Chilli Flakes, 50g

Chilli Flakes, 50g

Chilli flakes are dried and crushed pieces of chilli peppers. These flakes typically come from red chilli peppers like cayenne, or other varieties such as jalapeño or Serrano. The seeds and skins are crushed into small, flaky bits that add both heat and flavour to dishes.

Flavour Profile:

• Taste: Spicy, with a subtle earthy and smoky flavour, depending on the type of chilli used.
• Heat: Offers a moderate to hot level of heat, though the intensity can vary depending on the pepper.

Common Uses for Chili Flakes in Cooking

1. Seasoning Savory Dishes:

• Pizza and Pasta: Chili flakes are famously sprinkled on pizzas, pasta, and Italian-style dishes like spaghetti aglio e olio for a spicy kick.
• Soups and Stews: Adds heat to tomato-based soups, chili, and hearty stews (such as bolognese or lentil soup).
• Stir-fries and Sautéed Dishes: A great addition to Asian-inspired stir-fries or sautéed vegetables like Szechuan stir-fried noodles or kung pao chicken.
• Grilled Meats and Vegetables: Used in spice rubs or sprinkled on grilled chicken, steak, or roasted vegetables (especially eggplant, zucchini, or potatoes).

2. Condiments:

• Hot Sauces: Chili flakes are often blended into homemade hot sauces for a fiery, spicy flavour.
• Chilli Oil: Chili flakes are commonly infused into oil, creating chilli oil that’s used as a drizzle over pizza, noodles, or dumplings.
• Pickling: Adds heat to pickled vegetables and is commonly used in hot pickles, such as sambal oelek (a spicy Indonesian paste).

3. Spice Blends:

• Spice Mixes: Chili flakes are a key component of spice blends like Cajun seasoning, Harissa, and Mexican chilli powder.
• BBQ Rubs: Adds both heat and flavour to BBQ rubs for meats, especially ribs, chicken, or grilled fish.

4. Snacks:

• Popcorn: Sprinkled on freshly popped popcorn for a spicy twist.
• Roasted Nuts and Seeds: Tossed on nuts like almonds or peanuts, adding heat to roasted snacks.

5. Beverages:

• Cocktails: A pinch of chilli flakes can be used in cocktails like bloody marys or spicy margaritas to add a little heat.

Health Benefits of Chilli Flakes:

1. Rich in Vitamin C: Chili flakes are a good source of vitamin C, which supports immune health.
2. Boosts Metabolism: The capsaicin in chilli flakes may help increase metabolism and promote fat burning.
3. Pain Relief: Capsaicin is also known for its pain-relieving properties, commonly used in topical ointments.
4. Digestive Aid: Stimulates digestive enzymes and can promote better digestion.
5. Anti-inflammatory: Capsaicin has anti-inflammatory effects and may help reduce inflammation.