Kick-Ass Chilli Oil with Ginger & Garlic
I will admit, I am positively addicted to chillis! My addiction is helped by the fact that I have a chilli bush in my little urban Vredehoek garden which just gives and gives!
I am not sure where my addiction started but I know it started with a good curry somewhere in London and now my friends, I can’t think of anything that will not taste better with the addition of THIS chilli oil drizzled on it.
The roughly sliced (not too thin) bits of ginger and garlic adds bucket loads to the flavour – its kind of giving chilli crunch vibes.
Sure, if you are not into heat then this recipe is not for you, but if you are like me – then have a go at making this, adapting the heat with the kind of chillis you are using.
The recipe is easy adaptable, use as much chillies as you like (I would not make less than 2 cups though), garlic as you can bear and ginger to your liking. Simply top with a fantastic extra virgin olive oil to reach about 5cm above the chilli mixture.
Making chilli oil with fresh chilies, ginger, and garlic can offer several health benefits, both in terms of flavour and potential health effects.
1. Add Flavour:
Rich and Aromatic: Fresh chilies, ginger, and garlic add complex and aromatic flavours to the oil, creating a delicious condiment or cooking ingredient.
Customisable Heat: You have control over the level of spiciness by adjusting the quantity and type of chilies used.
2. Potential Health Benefits:
Antioxidant Properties: Garlic and ginger are known for their antioxidant properties, which can help combat oxidative stress in the body. Anti-Inflammatory: Ginger and garlic have anti-inflammatory properties that may contribute to overall health.
Cardiovascular Health: Some studies suggest that garlic may have cardiovascular benefits, including supporting heart health and reducing blood pressure.
3. Versatility:
Cooking Base: Chili oil with fresh ingredients can serve as a flavourful base for stir-fries, marinades, dressings, and various dishes.
Condiment: It can be used as a condiment to add a spicy kick to a wide range of foods, from noodles, morning eggs and curries.
4. Homemade and Customisable:
Quality Control: Making your chili oil allows you to control the quality and source of ingredients.
Customisation: You can tailor the flavour profile by experimenting with different chili varieties, adjusting spice levels, and adding complementary herbs or spices.\
5. Potential Immune Support:
Garlic and Ginger Benefits: Garlic and ginger are often associated with immune-boosting properties, potentially aiding in supporting the body’s immune system.
Note: When making chili oil, it’s essential to handle fresh chilies carefully, as capsaicin (the compound responsible for the heat) can be irritating. Additionally, store the oil properly to prevent spoilage.
Kick-Ass Chilli Oil with Ginger & Garlic
Ingredients
- 150g chillies finely chopped
- 5 garlic cloves peeled & sliced
- 10cm ginger peeled & sliced into matchstix
- enough extra virgin olive oil to top the chilli mixture
Instructions
- Add all the ingredients into a small saucepan including enough olive oil to top the chilli mixture by 5cm.
- Very (very) gently let the mixture simmer for 10 minutes, you basically just want the garlic not to taste raw anymore, be careful though as garlic can brown and become bitter quite easily.
- Remove the saucepan from the heat and leave to cool completely and decant into smaller jars or one big jar. I tend to leave my chilli oil out at room temperature but you can freeze or refrigerate yours.