresses Tradition: Pickling, ch. on vegetables and fruit, pickling
Encyclopaedia Britannica
Encyclopaedia Britannica, Inc.Expresses Tradition: Spice Trade Traditions, s.v. Columbian ExchangeView the Source
Larousse Gastronomique
Hamlyn, 2009
  • Used By: Indian Cuisine, entry: Chilli
  • Used By: Mexican Cuisine, entry: Chilli
  • Used By: West African Cuisine, entry: Chilli
  • Used By: Ethiopian Cuisine, entry: Chilli
  • Used By: Korean Cuisine, entry: Chilli
  • Used By: Thai Cuisine, entry: Chilli
  • Used By: Peruvian Cuisine, entry: Chilli
A Taste of Vietnam, from Hearty Sour Broths to Fragrantly Spiced Street Food (National Geographic)
Thuy Diem Pham, National Geographic, 2023Used By: Vietnamese CuisineView the Source
Harissa, Knowledge, Skills and Culinary and Social Practices (UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage, RL 01710)
UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage, 2022
  • Used By: North African Cuisine
  • Used By: Couscous
View the Source
The Complex History of Cape Muslim Cuisine (Daily Maverick)
Daily Maverick, 2020Used By: South African CuisineView the Source
Caribbean Cuisine (Wikipedia)
WikipediaUsed By: Caribbean CuisineView the Source
Hungarian Cuisine (Wikipedia)
WikipediaUsed By: Hungarian CuisineView the Source
Chili con Carne (Wikipedia)
WikipediaUsed By: Chili con Carne, Lead section
Quote, Used By: Chili con Carne, Lead section
is a spicy stew of Mexican origin containing chili peppers (sometimes in the form of chili powder), meat (usually beef), tomatoes, and beans.
View the Source
Green Papaya Salad (Wikipedia)
WikipediaUsed By: Green Papaya Salad, History section
Quote, Used By: Green Papaya Salad, History section
Papayas and chili peppers were introduced to Southeast Asia by the Spanish and Portuguese explorers in the 17th century from the Americas in the Columbian Exchange.
View the Source
Rendang (Wikipedia)
WikipediaUsed By: Rendang, Infobox main_ingredient field: beef or chicken, chili pepper, turmeric, and coconut milkView the Source
Chana Masala (Wikipedia)
WikipediaUsed By: Chana Masala, Infobox main_ingredient field: Chickpeas, onion, tomatoes, coriander, garlic, chiles, ginger, oil, spicesView the Source
Wikipedia: Umngqusho
Used By: Umngqusho, Infobox main_ingredient field: samp with sugar beans, butter, onions, potatoes, chili peppersView the Source
Saltah, Wikipedia
Used By: Saltah, Infobox main_ingredient field: Maraq, fenugreek, sahawiq (chillies, tomatoes, garlic, and herbs)View the Source
Bicol express (Wikipedia)
Used By: Bicol Express, Infobox main_ingredient field: Long chilies, coconut milk, shrimp paste or stockfish, onion, pork, garlic, gingerView the Source
Wikipedia: Baingan bharta
Used By: Baingan Bharta, Infobox main_ingredient field: Brinjal, onion, tomato, chili, green peas, cilantro, spices (incl. coriander, cumin, garam masala)View the Source
Menudo (soup) - Wikipedia
Used By: Menudo, Infobox main_ingredient field: Beef tripe (cow stomach), broth, hominy, lime, onions, cilantro, oregano, red chili peppersView the Source
Chicken Chettinad (Wikipedia)
Used By: Chicken Chettinad, Infobox main_ingredient field: Chicken, kalpasi, yogurt, cream, tomato, onion, garlic, ginger, chili pepper, black pepper, coconutView the Source
Israeli salad (Wikipedia)
Used By: Israeli Salad, Infobox main_ingredient field: Tomato, cucumber, onions, parsley, bell or chili peppersView the Source
Bagara khana (Wikipedia)
Used By: Bagara khana, Infobox main_ingredient field: Basmati rice, spices, green chilliesView the Source
Salt and pepper chips (Wikipedia)
Used By: Salt and pepper chips, Infobox main_ingredient field: Chips, bell peppers, chili peppers, onionsView the Source
Tirokafteri (Wikipedia)
Used By: Tirokafteri, Infobox main_ingredient field: feta cheese, hot peppers, roasted peppers, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, yogurt, oreganoView the Source
Enchilada (Wikipedia)
Used By: Enchilada, Infobox main_ingredient field: Tortillas, chili pepper sauce, meatView the Source
Ewa aganyin (Wikipedia)
Used By: Ewa Aganyin, Infobox main_ingredient field: Black-eyed beans, palm oil, chili peppers, onionsView the Source
Massaman Curry (Wikipedia)
WikipediaUsed By: Massaman Curry, Infobox food/dish main_ingredient fieldView the Source
Shukto - Wikipedia
Used By: Shukto, Infobox food/dish main_ingredient fieldView the Source
Nacatamal - Wikipedia
Used By: Nacatamal, Infobox food/dish main_ingredient fieldView the Source
Menemen (food) (Wikipedia)
Used By: Menemen, Infobox food/dish main_ingredient fieldView the Source
Dal bhat (Wikipedia)
Used By: Dal Bhat, Infobox food/dish main_ingredient fieldView the Source
Drunken noodles (Wikipedia)
Used By: Drunken noodles, Infobox food/dish main_ingredient fieldView the Source
Red curry (Wikipedia)
Used By: Red curry, Infobox food/dish main_ingredient fieldView the Source
Peruvian ceviche (Wikipedia)
Used By: Peruvian ceviche, infobox main_ingredient field
Quote, Used By: Peruvian ceviche, infobox main_ingredient field
Fish, lime juice, onion, chili pepper, corn, sweet potato
View the Source
Pindang (Wikipedia)
Used By: Pindang, infobox main_ingredient field
Quote, Used By: Pindang, infobox main_ingredient field
salt-boiled fish, i.e. fish cooked in salt and spices including tamarind juice, garlic, shallot, ginger, turmeric, lemongrass, galangal, chili pepper, Indonesian bayleaf, citrus leaf, shrimp paste, and palm sugar.
View the Source
Ema datshi (Wikipedia)
Used By: Ema datshi, lead paragraph
Quote, Used By: Ema datshi, lead paragraph
Ema datshi (Dzongkha: ཨེ་མ་དར་ཚིལ་; Wylie: e-ma dar-tshil) is a spicy Bhutanese stew made from hot chili peppers and cheese.
View the Source
Kashmiri Cuisine (Wikipedia)
Used By: Kashmiri Cuisine, Wikipedia article text
Quote, Used By: Kashmiri Cuisine, Wikipedia article text
Among the spices used, Kashmiri chilli pepper (martswangun), chilies are grown locally in Kashmir.
View the Source
Malay Cuisine (Wikipedia)
Used By: Malay Cuisine, Wikipedia article text
Quote, Used By: Malay Cuisine, Wikipedia article text
The other foundation is belacan (prawn paste), which is used as a base for sambal, a rich sauce or condiment made from belacan, chilli peppers, onions and garlic.
View the Source
Guatemalan Cuisine (Wikipedia)
Used By: Guatemalan Cuisine, Wikipedia article text
Quote, Used By: Guatemalan Cuisine, Wikipedia article text
Most traditional foods in Guatemalan cuisine are based on Maya cuisine, with Spanish influence, and prominently feature corn, chilies and beans as key ingredients.
View the Source
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