Hot Pepper Oil Recipes

HOT PEPPER OIL

Steps:

• Combine pepper flakes and oil in a saucepan over medium heat.
• Bring to a boil then immediately turn off heat.
• Let cool.
• Leave pepper flakes in oil.
• They will fall to the bottom and the oil can be used in seasoning.
• The oil will become hotter as it stands.

HOW TO MAKE CHILE OIL

Steps:

• Gather the ingredients.
• Prepare a clean, dry glass bowl or jar and place the crushed chile peppers in it.
• In a small saucepan, heat the oil over medium heat for a few minutes, just until it begins to smoke. Remove the pan from the heat and allow the oil to cool in the pan for a minute or two. Be mindful that olive oil has a low smoking point and if heated up too much for too long, its flavor can change.
• Slowly and carefully pour the oil over the crushed chile peppers, making sure that the oil completely covers them. If necessary, use a spoon to stir so that all the chile is submerged. If using the whole chiles, add them now, and stir.
• Set the oil aside to cool for at least an hour or two.
• Once cooled, you can taste the oil. If it's to your liking, strain the oil to remove the crushed chile peppers. If you'd like more heat and flavor, cover the oil and allow it to infuse overnight or for as long as desired before straining-if choosing to do so, as the crushed chile will settle on the bottom of the jar, and you can use it along with the oil as a condiment.
• Once strained, store the oil in a clean, airtight glass container. If you used whole dried chile peppers, they can be returned to the oil to gradually intensify its color and flavor. If left unstrained, the infusion will continue to mature, and the heat factor will amplify.

CHILI OIL

Steps:

• Combine the oil and crushed red pepper flakes in a heavy small saucepan. Cook over low heat until a thermometer inserted into the oil registers 180 degrees F, about 5 minutes.
• Remove from heat. Cool to room temperature, about 2 hours. Transfer the oil and pepper flakes to a 4-ounce bottle. Seal the lid. Refrigerate up to 1 month.

PEPPERS PACKED IN OIL

Steps:

• Start by cutting the peppers into 1 inch strips and pat them dry with a towel. Place the pepper strips in a colander, sprinkle them with coarse salt, and place the colander over a bowl. Allow the peppers to drain overnight.
• Using a towel, wipe the salt from the peppers, and set aside.
• Sterilize four 8 oz. jars and their lids by boiling them in a large pot of water for about 15 minutes. Using tongs, remove the jars and lids from the water, and set them on a dry surface.
• In each jar, place 3 peppercorns, 2 cloves garlic, 1 sprig of basil, and 1 sprig of oregano or marjoram. Evenly divide the pepper strips among the jars and completely cover with olive oil. Wipe clean the rims of the jars and seal with their lids. Label and date the jars.
• Keep in a cool place or in the refrigerator for several months.
• Serve as part of an antipasto platter, add to salads or sandwiches, and the oil can also be used to flavor dressings or drizzle on bread.