3 heat-packed recipes to fire up your taste buds

What would be the fate of kitchens without chilli?


Sumayia Asif April 09, 2017
PHOTO: Seriouseats

What would be the fate of kitchens without chilli? I can only imagine a drab culinary world; kitchens devoid of spirit, undemanding customers and dissatisfied taste buds.

Thanks to the Mexicans and Christopher Columbus, the above mentioned scenario is not one we have to endure. Columbus is credited for introducing chilli to Europe, and later to Africa as well as Asia.

Chilli peppers were farmed in Mexico more than 6000 years ago and have been part of the human diet since at least 7500 BCE according to a recent study. Ever since its discovery, chilli has vigorously been incorporated in most of the world’s cuisines. In South Asia and South East Asia chilli found perhaps the most receptive patrons.

In Pakistan, almost all our meals consist of chilli in one form or the other. If it’s not added in the curry, you might find whole green chillies in rice, in condiments, tempering, as a side dish or simply sprinkled atop a meal. We have whole-heartedly embraced the heat and would proudly accept the title of chilli connoisseurs.

If you have been mentally nodding in gusto, here are some delicious heat-packed recipes you should try to pay homage to chilli.

Hyderabadi  chilli curry



Hot, spicy and piquant, this chilli curry is delicious. The desiccated coconut, peanuts and sesame seeds add oodles and oodles of flavour. Pair it with some paratha or naan. You can also enjoy it with rice.

Find recipe here

Chilli oil



All you need is some chillies and olive oil and you have a fiery chilli oil to pour over pizzas, salad, stir-fries and whatever else you want to add some heat to.

Find recipe here

Stuffed chillies

A snack perfect for any time of the day, and a great appetiser for parties; stuffed chillies are easy to make and delicious.

Find recipe here

COMMENTS

Replying to X

Comments are moderated and generally will be posted if they are on-topic and not abusive.

For more information, please see our Comments FAQ