How To Make The Most Of Your Dried Chillies And Powders

Chillies play a crucial role in cuisines across the globe. With their varying degrees of heat and flavour profiles, they add depth and excitement to all sorts of dishes. Contrary to the opinions of some, they’re not just spicy but display a distinct and delicious range of complex flavours too!

This article will explore how best to put your dried chillies and powders to use, followed by some of the best products to use in your recipes.

What are dried chillies and powders?

Dried chillies and powders are chillies that have been dehydrated and ground into fine particles, respectively. This process likely first occurred in order to preserve them; however, it also concentrates their flavours and heat, giving them different uses to fresh chillies.

Chillies can be dried through air drying, oven drying, or using a food dehydrator. Once dried, they can be used whole, crushed, or ground into powder. Dried chillies and powders can be used for a wide range of purposes, from adding a kick to recipes to creating complex spice blends and tangy hot sauces.

Why use dried chillies?

The primary benefit of drying chillies is the significant extension of their shelf life, enabling them to be enjoyed year-round. They can also be rehydrated for use in sauces and stews or added directly to recipes as a powder for a more intense flavour.

Dried chillies are useful for certain dishes, but by far the main reason they exist is for the purpose of long-term storage. It may be a surprise to learn that a super hot fresh chilli can go off, but it’s true. Even though the spice level might blow our heads off, tiny bacteria and fungi seem impervious to the repellent effects of capsaicin.

Making the most of your dried chillies and powders

Below, find several ways to make the most of your dried chillies, regardless of the variety or the form they take.

Rehydrate dried chillies

Rehydrating dried chillies is a simple process that unlocks their flavours and prepares them for use in a variety of dishes. Soak them in hot water for about 20 to 30 minutes, or until they become soft and pliable. This technique is perfect for preparing chillies to be blended into rich sauces, flavourful salsas, and hearty stews. The rehydration process not only revives the chillies' texture but also makes it easier to remove seeds and stems, allowing you to adjust the heat level to your liking.

You can also cut up dried chillies and throw them straight into wet dishes such as stews and curries, where they will then rehydrate as part of the cooking process.

Make your own hot sauce

Creating your own hot sauce from dried chillies offers an opportunity to customise the heat and flavour profile according to your preferences, and means you can make your very own tasty hot sauce blend.

Blend rehydrated chillies with vinegar, garlic, onions, and a selection of spices to craft a unique sauce that can range from mildly tangy to fiercely hot. Homemade hot sauce is not only a great way to add a personal touch to your meals but could also make for a thoughtful homemade gift for fellow spice lovers.

Sprinkle chilli powder on foods

Chilli powder is incredibly versatile and can be used to instantly shift the flavour of a wide range of dishes. Sprinkle it over pizzas, popcorn (if you’re feeling adventurous), or roasted vegetables for an instant flavour boost. Add it to marinades and rubs for meats, or incorporate it into bread crumbs for fried foods to introduce a spicy kick. The convenience of chilli powder allows you to adjust the heat and flavour intensity of your dishes with just a pinch or two.

Create your own spice blends

Mixing chilli powders with other spices, such as cumin, garlic powder, and oregano, allows you to create your own spice blends that can be tailored to specific dishes or cuisines. Experiment with different combinations to find the perfect blend for your taste buds, and for different cuisines. A Mexican spice blend will be very different to an Indian one, for example.

These homemade spice blends can be used to season meats, vegetables, or even to add a flavourful addition to soups and stews. Storing these blends in airtight containers will keep them fresh and ready to use whenever the dish requires it.

Infuse oils and vinegars with dried chillies

Infusing oils and vinegars with dried chillies is a fantastic way to add a spicy dimension to your cooking. Simply add dried chillies to a bottle of olive oil or vinegar and let it sit for a few weeks, shaking the container occasionally. The resulting infusion can be used to add a spicy note to salad dressings, marinades, or as a finishing oil for dishes that need a little extra kick. The intensity of the infusion can be adjusted according to the type and amount of chillies used, allowing for complete control over the flavour profile.

Dried chillies and powders to try

At the Zamnesia Plantshop, you're invited to explore an extensive selection of chilli products—mostly seeds—curated to suit all preferences, from those who favour a mild warmth to thrill-seekers chasing extreme heat. Each product offers unique flavours and heat levels, allowing for a wide array of culinary applications.

Below, we suggest our five favourite dried chilli products. Take a look!

Carolina Reaper dried chillies (Scovilla)

Renowned for its status as one of the world's hottest chillies, the Carolina Reaper is a must-try for those looking to push the boundaries of heat in their dishes. These dried chillies pack an intense punch, making them perfect for concocting a fiery hot sauce or adding an electrifying spice to your meals. With a Scoville rating that soars to the sun, the Carolina Reaper is not for the faint-hearted but offers unparalleled depth of flavour beneath its heat, bringing a sweet, fruity undertone to your cooking.

Chipotle morita dried chillies (Scovilla)

Chipotle morita chillies are smoked and dried jalapeños that introduce a rich, smoky flavour to any dish they’re used in. Their moderate heat level, combined with a deep, nuanced smokiness, makes them an excellent choice for infusing Mexican dishes, soups, and sauces with a distinctive flavour.

Perfect for those seeking flavour complexity without overwhelming heat, chipotle morita chillies can transform a simple meal into a smoky, delicious experience, offering a taste of traditional Mexican cuisine right in your kitchen.

Scorpion XDust (Scovilla)

For those who dare to embrace extreme heat, Scorpion XDust presents an explosive challenge. Made from ground Trinidad Moruga scorpion peppers, this powder is one of the hottest available on the market. It's ideal for creating daring spice blends and sauces, seasoning meats, or simply sprinkling over meals to add an instant kick. Scorpion XDust pushes the boundaries of what’s even enjoyable, offering a pure, unadulterated spice that demands respect and moderation.

Habanero shaker (Scovilla)

This habanero shaker introduces a fruity, fiery heat that's versatile enough for everyday cooking. Habaneros are well-loved for their unique combination of heat and flavour, adding a vibrant kick to any dish.

The shaker conveniently houses the dried, ground habanero chillies and makes adding them to dishes as simple as, well, giving it a little shake. Habaneros are wildly popular and can be used in practically all dishes, but are best suited to Central and South American cuisine.

Peri peri shaker (Scovilla)

Infused with a unique blend of spices and a tangy kick, this peri peri shaker is your go-to for seasoning a wide range of dishes. Originating from African cuisine, peri peri (or piri piri) is celebrated for its versatility and distinctive flavour profile.

This chilli is particularly suited to chicken, seafood, and vegetables, offering a quick and easy way to imbue your meals with a lively spice. Whether you're grilling, baking, or frying, the peri peri shaker adds a delightful zest that can quite literally spice up any dish.

Take your chillies to the limit!

You’re probably already well aware of the role that chillies can play in the kitchen. But if you’re not; they’ll change your life!

Whether you're making your own hot sauce, spicing up your meals, or creating unique spice blends, there are many ways these little fruits can improve your culinary life. And, you can even grow your own chillies and dry them, further personalising your spice collection. Visit the Zamnesia Plantshop to discover an extensive range of chilli products, including many seeds that will inspire your culinary adventures!

Max Sargent

Max has been writing for over a decade, and has come into cannabis and psychedelic journalism in the last few years. Writing for companies such as Zamnesia, Royal Queen Seeds, Cannaconnection, Gorilla Seeds, MushMagic and more, he has experience in a broad spectrum of the industry.

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