HOMEMADE CHILI OIL
This homemade chili oil is fragrant, slightly spicy, and perfect for drizzling over pasta, pizza, roasted vegetables, or fresh bread. You can make it with homegrown sun-dried chilies, store-bought dried chilies, or simply chili flakes or powder. If you are using whole chilis, be sure, they are completely dry and process them in a blender or food processor until you have a powder. The recipe yields 300ml (10 fl oz).
Ingredients
- 300 ml 10 fl oz neutral oil such as sunflower, rapeseed, or light olive oil
- 2-3 tablespoons dried chili flakes or ground dried chilies
- 2 cloves garlic crushed (optional)
- 2 sprigs fresh rosemary optional
Instructions
- Pour the oil into a pan and add the garlic and rosemary if using.
- Warm the oil on the lowest setting and let it infuse gently. The temperature should stay around 80 to 90°C (175 to 195°F). The oil should never bubble or fry. If bubbles appear, remove the pan from the stove and let it cool slightly before continuing.
- Keep the oil at this gentle heat for 10 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Remove the pan from the heat, let slightly cool, and take out the garlic and rosemary.
- Add the chili to a heatproof bowl and pour oil over the ground chili flakes. You should hear at light sizzle. Stir and let it sit to cool for 15 minutes or longer.
- Strain the oil through a fine sieve into a clean glass bottle using a funnel, or leave the chili flakes inside if you prefer a stronger flavor. Seal the bottle and store in a cool, dark place.
Notes
Storage:
When strained and made only with chilies, the oil keeps at room temperature for two to three months. If garlic or rosemary is left inside the bottle, it should be refrigerated and used within one to two weeks. In the fridge, the oil may solidify slightly, but it returns to liquid at room temperature.