Making chilli oil

[Pints]

I'm looking to make my own chilli oil to add to pizzas, etc.

What tips do the PH learned have for me?

Virgin or extra virgin?
What type of chilli should I use?
How long do I need to leave it before I can start using?

Over to you.
TIA

[15peter20]

Make sure you dry the chillis first or you might end up with botulism oil- not as tasty.

I've used scotch bonnet in the past, but they didn't impart the sting I was looking for. Next time I'm going to order a selection from the South Devon Chilli Farm and throw in some chilli flakes for good measure too.

[Pints]

The flakes are a good idea.

As far as not imparting the sting, do you not think splitting the chilli open before drying - to expose the seeds - would have helped that?

Edited by Pints on Sunday 8th April 14:06

[15peter20]

Sounds like it would be worth a go. I just pierced them, so maybe all the good oil is trapped inside the chillis!

[Wadeski]

heat about 700ml of oil to 150 degrees.

leave to cool till the oil gets to 100 degrees (about 10-12 minutes)

put a handful or two of chillies (i use a mix of chopped dry and fresh chillies - make sure there is no water at all on the fresh ones!) in a deep, heat proof ceramic bowl with a bayleaf and a sprig of dried rosemary.

pour the hot oil carefully on to the chillies. they will sizzle like anything, so wear an apron and oven gloves in case of any spitting, but i've never had a problem.

leave for about 40 mins to cool, then transfer to a jar and store in a cool place.

the heat will kill any botulism and give a nice taste to the chillies.

[Hoover.]

I'll as my BiL, he made me some with the chillies he grew last year (my Xmas present to him was a Chillie growing kit), it's got more then chillies in it.... some herbs and leaf of some kind...... packs a tasy punch, I use it for dipping sauce and pizza toppings..... and top it it every now and then using virgin oil.

[Pints]

Some good tips there, Wadeski.



Edited for dodgy mobile typing punctuation.

Edited by Pints on Sunday 8th April 21:04

[Hoover.]

looking at the bottle again (after reading the post above mine) it def looks like bay leaf and rosemary