Chilli paste is a sauce made from chilli peppers, oil, salt, and garlic, commonly used in Asian cuisine. Varieties include sambal, nam prik pow, ancho paste, and harissa. It can be made at home with different combinations of peppers and ingredients.
Chilli paste is the name for a large variety of sauces made from chilli peppers and often containing oil, salt and garlic. It can be used as a flavoring for a dish or as an independent condiment for dipping. This sauce is mainly associated with Asian cuisine and plays an important role in the food of Korea, Thailand, Indonesia and Malaysia. Different varieties of pasta can also be found in Tunisian and Mexican cuisine. In theory, the thickness of the paste distinguishes it from the chili sauce; in practice, the line is a bit fuzzy.
The basic form of chili paste is simple to make. The chillies are dipped, cleaned and then blended with salt and oil. Different types of chili paste are made by adding different secondary ingredients. Garlic and onions are popular. Other commonly used ingredients include coriander, soy, lemon, lime and mango. This sauce is easy enough to make at home; feel free to experiment with different combinations of peppers and other ingredients.
One of the most popular forms of chili paste is called sambal. The name comes from Java, Indonesia, and the style extends across Southeast Asia. Sambal is almost always spicy, but comes in many different varieties. Some contain vegetables such as tomatoes and green beans. Others contain sweet ingredients, such as coconut and mango. Most contain a blend of spices. Sriracha sauce, now popular around the world, is probably closely related to this category of chili paste.
Another variety is nam prik pow, a Thai sauce that often contains seafood. Its flavor is sweet and spicy; in addition to the peppers it usually contains sugar and sweet basil. The seafood component can be a mixture of shrimp, squid and clams. Nam prik pow is eaten with many different types of Thai dishes.
Mexican cuisine often features a paste made from poblano peppers. Once dried, these peppers are called ancho chiles and can be made into ancho paste. Not many other ingredients are needed; ancho paste can be made with peppers, garlic, salt, oil, and vinegar. The final product is delicate and sweet, especially when compared to sambal.
Harissa is a type of chili paste originating in Tunisia and eaten throughout North Africa. Harissa is mostly made from piri piri and serrano peppers. Secondary ingredients often include local spices such as cumin and coriander, along with garlic and lemon juice. Harissa can be used with many different types of food, including soup and stew. It is often used to flavor couscous and bread.
Protect your devices with Threat Protection by NordVPN
