Whether it’s our lives or our food, we are always looking for something to spice things up. If you have ventured out into the world of fiery chilis, you already know how a new, smoking hot pepper can make every other bite of your meal more exciting than the last. If you are still new to the playing field, the Calabrian Chili is a great place to get started. It’s important to have a good, reliable chili you can rely on to add both heat and flavor to your masterpiece without overwhelming the senses. One of the most trusted and widely used chilis in this regard is the renowned Calabrian Chili. Calabrian Chilis can be purchased from your local supermarket or you can search for them online. You will find great variety in the way these peppers are prepared and sold; fresh, dried, pickled, stuffed - you name it. You can even get them packaged in a jar if you would like to preserve them for a longer period of time. While Calabria produces a number of other chilis, the Calabrian Chili is the region’s signature pepper. While it provides a decent amount of heat, it does not overpower the underlying flavors. It is used in high culinary settings like five-star restaurants, as well as in regular, warm, home-cooked meals alike. When blended and cooked with other ingredients to make sauces and curries, the Calabrian Chili imparts a gorgeous red color and produces an amazing, fruity aroma that adds to the flavor of the dish. The chilies themselves have a fruity and smoky taste, and fill your mouth with a wonderful warmth that accentuates the flavors of your meal. This characteristic makes Calabrian peppers the perfect layering for sauces and condiments. Its use is common in breakfast items like omelets and frittatas, and it also pairs well with the likes of cheese and chocolate for some light snacking. You will find the Calabrian Chili to be a frequent presence of the ingredients label on most condiment jars across Calabria and the surrounding regions. Other times, the peppers are infused into olive oil or blended with sauces for concentrated sides and additions to all kinds of dishes. They are frequently combined with oils and vinegar to balance out the heat and maximize the flavor, like this Calabrian chili paste. Overall, the taste of the Calabrian pepper is versatile. The flavor persists throughout and beyond the heat of the pepper which makes it a great addition to most dishes and cuisines. It is popularly used to make Nduja, a delicious spreadable Italian salami meat paste. Do not be afraid to experiment with this chili in your style of cooking as you may end up discovering a combination that is completely new and absolutely delicious.
