
cayenne pepper
Cayenne pepper contains capsaicin, the alkaloid compound responsible for its pungency, and is rich in vitamin C, vitamin A, and antioxidants including carotenoids. It provides these nutrients in small serving quantities due to its intense flavor and typical usage patterns.
About
Cayenne pepper is a cultivar of Capsicum annuum, a flowering plant in the nightshade family native to Central and South America, particularly the Cayenne region of French Guiana. The ingredient consists of dried, ground pods of pungent chili peppers that range from 30,000 to 50,000 Scoville units. Cayenne peppers are slender, tapered fruits measuring 2–3 inches in length, typically ripening from green to deep red before harvest and drying. The powder produced is bright red to orange-red in color and possesses a sharp, intensely hot flavor with subtle fruity and slightly smoky undertones. Modern cayenne pepper production spans from West Africa to Asia, with variations in heat level and flavor complexity depending on growing conditions and processing methods.
Culinary Uses
Cayenne pepper is a foundational ingredient in numerous global cuisines, particularly in Creole, Cajun, Thai, Indian, and Mexican cooking traditions. It functions both as a primary seasoning and as a heat delivery mechanism, appearing in spice blends such as garam masala, berbere, and Cajun seasoning. Common applications include dusting on eggs and cheese dishes, incorporating into marinades and rubs for meats and seafood, infusing into sauces and soups, and serving as a table condiment. The spice pairs well with tomato-based dishes, legumes, and fatty foods, where its pungency cuts through richness. Its intensity can be tempered by cooking it in oil or fat before adding liquid ingredients, allowing the heat to distribute evenly throughout a dish.
Used In
Recipes Using cayenne pepper (361)
Matambre II
This dish is normally served refrigerated with the beef very cold, which makes for much easier slicing and serving.
Meatballs with Noodles Tossed in Yogurt
Meatballs with Noodles Tossed in Yogurt from the Recidemia collection
Mediterranean Beef Stew
This is a hearty and flavoursome beef stew inspired by the Mediterranean. It is based on a dish cooked by Keith Floyd in his Floyd around the Med TV series.
Mediterranean Catfish Stew
Mediterranean Catfish Stew from the Recidemia collection
Mediterranean Quinoa
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Mediterranean Seafood Supper
Mediterranean Seafood Supper from the Recidemia collection

MGM Grand Spicy Jambalaya
MGM Grand Spicy Jambalaya Here is the MGM Grand specialty Spicy Jambalaya. This is in a large quantity so you may want to consider cutting this one back in size.
Molasses-Glazed Pork Chops
Molasses-Glazed Pork Chops from the Recidemia collection
Moroccan Catfish Couscous
A Catfish recipe.
Moroccan Eggs
Moroccan eggs are great for vegetarians. The recipe is easy to prepare, nutritious and tasty as well! This is best served with bread.
Moroccan Lentil Soup
This is a great soup for vegetarians. Moroccan Lentil soup is healthy, nutritious and so easy to make. This recipe serves about 6.
Moroccan Pepper Sauce
A hot dip from Morocco suitable for serving with any salad or appetizer. Makes 10oz.
Moroccan Potato Bean Soup
This soup is an authentic Moroccan recipe, guaranteed to warm the stomach! This recipe serves 6.
Mosaic Ranch Dressing
Always check the ingredients to make sure the product is vegan.
Mozambican Roasted Chicken
Mozambican Roasted Chicken from the Recidemia collection
Mrs. Ball's Chutney
Mrs. Ball's chutney Peach and apricot chutney. Mrs. Ball started making the chutney after she moved to Johannesburg with her husband and seven children.
Muleskinner's Chili
Cook Time: 2.5 hours
Native American Catfish with Pinenuts
Native American Catfish With Pinenuts A Catfish recipe.
Nayama Tanzanian Soup
Nayama Tanzanian Soup
Nigerian Spicy Oysters
In the mangroves of West Africa, oysters are abundant and are the basis for a number of recipes from this region. Serves: 6 - entree. Heat scale: 2 out of a possible 10 (hottest).
Njamma Jamma
Njamma Jamma from the Recidemia collection
Nuoc Cham Dipping Sauce
A dipping sauce for Vietnamese rolls, like the Soft Rolls with Crab
Okra and Ham Pilaf
This recipe came from an estate sale. I obtained it when I purchased the family collection from the Victor Estate in Allen, Texas in 1981.
Old-fashioned Pinto Bean Soup
Many families have an old-fashioned bean soup recipe that's been handed down for generations. This one has been lightened up in fat and sodium delicious served with black bean cornbread. com Source: Magic Beans, 1996 by Patti Bazel Geil.
Original Texas-Style Chili
The version of chili con carne contains no vegetables at all, except chili peppers. If using fresh peppers, they should have been prepared by being boiled, peeled, and chopped.
Oxtail Soup
Oxtail Soup from the Recidemia collection
Oyi Namul Cucumber Salad
Korean cucumber salad. Serves six people.
Oyster Bread Dressing
Contributed by Catsrecipes Y-Group * Source: Southern L
Oyster Stew I
Makes 4 x ½ cup servings.
Oyster Stew with Tomatoes and Rice
This is a unique and delicious version of the traditional oyster stew
Pan-fried Catfish with Chili Hollandaise
A Catfish recipe.
Pan-sautéed Catfish Fillets with Parsley-Pecan Sauce
A Catfish recipe.
Pan Seared Filet Mignon
Tender filet mignon crusted with a blend of spices and seared in a cast iron pan.
Pan Seared Scallops with Cayenne Chocolate Sauce
Pan Seared Scallops with Cayenne Chocolate Sauce from the Recidemia collection
Papaya Black Beans and Rice
Fruits and Veggies Matter, Adult Recipe Cards by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention—original source of recipe, public domain government resource The sweetness of papaya balances the spice of cayenne pepper in this Caribbean-inspired favorite.
Paprikas
Paprikas A Serbian goulash in a spicy broth that can be served with cornbread or over mashed potatoes. A dry red wine such as Chianti or Merlot goes well with this dish.
Parmesan-Scallion Dip
I've tried this one time and it's absolutely wonderful.
Patatas a lo pobre
Patatas a lo pobre
Peanut Sauce (Vegan)
Vegan Cuisine
Pepper Crusted Flank Steak
If you've ever had Steak au Poivre, this is going to look pretty similar, except it's grilled and there is no pan sauce.
Peruvian Vegetable Stew
Peruvian Vegetable Stew
Piquant Rijstschotel
Piquant Rijstschotel from the Recidemia collection
Pita Snacks
Syrian Bread is used in this snack. I make these all year and especially during the summer. My guests are disappointed if I don't supply these as one of our appetizers.
Popcorn
United States | Corn | Snacks Though popcorn is commonly available pre-popped, or in microwave-oven ready popping bags, it is simple to make.
Popcorn--cajun corn
Popcorn--cajun corn from the Recidemia collection
Porkchop Étouffée
Contributed by Catsrecipes Y-Group
Portobello Mushroom Chili
Portobello Mushroom Chili from the Recidemia collection
Portuguese New England Fish Chowder
This recipe taken from www.Portuguese-recipes.com
Potato and Green Bean Salad
Potato and Green Bean Salad from the Recidemia collection
Poultry Shake
Everyone serious about frying chicken ought to have one of these.