Scotch bonnet peppers and chilli peppers are often used interchangeably in recipes, but there are some important differences between the two. Here’s what you need to know about substituting chilli for scotch bonnet:
Heat Level
Scotch bonnets are one of the hottest peppers in the world, rating 100,000-350,000 Scoville heat units on the Scoville scale. Chillis vary greatly in their heat level, from mild (e.g. Anaheim chilli at 500-2,500 SHU) to hot (e.g. jalapeño at 2,500-10,000 SHU).
So if you substitute a mild chilli for scotch bonnet, you’ll get a much less spicy dish. Going the other way and using a very hot chilli could make your dish burningly hot. Matching heat levels as closely as possible is important.
Flavor
Beyond just heat, scotch bonnets and chillis have distinct flavors. Scotch bonnets have a sweet, fruity taste that balances the heat. Chillis can taste earthy, smoky, acidic depending on the variety.
So the flavor profile of your dish will change if you swap in a different type of chilli. The closest substitute for scotch bonnet flavor is probably habanero.
Recipe Adjustments
When substituting chilli for scotch bonnet, you’ll likely need to tweak other aspects of the recipe:
- Add more chilli to match heat level if using a milder variety
- Reduce amount if using a hotter chilli
- Complement flavor with additional sweetness or acid if needed
- Adjust other seasonings to balance new flavors
Some Good Chilli Substitutes
Here are some chillis that can work as reasonable substitutes for scotch bonnet:
| Chilli Variety | Heat Level | Flavor Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Habanero | 100,000-350,000 SHU | Fruity, tropical, floral |
| Thai chilli | 50,000-100,000 SHU | Fruity, fresh, acidic |
| Serrano | 10,000-23,000 SHU | Sharp, vegetal |
Conclusion
While scotch bonnet and chilli peppers are not exactly interchangeable, with some tweaking you can substitute chilli in a recipe that calls for scotch bonnet. Look for a chilli variety that is closest in heat level and flavor profile. You may need to adjust other ingredients to achieve the intended balance of flavors and spice.