touch of chilli

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "touch of chilli" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a small amount of chili added to a dish to enhance its flavor or spiciness. Example: "This recipe calls for a touch of chilli to give it an extra kick."

✓ Grammatically correct

Food writing

Recipe development

Cultural commentary on cuisine

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

These Texan-style 6oz patties are made with the finest cuts of lean chuck, mixed with a touch of chilli oil and freshly chopped green chillies.

Independent

Charcoal clams and mussels (£7), lightly redolent of smoke from the hi-tech Josper charcoal oven, are fleshy, briny and luscious, their juices kicked along with a touch of chilli, fennel and garlic.

Independent

The most common of these is that of parsley, garlic, capers or olives and a touch of chilli; it is used for dressing cooked vegetables, such as cauliflower, on boiled fish or with boiled meat, tongue or ham.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

The food in the pot is nurtured all through the cooking: a spoonful of water or wine may be added, a pinch of salt, a grinding of pepper, a touch more of chilli, a teaspoon of sugar, a drop or two of lemon juice or vinegar may all go in the pot.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Dried chilli, a touch of honey and a few drops of Worcestershire sauce go into the pan with the beans.

Independent

Through struggle and triumph it has made Salvador the Afro-Brazilian capital – and it touches on everything from music (samba-reggae and drumming) to food (liberal use of chilli and coconut), religion (Candomblé, the worship of "orixa" spirits) and culture (capoeira).

Independent

Most importantly, the fact that germination of chilli seeds did not differ between the MASKED and OPEN treatment indicates that light, touch or chemical signals may be important but clearly not necessary for chilli seeds and basil plants to sense each other's presence.

BMC Ecology

Leiths add fresh ginger, which I don't like with smoked fish, but their fresh green chilli adds a nice touch of freshness to the dish, as does a garnish of finely chopped coriander, rather than the more usual parsley.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

That's a lot of chilli.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Well, these ones taste of chilli.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

A little bit of chilli," he explains.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "touch of chilli" to denote a subtle heat, avoiding excessive spiciness that overpowers other flavors in the dish.

Common error

Avoid using "touch of chilli" when the dish is significantly spicy. It's misleading and can disappoint or overwhelm diners expecting a mild flavor. Instead, specify the type and quantity of chilli used.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "touch of chilli" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as an adverbial modifier to describe the flavor profile of food. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Wiki

33%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "touch of chilli" is a common and correct way to describe a subtle addition of chili to food. Ludwig AI confirms its usability. It indicates that a small amount of chili is used to enhance the flavour without making the dish overly spicy. While the phrase is generally neutral, it's important to be mindful of your audience's spice tolerance and provide more specific details when necessary. Alternatives like "hint of chili" or "dash of chili" offer similar meanings. Though "touch of chilli" is not frequently used, authoritative sources like The Guardian and Independent demonstrate its relevance in culinary writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

hint of chili

Replaces "touch" with "hint", suggesting a very subtle presence of chili.

dash of chili

Uses "dash" instead of "touch", implying a quick addition of chili.

a little chili

Replaces "touch of" with "a little", indicating a small quantity.

pinch of chili

Specifies "pinch" instead of "touch", suggesting a small amount that can be held between fingers.

smidgen of chili

Employs "smidgen", which is an informal term for a very small amount.

speck of chili

Replaces "touch" with "speck", emphasizing a tiny visible amount of chili.

whisper of chili

Uses "whisper" to suggest an almost imperceptible presence of chili.

trace of chili

Replaces "touch" with "trace", indicating a barely detectable amount.

tinge of chili

Uses "tinge" instead of "touch", suggesting a slight coloration or flavor imparted by the chili.

fleeting taste of chili

Replaces "touch" with "fleeting taste", emphasizing the short duration of the chili flavor.

FAQs

How can I incorporate "touch of chilli" in my cooking?

Use "touch of chilli" to add a subtle warmth and depth to dishes without overpowering other flavors. It works well in sauces, marinades, and even desserts for an unexpected twist.

What's a suitable alternative to "touch of chilli" if I want to emphasize a more intense flavour?

If you desire a more noticeable heat, consider using phrases like "generous amount of chilli" or specify the type of chilli pepper for clarity.

Is there a difference between using "touch of chilli" versus "dash of chilli"?

While both imply a small amount, "touch of chilli" suggests a more delicate and subtle flavour addition, whereas "dash of chilli" might imply a slightly bolder addition.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "touch of chilli" in writing?

Use "touch of chilli" when describing a dish or recipe where a small amount of chili is used to enhance the overall flavour profile, rather than being the dominant flavour. This is especially suitable in recipe descriptions or food reviews.