Red chili peppers are dried and used whole or ground into chili powder to add heat and a deep red color to a variety of dishes. From fiery curries to spicy sauces and salsas, red chilies are a must-have ingredient in any spice loverâ??s kitchen. They are a key component in many spice blends, lending a bold, spicy kick to foods. Red chilies are also rich in capsaicin, a compound known for its metabolism-boosting and pain-relieving properties.