Was Indian food spicy before Chili Peppers?

India had black pepper along with a host of other spices long before chillies were introduced to India. The spiciness of Indian cuisine is not restricted to heat alone. There is a range of flavors that are categorized as spicy that have been used in Indian cuisine since time immemorial.

How did Indian food get spicy?

Spice it up! It has been scientifically proven that spices prevent our food from spoilage and thus, north Indian foods tend to be so spicy. Bacteria and foodborne pathogens cannot survive in a hot environment, which is provided by spices. Countries with a hotter climate have comparatively spicy cuisine.

How did Chili Peppers get to India?

The spread of chili peppers to Asia occurred through its introduction by Portuguese traders, who – aware of its trade value and resemblance to the spiciness of black pepper – promoted its commerce in the Asian spice trade routes. It was introduced in India by the Portuguese towards the end of the 15th century.

What did Asians use before chillies?

SEA Cuisine before Chilli In Thailand, people were seasoning their food with ginger and peppercorns. This preference for spicy food might be an indication of local conditions that made the region more susceptible or accommodating of spicy food.

When was chili introduced India?

Chillies, also known as mirch in India, were believed to be brought to Asia by Portuguese navigators during the 16th Century. These came to India with Vasco-Da-Gama and became very popular. Chillies are not only used in Indian food, but also in Ayurveda.

Who introduced chillies in India?

Vasco-Da-Gama
Chilli was brought to India by Vasco-Da-Gama in the 16th Century, before which black pepper was the only source through which spices were incorporated into Indian cuisine.

Did chillies originate in India?

Yes chillies are not native to India. Chillies are believed to be first cultivated in Mexico around 3500 BC. When Christopher Columbus discovered America in 1493 he also discovered the spicy taste of chilly and brought it to the rest of the world.

Who invented Chili Peppers?

Christopher Columbus was the first European to discover chilli peppers on his voyage to the Americas. He found them on Hispaniola, one of the largest Caribbean islands which is now divided into two countries, Haiti and the Dominican Republic.

Where did chili peppers originate?

Mexico
Although originated in Mexico, chilies are today cultivated around the world, with Peru holding the highest cultivated capsicum diversity. Christopher Columbus encountered these chilies when he discovered America, calling them “peppers” because of the similar spicy taste like the familiar peppers in Europe.

What is the history of chili peppers in India?

Per Andrews, a Portuguese official in India from 1500-1516 reported that the new spice of chili peppers was welcomed by Indian cooks who, accustomed to pungent black pepper and biting ginger, already produced spicy foods. This powerful red plant would do quite well in India.

How do you make spicy curry with peppers?

Before adding the main ingredients of your curry, temper the peppers along with other spices in oil. Add the oil to the dish. Some of the capsaicin will enter into the oil. You can use this spiced oil along with fresh and/or dried chiles in your recipe to make curry spicier.

Does black pepper make a curry hot or cold?

Most of the discussion about the heat in curries tends to center around hot peppers, but freshly ground black pepper does add to the spice levels of some curries. Vindaloo curry is one dish that gets much of its fiery flavor from black pepper. Note that the freshly ground part is important.

What is red chili powder called in India?

Which brings me to the often used ground dried red chili peppers or red chili ‘powder,’ as ground spices are often called in India. Look for ground Cayenne pepper in western spice aisles.