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cayenne pepper

Herbs & SpicesYear-round. Cayenne pepper is a dried, shelf-stable ingredient that maintains quality for extended periods when stored in cool, dark conditions, making it consistently available regardless of harvest season.

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)

RCI-MT.001.0161.001

Matambre II

This dish is normally served refrigerated with the beef very cold, which makes for much easier slicing and serving.

RCI-MT.005.0179.001

Meatballs with Noodles Tossed in Yogurt

Meatballs with Noodles Tossed in Yogurt from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SP.003.0403.002

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.

RCI-SF.005.0037.001

Mediterranean Catfish Stew

Mediterranean Catfish Stew from the Recidemia collection

RCI-VG.004.0855.001

Mediterranean Quinoa

.

RCI-SF.005.0038.001

Mediterranean Seafood Supper

Mediterranean Seafood Supper from the Recidemia collection

MGM Grand Spicy Jambalaya
RCI-RC.006.0081.001

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.

RCI-MT.002.0183.001

Molasses-Glazed Pork Chops

Molasses-Glazed Pork Chops from the Recidemia collection

RCI-RC.006.0083.001

Moroccan Catfish Couscous

A Catfish recipe.

RCI-EG.003.0098.001

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.

RCI-VG.004.0909.001

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.

RCI-SC.005.0112.001

Moroccan Pepper Sauce

A hot dip from Morocco suitable for serving with any salad or appetizer. Makes 10oz.

RCI-VG.004.0910.001

Moroccan Potato Bean Soup

This soup is an authentic Moroccan recipe, guaranteed to warm the stomach! This recipe serves 6.

RCI-SC.003.0135.001

Mosaic Ranch Dressing

Always check the ingredients to make sure the product is vegan.

RCI-MT.004.0587.001

Mozambican Roasted Chicken

Mozambican Roasted Chicken from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SC.005.0113.001

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.

RCI-SP.003.0434.001

Muleskinner's Chili

Cook Time: 2.5 hours

RCI-SF.001.0252.001

Native American Catfish with Pinenuts

Native American Catfish With Pinenuts A Catfish recipe.

RCI-SP.003.0448.001

Nayama Tanzanian Soup

Nayama Tanzanian Soup

RCI-SF.002.0182.001

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).

RCI-VG.004.0956.001

Njamma Jamma

Njamma Jamma from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SC.006.0021.001

Nuoc Cham Dipping Sauce

A dipping sauce for Vietnamese rolls, like the Soft Rolls with Crab

RCI-RC.001.0139.001

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.

RCI-VG.004.0975.001

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.

RCI-SP.005.0180.001

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.

RCI-BR.004.0391.001

Oxtail Soup

Oxtail Soup from the Recidemia collection

RCI-VG.001.0435.001

Oyi Namul Cucumber Salad

Korean cucumber salad. Serves six people.

RCI-VG.004.0988.001

Oyster Bread Dressing

Contributed by Catsrecipes Y-Group * Source: Southern L

RCI-SF.002.0194.001

Oyster Stew I

Makes 4 x ½ cup servings.

RCI-SF.002.0195.001

Oyster Stew with Tomatoes and Rice

This is a unique and delicious version of the traditional oyster stew

RCI-SF.001.0261.001

Pan-fried Catfish with Chili Hollandaise

A Catfish recipe.

RCI-SF.001.0264.001

Pan-sautéed Catfish Fillets with Parsley-Pecan Sauce

A Catfish recipe.

RCI-MT.004.0626.001

Pan Seared Filet Mignon

Tender filet mignon crusted with a blend of spices and seared in a cast iron pan.

RCI-SF.002.0200.001

Pan Seared Scallops with Cayenne Chocolate Sauce

Pan Seared Scallops with Cayenne Chocolate Sauce from the Recidemia collection

RCI-VG.004.1000.001

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.

RCI-SP.003.0484.001

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.

RCI-SN.001.0281.001

Parmesan-Scallion Dip

I've tried this one time and it's absolutely wonderful.

RCI-VG.002.0114.001

Patatas a lo pobre

Patatas a lo pobre

RCI-SC.006.0026.001

Peanut Sauce (Vegan)

Vegan Cuisine

RCI-MT.001.0195.001

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.

RCI-SP.003.0503.001

Peruvian Vegetable Stew

Peruvian Vegetable Stew

RCI-MT.004.0653.001

Piquant Rijstschotel

Piquant Rijstschotel from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SN.004.0130.001

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.

RCI-SN.004.0131.001

Popcorn

United States | Corn | Snacks Though popcorn is commonly available pre-popped, or in microwave-oven ready popping bags, it is simple to make.

RCI-SN.004.0132.001

Popcorn--cajun corn

Popcorn--cajun corn from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SP.004.0252.001

Porkchop Étouffée

Contributed by Catsrecipes Y-Group

RCI-SP.003.0518.001

Portobello Mushroom Chili

Portobello Mushroom Chili from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SP.003.0519.001

Portuguese New England Fish Chowder

This recipe taken from www.Portuguese-recipes.com

RCI-VG.004.1054.001

Potato and Green Bean Salad

Potato and Green Bean Salad from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SC.007.0247.002

Poultry Shake

Everyone serious about frying chicken ought to have one of these.