4 Ways to Preserve Chilies
Chilies are a staple in many cuisines, adding a fiery kick to dishes that keep our taste buds on high alert. However, the bountiful chili harvest season doesn’t last all year long. So, how can you enjoy the heat and flavor of chilies throughout the year? Fear not, we’ve compiled four different ways to preserve chilies for year-round enjoyment.
1. Drying Chilies
Drying is one of the most traditional and easiest methods of preserving chilies. It requires minimal equipment and doesn’t compromise their spiciness:
– Choose fully ripe, firm chilies with no spots or bruises.
– Rinse your chilies thoroughly in water and let them air dry.
– Cut off the stem and slit open the chili for faster drying.
– Spread the chilies out on wire racks or tie them together with a string to hang in a well-ventilated area, away from direct sunlight.
– Allow the chilies to dry completely. This may take several days to weeks depending on the humidity level. You can also use a dehydrator or an oven set to low temperatures to speed up the process.
2. Freezing Chilies
Freezing chilies is another simple way to ensure you have flavorful heat at your fingertips any day of the year:
– Rinse and dry your chilies.
– Remove stems and chop into desired sizes if necessary.
– Place chilies on a tray or plate in a single layer and freeze until solid, typically a few hours.
– Once frozen, transfer the chilies into freezer-safe bags or containers, removing excess air before sealing.
– Chilies can be stored in the freezer for up to a year without losing their spice and flavor.
3. Pickling Chilies
Pickling is an age-old method of preserving food that maintains both heat and taste:
– Choose fresh, firm chilies, rinse and dry them thoroughly.
– Prepare a pickling liquid – usually a mixture of equal parts water and vinegar, along with your choice of spices, such as mustard seeds, peppercorns, or garlic.
– Cut chilies into desired sizes or leave them whole – just ensure that you puncture each chili to allow the pickling liquid to penetrate.
– In a sterilized jar, layer the chilies snugly and pour the pickling liquid over them, ensuring they are fully submerged.
– Seal the jars and let them sit at room temperature for a few days before storing in the refrigerator. Chilies will continue to develop flavor and can be stored for several months.
4. Making Chili Powder or Flakes
Chili powder or flakes are a kitchen essential that lets you add heat to any dish:
– Start by drying your chilies using one of the methods mentioned earlier.
– Once fully dried, destem the chilies and grind them into a fine powder using a blender or coffee grinder. To make flakes, crush dried chilies with your hands or use a mortar and pestle. Protective gloves are recommended for both processes.
– Store your homemade chili powder or flakes in an airtight container away from direct sunlight. The spice will last for at least six months.
Next time you find yourself with an abundance of chilies, consider preserving them in one (or all) of these four ways. Your culinary endeavors will thank you year-round!