Balancing heat and flavour
Chillies are more than just a source of heat; they add depth, complexity, and vibrant colour to dishes from around the world. Whether you’re a seasoned spice lover or just beginning to explore the world of chilies, understanding how to balance heat and flavour, select the right chilli for each dish, and handle chilies safely is essential. Here’s a comprehensive guide inspired by the expertise and recipes from The Chilli Workshop, focusing on chillies commonly found in the UK.
Cooking with chilies can seem intimidating at first, especially with the vast array
of varieties available. However, with a bit of knowledge and practice, you can harness the unique qualities of each chili to enhance your culinary creations. Chilies are used in a variety of global cuisines, from the fiery curries of India to the tangy hot sauces of the Caribbean. They not only provide heat but also contribute complex flavours ranging from fruity and sweet to smoky and earthy.
Balancing heat and flavour is a critical aspect of cooking with chilies. Too much heat can overwhelm a dish and mask other flavours, while too little might leave your dish lacking the desired punch. Understanding how to use different chilies to achieve the perfect balance is key. This involves not only selecting the right chili for your recipe but also knowing how to pair chillies with other ingredients to enhance and complement their flavours. For example, smoky chipotle peppers add a rich depth to stews, while bright jalapeños deliver a fresh, zesty kick to salsas.
Knowing your Chillies
In the UK, the most commonly found chilies include bell peppers, jalapeños, cayenne, green finger chillies, Scotch bonnets, Bird’s eyes and Padrón peppers. Each of these chillies brings its own distinct characteristics to the table.
Bell peppers
Bell peppers are sweet and mild, making them versatile for various dishes. These chilies offer sweetness ranging from fresh and herbaceous (green) to rich and mellow (red and orange). Their character adds earthiness, perfect for stuffing, grilling, or adding sweetness to stir-fries and sauces. Bell peppers act as a base flavour, adding vibrant colour and allowing other ingredients to shine.
Jalapeños
Jalapeños offer a fresh, vegetal pepper flavour with an herbal undertone. Their heat adds a lively kick, making them ideal for salsas, nachos, and poppers. Jalapeños not only add spice but also fresh pepper flavour, lifting other ingredients for a balanced taste profile. Try Jalapeño Poppers: jalapeños stuffed with cheese and fried. Spicy Mango Salsa combines the sweetness of mango with jalapeño heat.
Bird’s Eye Chilies
These tiny chilies pack a powerful punch, with an interplay of earthiness and pungency with citrusy undertones. They are frequently used in Thai curries and sauces, where their heat adds depth and their complex flavour complements ingredients like coconut milk and lemongrass. Bird’s eye chilies elevate dishes by adding a layer of citrus and earthiness alongside heat. Try them in Thai Green Curry: a fragrant and spicy curry with heat and citrus from bird’s eye chilies.
Scotch Bonnets
Scotch bonnets are known for intense heat with a lingering burn. Beyond the fire lies a layer of fruity aroma, often described as apricot or peach. This combination makes them perfect for marinades and hot sauces, where their heat adds depth and fruity notes create a complex flavour. Scotch bonnets offer a unique explosion of sweet and fiery flavours. They are widely used in Jerk Chicken: a spicy Caribbean dish where Scotch bonnets provide signature heat and fruity notes.