Chili Oil

I don’t really know how to describe this condiment, other than its a spicy garlicky oil used to dip stuff in or stir into your soups. My mom always had a jar in the spice cupboard. I don’t really eat A LOT of spicy (shocking I know), but I guess I do prefer things more spicy than your average American, I’ve got cajun roots after all!

Going through my emails of recipes that my maman has sent me through the years, there were two things I haven’t made yet. Suki yaki, and this. Obviously I chose to do this chili oil first because that other sauce looks daunting (pickled garlic!??)

Anyway, this is my interpretation of my mom’s recipe. Enjoy!

Chili Oil

Ingredients
Dried Whole Red Asian Chili Peppers, enough to make ½ cup when ground
4-5 garlic large cloves, smashed
1 Cup of Vegetable Oil

Directions
Grind the chili peppers finely in your food processor until there is about ½ cup to use. Smash the 4-5 garlic cloves (your choice, I prefer 5 for a stronger garlic flavor) in a mortar and pestle or with the back of your knife.

Heat the oil in a saucepan over high. Add the garlic. When the garlic turns golden, remove saucepan from heat. Burnt garlic is bitter. Don’t cook it too long. Let stand for 5 minutes, then stir in the ground chili pepper.

The longer it sits the better it tastes. When cool, store in a tightly closed jar with your spices.