Topic: Cayenne pepper

[natterjak]

I've recently discovered, then quickly become addicted to the FoodWishes channel on YouTube:

http://www.youtube.com/user/foodwishes

... But the problem is he puts cayenne pepper in nearly everything and it's not an ingredient I've ever used. Just wondering if,  rather than stock up on yet another spice, I could substitute rajah chilli powder or Deggi mirch and how the heat and flavour might vary from cayenne. Eg would you use half the amount of rajah chilli power to cayenne? Or is there something different about cayenne which warrants obtaining the right stuff?

[goncalo]

I use cayenne a lot. It adds a kick, but doesn't quite kill your throat, which is how my girlfriend likes it.

you can make your own replacement blend: 3:1 (paprika, chilli) or 4:1 if extra hot chilli (this is an approximation, not something I've read, though I know paprika and chilli is part of it.)

[natterjak]

Thanks Goncalo. Will use paprika and chilli. 

[Peripatetic Phil]

I would go for the real thing.  It is not hard to obtain, and if you get the good stuff it should also not be a blend (i.e., no paprika content, just pure ground cayenne chillies).

** Phil.

[chonk]

I believe that Madhur Jaffrey uses almost the same recipe, but to substitute kashmiri chili powder. It will turn out quite mild, I guess. If I had to, I would substitute cayenne pepper with any pure chili powder - deggi mirch or rajah chili powder sounds fine to me.

[chewytikka]

Back in the day. 60's 70s, Cayenne was classed as THE ONLY chilli powder in the UK.
Generally speaking, there was nothing else available for most English folks.
All the recipes, and books referred to it by name.

A bit like only being able to buy Olive Oil at a Chemist.

E.G. If Utube early vids, like Madhurs first Indian TV series, she explains spices
and Cayenne Pepper and doesn't mention Chilli powder as such.


Evolution
cheers Chewy