Chilli Oil

This fiery condiment is one I first got introduced to by my friend and big Sis Hadiza. She told me about one Akabanga chilli oil and how it's just oil but it's very spicy and aromatic. I am always thankful that she showed me the way. 

When I started seeing chilli crisp and chilli oil drizzled on wonton and bowls of noodles I knew I had to try and make it myself. I've not looked back since then. 

My children love it, because they add it on everything! The heat they can endure I can't believe it sometimes 🥴😵‍💫

Let's get into the recipe

INGREDIENTS

1 1/2 cups vegetable oil

2 star anise

1 small onion (sliced)

1 small fresh ginger (sliced)

Bay leaves

3 cups dried red chilli

10 cloves of garlic

Cloves 

Sichuan peppercorns

Black peppercorns

Green cardamom

All spice

Salt

Msg

Sugar

Soy sauce

PROCEDURE

1. Add the oil to a cold pot or saucepan, then add the aromatics (onions, star anise, ginger and bay leaves) heat the oil on low until the aromatics turn golden {about 15 to 20 minutes} then pick them out and discard.

2. Crush the chilli in a spice mill, you can remove the seeds before blending if you want. Blend the garlic and add to the chilli flakes. Also crush the remaining spices and add to the chilli. Add your seasonings and mix well, then gradually add the hot oil in little increments.

Adding the oil this way ensures the chilli mix is not burned and flavor distorted (I know it's usually the norm on social media, but dumping very hot oil on dried chilli burns it and gives an acrid taste and aroma to the finished product). When the mix is well saturated then you can pour the remaining oil all at once. Mix it up then set aside to cool before jarring in a container.

I didn't give measurements for the seasoning because it all depends on what one likes. So go all out and do that to your preference.

You can use this oil in place of yaji like I do. I use it on toast, to eat awara, on eggs, in danwake, noodles. Anything really that needs heat 🔥

** you can certainly halve or quarter the recipe.

Enjoy 💕

As always leave your comments and questions in the comments section and I will be happy to answer you. Thank you.