Green chilies are a popular ingredient in Mexican and Indian cuisine. They add a delicious, spicy flavor to dishes. However, if you’re unable to find them or don’t have access to them, don’t worry! There are plenty of substitutes that will give your dish the same spiciness.
In this article, we’ll discuss 10 substitutes for green chilies.
We’ll explain the differences and similarities between each substitute and provide examples of how they can be used.
Before we get into it, it’s important to note that green chili peppers have a heat rating of around 2500-8000 on the Scoville Scale. So, when substituting, you’ll want to use a substitute with a similar heat rating or compensate by adding more of the alternative pepper.
Now, let’s take a look at the substitutes!
Green Chilli Substitutes:
- Banana Pepper
- Anaheim Pepper
- Poblano Pepper
- Pasilla Pepper
- Green Fresno Pepper
- Jalapeno
- Serrano
- Chilli Powder
- Red Chillies
- Cayenne Pepper
Banana Pepper
Banana peppers can be used as a replacement for green chili peppers. They offer the same flavor profile, with a slightly sweeter taste.
Banana peppers also have a similar heat level, ranging from 0 to 500 SHU on the Scoville scale.
When substituting banana peppers for green chilies, it is important to note that they will not offer the same level of spiciness.
As a result, anyone looking for a spicier dish may want to add an additional pepper or two to their recipe. Banana peppers are a great choice for those who are looking for a milder flavor or who want to reduce the heat in their dish.
In addition, banana peppers are a good source of vitamins B6, C, and A, so they can also offer some health benefits.
Anaheim Pepper
Anaheim peppers are commonly used as a substitute for green chilies. Anaheim peppers are a common type of chili pepper that originated in Anaheim, California.
Anaheim peppers are milder than most other chili peppers, with a heat level that ranges from 500 to 2,500 Scoville heat units (SHU).
Anaheim peppers can replace green chilies in many dishes, including enchiladas, chili con carne, and salsa. In addition, Anaheim peppers offer several benefits over green chilies, including a milder flavor and less heat.
When substituting Anaheim peppers for green chilies, it is important to use more Anaheim peppers to compensate for the spiciness of green chilies. You can use the SHU rating of the peppers as a guide for how much you’ll need to use.
For example, if a recipe calls for two tablespoons of chopped green chilies, you might need to use twice as many Anaheim peppers.
Poblano Pepper
Poblano peppers are a great substitute for green chili peppers. Poblano peppers have a similar taste and heat to green chili peppers, but they are not as spicy.
Poblano peppers have a heat range of 1000 to 2000 SHU, which is perfect for those who do not like spice.
You can use these peppers in any dish that calls for green chili peppers.
Poblano peppers are also a great source of vitamins A and C. If you are looking for a healthier option, poblano peppers are the way to go!
Pasilla Pepper
Another viable substitute for green chillis is the pasilla pepper. Pasilla peppers are long, thin, and dark green in color. They have a mild heat level, ranging from 250 to 399 SHU on the Scoville scale.
When substituting pasilla peppers for green chilies, it is important to use more pasilla peppers to compensate for the spiciness of green chilies.
You may utilize the SHU score of the peppers as a reference for how much chili paste to use. For example, if a recipe asks for two teaspoons of chopped green chilies, you may need to use three or four pasilla peppers.
Green Fresno Pepper
Green Fresno peppers are another substitute for green chili peppers. Fresno peppers are a type of chili pepper named after Fresno, California.
Green Fresno peppers have a similar heat level to green chili peppers, with a range of 2500 to 10,000 SHU on the Scoville scale. Therefore, you can use them in any dish that calls for green chili peppers. However, note that they’ll add a smokey flavor to the dish.
Jalapeno
Jalapeno peppers are a common substitute for green chili peppers. They have a similar heat level to green chili peppers, ranging from 2500 to 8000 Scoville heat units (SHU).
You can use jalapeno peppers in many of the same dishes as green chili peppers, such as salsa, enchiladas, and chili.
Jalapeno peppers also have some unique benefits. For example, jalapeno peppers contain capsaicin, which has been shown to provide health benefits such as pain relief and anti-inflammatory properties.
These peppers are also a good source of vitamins C and B6.
Serrano
Serrano peppers are a type of chili pepper that originated in the mountainous regions of Mexico. These peppers are typically small and slender, with a pointed tip.
They are also very spicy, with a Scoville rating of 5000 to 15000 SHU. You can use serrano peppers to substitute green chili peppers in many recipes.
For example, you can use them in salsa, enchiladas, or chili con carne. Serrano peppers can also be pickled or dried and used as a spice.
When substituting Serrano peppers for green chili peppers, it is important to remember that they are typically much spicier. As a result, you may want to use less Serrano pepper than you would green chili pepper.
Serrano peppers can vary significantly in heat level, so it is always best to taste them before using them in a recipe.
Chilli Powder
Using Chilli powder as a replacement for green chilies is a great way to add spice to your dish without changing the flavor profile.
Chilli powder is made from dried chili peppers, then ground into a powder. This powder can range in heat, depending on the type of chili pepper used.
The most common types of chili powder are made from ancho, cayenne, or chipotle chili peppers.
To substitute chili powder for green chilies, use one tablespoon of chili powder for every two teaspoons of chopped green chilies.
Remember that chili powder can be very spicy, so start with less and add more to taste.
Red Chillies
Red Chillies can be a great substitute for green chili. They have a beautiful color that can add to your dish’s aesthetics and pack quite a punch with their heat!
Red Chilies range from 30,000 to 50,000 SHU on the Scoville Scale, making them hotter than Green Chilies.
When substituting red chilies for green chili peppers, you may want to use fewer of them or remove the seeds and veins, as this is where much of the heat is concentrated.
Red Chili peppers can add a wonderful depth of flavor to your dish, so don’t be afraid to experiment!
Cayenne Pepper
Cayenne pepper is a decent substitute if you’re out of green chilies and in a pinch.
It’s not an exact replacement since cayenne peppers are significantly hotter, with a rating of 30,000 to 50,000 Scoville heat units (SHU), compared to the 2,500 to 8,000 SHU of green chilies.
But if you need some heat and don’t have any green chilies on hand, cayenne will do in a pinch.
Just be sure to use it sparingly!
Wrap Up
Whichever substitutes you choose, make sure to adjust the amount you use based on the heat level of the substitute. Jalapeno peppers, for example, have a similar heat level to green chili peppers, while cayenne pepper is significantly hotter.
When in doubt, start with less and add more to taste. It’s always easier to add more than it is to take away!
So, there you have it! Ten substitutes for green chilies that will help you spice up your life. Do you have a favorite substitute that we didn’t mention? Let us know in the comments below!