Chilli Flakes – Mirchi Flakes – मिरची फ्लेक्स – Crushed Red Pepper – Capsicum annuum

Chilli Flakes – Mirchi Flakes – मिरची फ्लेक्स – Crushed Red Pepper – Capsicum annuum

Overview:
Chilli flakes, also known as crushed red pepper or mirchi flakes, are made from dried red chillies (Capsicum annuum) that are coarsely ground to create spicy, vibrant flakes. Widely used as a seasoning, garnish, and flavor enhancer, chilli flakes add heat, color, and zing to pizzas, pasta, salads, curries, chutneys, and snacks. They are rich in capsaicin, antioxidants, and vitamins, making them not just a spice but also a functional ingredient with health-boosting properties.

Regional Names in India:

• Hindi: Mirchi Flakes (मिरची फ्लेक्स), Sukhi Mirch

• Marathi: Mirchi Flakes (मिरची फ्लेक्स)

• Gujarati: Sukhi Marcha

• Tamil: Milagai Thool (though flakes are usually just called chilli flakes)

• Telugu: Endu Mirapakayalu

• Kannada: Olasina Menasinakayi

• Malayalam: Mulaku

• Bengali: Sukhno Lanka

• Punjabi: Sukhi Mirch

Key Benefits & Uses of Chilli Flakes:

✅ Enhances Flavor & Spice

• Adds instant heat, smoky aroma, and vibrant red color to dishes.

✅ Rich in Antioxidants

• Contains capsaicin, carotenoids, and vitamin C, which combat oxidative stress.

✅ Boosts Metabolism

• Capsaicin increases thermogenesis, helping burn calories and support weight management.

✅ Aids Digestion

• Stimulates gastric juices, improving digestion and appetite.

✅ Anti-Inflammatory & Pain-Relieving

• Topical capsaicin (from chillies) is used in pain-relief creams for arthritis and muscle pain.

✅ Versatile Culinary Use

• Used as a topping on pizza, pasta, salads, sandwiches, popcorn, and snacks or mixed into curries, stir-fries, chutneys, and sauces.

How To Use:

• Topping: Sprinkle over pizzas, pasta, or sandwiches.

• Cooking: Add to curries, sauces, and marinades for heat.

• Snacks: Mix into roasted nuts, popcorn, or snack blends.

• Chutneys & Pickles: Blend into spicy Indian chutneys or achars.

Tip: Start with a small quantity; chilli flakes can be quite hot depending on the variety.

Important Note:

Store in an airtight container away from moisture to preserve freshness, color, and potency. Avoid touching eyes after handling chilli flakes, as capsaicin can cause irritation.