The chillies that make a proper tarka.
200g of premium whole dried long red chillies from Heera — the kind that go straight into hot oil at the start of a curry, crackle and blister in seconds, and fill the kitchen with that deep, smoky chilli aroma before anything else has gone in. These are not decorative. They are a functional, flavour-building ingredient that Indian, Thai, Chinese and Mexican cooks reach for every time.
Whole dried long red chillies deliver a different kind of heat to chilli powder — slower, more rounded, and infused into the oil rather than sitting on top of the dish. Temper them in ghee or oil and the fat carries their flavour through every mouthful.
Key Features
| Feature |
Detail |
| Weight |
200g resealable pack |
| Brand |
Heera — premium quality |
| Form |
Whole dried long red chillies |
| Heat level |
Medium to hot — varies by quantity used |
| Suitable for |
Vegan and vegetarian |
| Cuisine |
Indian, Thai, Chinese, Mexican, Caribbean |
How to Use Whole Dried Chillies
The most common method is tempering — heat oil or ghee in a pan, add one or two whole chillies and let them sizzle for 20 to 30 seconds until they darken and blister slightly. Remove before serving if you want the flavour without the full heat, or leave in for guests who know what they are getting. The infused oil is the point — it carries the chilli flavour through the entire dish.
You can also crumble dried chillies directly into stir-fries, noodle dishes and rice for flecks of heat throughout. Rehydrate in warm water for 15 minutes and blend into fresh chilli pastes, salsas and sauces. Or grind dry in a spice grinder for your own custom chilli flakes and powder — fresher and more aromatic than anything pre-ground.
What to Use Them In
- Dhal tarka and curry bases — the classic Indian tempering method
- Biryani and pilau rice — add to the oil before the rice goes in
- Stir-fries and noodle dishes — Chinese and Thai cooking
- Chilli oil — infuse into neutral oil for dipping and drizzling
- Homemade chilli paste and harissa
- Mexican salsas and enchilada sauce
- Caribbean rice and peas
- Pickles and chutneys
Storage
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Keep the pack sealed between uses. Properly stored, whole dried chillies retain their heat and flavour for up to two years.
Vegan. Vegetarian. Heera brand.
🚚 FREE UK delivery over £30 — just £1.99 under. Order before 4pm for same-day despatch.