Chilli flakes are tiny flavor bombs that magically elevate the spice and flavor profile of any dish to an entirely new level. If you’re anything like me, your kitchen is likely lodging an assortment of chilli flakes sachets, alongside an array of hot sauces and spice mixes courtesy of fast food orders. It’s practically a rule, isn’t it? I’ve always been fond of chilli flakes as they go well with a lot of my quick and often measly meals (think scrambled eggs, maggi, pasta) on lazy days. This one time I was trying a new recipe of curd dip that called for the addition of chilli flakes sizzled in hot oil and to my bad luck, my stash was deplete . I quickly googled and the result – you can actually make your own chilli flakes at home! Hold up, why didn’t I think of this before? In 10 mins, I made a batch of chilli flakes that lasted for 2 uses. Honestly, it felt like I won a mini cooking challenge. And if I could pull it off, believe me, you can too.
Now, here’s the good stuff. Making chilli flakes at home not only saves you cash, but they’re also spicier and more flavorful than the store-bought ones. Plus, you dodge all those harmful preservatives they put in the packaged ones. Seriously, once you go homemade, you’ll never look back.
Alright here’s the one-ingredient recipe for your homemade chilli flakes. Brace yourself!
Ingredients:
Dried red chilli peppers (whole)
(Note: Opt for medium to long peppers over the smaller ones, as they tend to char more quickly.)
Procedure:
- Begin by dry roasting the whole red chilli peppers over a medium flame until they attain a satisfying crispness. Remember to remove the stems before roasting and adjust the quantity to your preferences.
- Cool down the roasted chillies completely. This step is crucial to keep them crispy before the next move.
- Toss those cooled peppers into a mixer and give them a whirl. I like to keep them a bit chunky, like the store kind. But if you’re into a smoother texture, go for it.
Boom! Your homemade chilli flakes are ready to jazz up your dishes – spicy and full of flavor. Seriously, it can’t get any better than this.
Alright, it’s your turn now. Give it a try and let me know what you prefer – homemade or store-bought?
Read my other recipes here.
