Fresh Dried Chili Oil Recipes

FRESH DRIED CHILI OIL

Steps:

• Crush chilies with fingers into pieces no bigger than 1/4 inch across. Place in small bowl and add just enough boiling water to cover, about 1 tablespoon; let sit until chili is hydrated, 10 minutes.
• Add garlic and mint, and mix while slowly adding olive oil. Taste and season with salt. For best flavor, make several hours before using.

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 OR DRIED MUSHROOM OIL

Steps:

• Chop mushrooms or chilies in a food processor until fine.Place in a pot with the oil and heat until mixture begins to bubble. Let cook 10-15 seconds and remove from heat. Swirl until just warm. Strain into a bowl through 4 layers of cheesecloth. Squeeze well to extract as much oil as possible. Pour into a sterilized jar or bottle, seal tightly, refrigerate and use within one week for best flavor.