Spices — Indian Hot Seasoning — Deggi Mirch (MDH)

Spices — Indian Hot Seasoning — Deggi Mirch (MDH)

Product Name: Дегги Мирч, Capsicum annuum, Deggi Mirch, Deggi Mirch-Gewürz, Deggi Mirch Épice, Deggi Mirch Especia, เดกกี มิร์ช

Synonyms: ground red pepper, ground chili, Indian curry pepper, tandoori spice.

Parts Used: capsicum fruits, dried ground fruits.

Nutritional Value: proteins, fats, carbohydrates, fiber, vitamin C, vitamin A (beta-carotene), vitamin E, vitamin K, potassium, iron, magnesium.

Main Beneficial Properties: antioxidant action, anti-inflammatory action, improved digestion, stimulation of metabolism, strengthening of blood vessels, support for the immune system.

Beneficial for Conditions: obesity, hyperlipidemia, atherosclerosis, iron deficiency anemia, hypovitaminosis C, hypovitaminosis A, biliary dyskinesia.

Contraindicated for Conditions: gastritis with high acidity, peptic ulcer of stomach and duodenum, irritable bowel syndrome, hemorrhoids, allergy to pepper.

Culinary Use: curries, tandoori, soups, stews, sauces, marinades, vegetable dishes, meat dishes, legume dishes.

Forms and Processed Products: powder, dried fruits.

Geography of Use and Dietary Traditions

Deggi Mirch is widely used in Indian cuisine as a primary spice to give dishes a rich red color and moderate pungency. Unlike regular red pepper, this seasoning combines ground chili pepper and paprika, allowing for mild heat and bright coloring of dishes. It is especially popular in Northern India, where it is used in the preparation of tandoori, sabzi, dal, and meat curries. In Indian gastronomic tradition, the red color of food symbolizes strength and vital energy, so Deggi Mirch holds cultural significance as an element of festive treats. In the cuisines of Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Nepal, this powder is also used for flavoring and coloring soups and sauces. In Europe, the spice has gained popularity among lovers of Indian cuisine and is widely used in restaurants and home recipes, especially in the United Kingdom and Germany.

Toxicity and Food Safety

Safe in moderate doses; may cause irritation of the mucous membranes in sensitive individuals. Excessive consumption can lead to burning sensations and dyspeptic symptoms; allergic reactions are rare.

Product Composition: ground capsicum (Capsicum annuum), ground paprika.

Culinary Recipes with Deggi Mirch

Recipe 1. Tandoori Chicken

• Ingredients: chicken 1 kg, plain yogurt 200 ml, garlic 20 g, ginger 20 g, lemon juice 30 ml, vegetable oil 30 ml, Deggi Mirch 10 g, turmeric 5 g, garam masala 10 g, salt 10 g.
• Preparation method: cut the chicken into serving pieces. Mix yogurt with spices and lemon juice. Rub the marinade onto the meat and let it sit in the refrigerator for 6–8 hours. Bake at 200°C for 35–40 minutes until golden brown.
• Nutritional value per serving (150 g): 210 kcal, protein 22 g, fat 12 g, carbohydrates 4 g.
• Culinary features: a traditional dish of Northern India and Pakistan, cooked in a tandoor oven, a symbol of Indian cuisine.

Recipe 2. Aloo Gobi (Potato and Cauliflower Sabzi)

• Ingredients: potatoes 300 g, cauliflower 300 g, tomatoes 200 g, onion 100 g, garlic 15 g, ginger 15 g, vegetable oil 40 ml, Deggi Mirch 7 g, turmeric 5 g, cumin seeds 5 g, salt 8 g.
• Preparation method: heat oil and fry cumin seeds until fragrant. Add onion, garlic, and ginger; sauté for 2–3 minutes. Add tomatoes and spices; cook for another 5 minutes. Add potatoes and cauliflower, mix, cover, and simmer on medium heat for 20–25 minutes until tender.
• Nutritional value per serving (200 g): 150 kcal, protein 4 g, fat 8 g, carbohydrates 18 g.
• Culinary features: an everyday Indian vegetable dish, often prepared by vegetarians, popular in Ayurvedic cuisine as a balanced food.