If you are like me, a fan of growing hot peppers, you might have tried growing your own chili peppers. Growing chili peppers indoors can be a rewarding and fun hobby, especially if you’re like me and enjoy experimenting with different varieties and flavors. However, you might also face the challenge of having too many chili peppers to use at once. One way to preserve your chili harvest is to dry them. Drying chili peppers can extend their shelf life, enhance their flavor, and give you more options for cooking. I love using dried chiles in my dishes, as they add a nice kick and aroma. But how do you use dried chiles? Previously, I’ve covered how to cook with chili peppers. In this short guide, I will focus you two ways to use dried chiles in your cooking: rehydrating and toasting them.
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How to Use Dried Chiles
Dried chiles can be used in many dishes, such as sauces, soups, stews, curries, and marinades. They can also be ground into flakes or powder to add spice and color to your food. Here are two ways to use dried chili peppers in your cooking:
1) Using Dried Chiles by Rehydrating Them
One of the most common ways to use dried chiles is to rehydrate them and make a sauce, paste, or marinade. Rehydrating dried chili fruits is easy and only takes a few steps. Here is how to do it:
- Remove the stems and seeds from the dried chiles. You can use a knife or scissors to cut them open and shake out the seeds. You can also wear gloves to avoid touching the chiles with your bare hands.
- Place the dried peppers in a heatproof bowl and cover them with boiling water. For extra flavor, you can add aromatics like garlic, onion, or bay leaves to the water.
- Let the chiles soak for about 20 to 30 minutes or until they are soft and pliable. You can use a plate or a lid to weigh and submerge them.
- Drain the chiles and reserve the soaking liquid. You can use the liquid to thin out your sauce or paste or discard it if you don’t need it.
- Blend the chiles with salt, vinegar, oil, or other ingredients to make your sauce or paste. You can also chop them finely or mash them with a mortar and pestle.
2) Toasting Dried Chiles
Another way to use dried chiles is to toast them and bring out their smoky and nutty flavor. Toasting dried peppers is also simple and quick. Here is how to do it:
- Remove the stems and seeds from the dried chiles. You can cut them open and shake out the seeds with a knife or scissors. You can also wear gloves to avoid touching the chiles with your bare hands.
- Heat a dry skillet over medium-high heat and add the dried peppers. You can toast them whole or tear them into smaller pieces.
- Cook the chiles for a few minutes, turning them frequently, until they are fragrant and slightly charred. Be careful not to burn them or they will turn bitter.
- Transfer the chiles to a plate and let them cool slightly. You can use them as they are or grind them into flakes or powder.
Conclusion
Dried chiles are a versatile and delicious ingredient that can add spice and depth to your cooking. You can use them in various ways, such as rehydrating, toasting, and grinding them. You can also make chili flakes and chili powder with dried hot peppers. Dried chili peppers have many benefits over fresh ones, such as longer shelf life, richer flavor, and more variety. Let me know how you use your dried chili peppers.
Resources
For more ideas on what to do with your chili fruits: