Best Italian Chilli Oil (Peperoncino) Spicy Chili in Extra Virgin Olive Oil – Easy recipe from Italy | Experience BellaVita (2024)

Chilli oil (olio al peperoncino) is indeed a great classic of Italian cuisine, extremely popular especially in southern Italy and here in Abruzzo, where it’s always on the table.

Even nowadays, many young people are instructed by parents and grandparents on how to prepare this spicy dressing and each person has his trick handed down from generation to generation that makes his oil the best in the world. Today I’ll be sharing with you my Nonna’s (granny) recipe to prepare a fresh, tasty and crunchy spicy oil, of course the best in the world

However, among the crowd, we are used to seeing it so often on the tables, that it is common to think that this is prepared simply by combining the oil with the chili pepper, which is only partially true.

Difficulty

Easy

Drying

3-10 Days

Waiting time Before Eating

1 day

Ingredients

  • 50 grams of chillis (any chilies)
  • 100 grams of Extra Virgin Olive Oil
  • About 10 grams of fine sea salt

Tools

  • Jar with lid
  • Scissors
  • Paper Towels
  • Little Tray

Chili Oil Recipe

Unlike dried chillies, the fresh ones still contain a lot of water, so it is necessary to treat them to avoid the creation of mold and that of botulin. To do this you will have to put the cillies with salt for a minimum of 3 days, here is the procedure:

  1. Remove the stalk and cut the fruit in half.
  2. Place the spicy peppers on a base with kitchen paper and sprinkle with abundant salt.
  3. Change the paper towels often once or twice a day from 3 to 10 days depending on the chilies and temperature in your room.
  4. Insert the peppers inside a jar or bottle (sanitized) and cover with the double amount of oil.
  5. Let it rest in a cool, dry and dark place for at least a day.

Conservation: The spicy oil produced with this method should be consumed within 2, maximum 3 weeks. Storage times can be slightly increased if the oil is filtered immediately after preparation and the chilies are removed.

You can use any fresh chilies

Buon Appetito!

Video Chilli Oil Recipe

Best Italian Chilli Oil (Peperoncino) Spicy Chili in Extra Virgin Olive Oil – Easy recipe from Italy | Experience BellaVita (2024)

FAQs

Do Italians use chilli oil? ›

In Italy and in many recipes, whole and/or crushed hot peppers are simply combined with extra-virgin olive oil and then left to sit together for a few weeks until the oil has become thoroughly infused with the heat of the peppers.

Which chilli is best for chilli oil? ›

You'll notice a substantial difference between chilli oils made with Italian chilli flakes and Sichuan. The deep red colour synonymous with chilli oil is only achievable by using Sichuan chilli flakes. To achieve this colour with any other chilli flake you need to add in chilli powder.

Is pepperoncini oil spicy? ›

Peperoncini Sott'olio

Once infused with the flavor of the peppers, this earthy, spicy oil can also be used to add flavor to any dish, so don't throw it away. Italian For Spicy Is Piccante.

How do you use spicy chili oil? ›

Chili oil adds a hint of spice without it being too fiery. Use it as a condiment to dip in, drizzle it over your salads, pair it with some red meats, infuse it into your pasta dishes, or best of all, pair it with veggies to make eating them that much more exciting.

What kind of oil do Italian restaurants use? ›

Olive oil in Italian cuisine

Whether used for frying (like in this aubergine parmigiana recipe), braising (as in this artichoke tagliatelle) or sauce-making (like a classic Italian pesto), olive oil is a cornerstone of Italian cooking.

What is the strongest chilli oil? ›

Carolina Reaper Chilli Oil is made from top quality Extra Virgin Olive Oil and the hottest chilli in the world, the Carolina Reaper.

What kind of oil is used for hot chili oil? ›

Neutral oil works best so it doesn't overpower the spices and seasonings. I used vegetable oil for mine but you're free to use other neutral oil like avocado and canola. Using oils with strong aroma like olive oil can overpower the seasonings so your chili oil could have a strong olive oil taste if you use that.

What does chilli oil do to your body? ›

It has improved heart health: Chilli oil contains capsaicin, a compound that has been shown to reduce inflammation and improve blood circulation. This can help protect against heart disease, stroke, and other cardiovascular problems. Weight loss: Chilli oil can boost metabolism and help burn calories.

Is grapeseed oil good for chili oil? ›

To begin with, the oil you choose makes a difference. In most cases, a neutral-flavored oil is best. This means absolutely no animal fats or fish oils. Instead, choose something like a peanut, soybean, or grapeseed oil.

What kind of chili is a pepperoncini? ›

Pepperoncini are a type of yellow-green chili pepper with a mildly spicy, tangy flavor. They are often sold pickled, which imparts more of a sour flavor profile. Pepperoncini are also known as sweet Italian peppers, golden Greek peppers or friggitello in Italy.

How spicy is a peperoncino? ›

Rated between 15,000 & 30,000 on the Scoville scale, these minced chili peppers, preserved in sunflower oil and salt, are delightful. The real taste of Calabria like no others.

Which is spicier jalapeno or pepperoncini? ›

Are pepperoncini spicy? Pepperoncini are a very mild pepper, but they still do have a bit of a kick to them. On the infamous Scoville scale, pepperoncini rate anywhere from 100 to 500 scoville. Compared to a jalapeño, which clocks in anywhere from 2,500 to 8,000 scoville, the pepperoncini is a walk in the park.

Does spicy chili oil need to be refrigerated? ›

A: No. It does not need to be refrigerated.

What pairs well with chili oil? ›

However you choose to use it, this is one condiment that will never get relegated to the back of the fridge.
  • Dumplings. When it comes to dumplings, most of the flavour is nestled inside the wrapper, whether it's filled with meat, veg or a combination of both. ...
  • Fried eggs. ...
  • Noodles. ...
  • Rice. ...
  • Smashed cucumbers. ...
  • Tofu. ...
  • Pizza. ...
  • Salad.
Jul 27, 2021

What's the difference between chili sauce and chili oil? ›

Hot sauce can make soup unpleasantly astringent, or mask the flavor of delicate dishes in a cloying way. Chili oil, on the other hand, infuses its oil base with dry ingredients, which lend their spice and aromatics without the aid of harsh preservatives.

What is the most used cooking oil in Italy? ›

Olive oil has a relatively low smoking temperature compared to corn oil or peanut. Extra-virgin olive oil is even lower. In Italian cooking, extra virgin olive oil is commonly used as the primary vegetable oil.

What countries use chili oil? ›

Varieties and regional use
  • China.
  • Japan.
  • Italy.
  • Mexico.
  • Portugal.
  • Turkey.

What oils do Italians use? ›

One of the best-loved Italian delicacies, extra virgin olive oil enjoys a very long tradition and unique qualities.

What culture is chili oil from? ›

THE HISTORY OF CHILI OIL

The origins of Chinese chili oil date back to the Ming Dynasty, when chili was first brought over from Latin America. At first, the concept of soaking hot chilis in neutral oils was used for mere function — the most efficient way to preserve out-of-season chilis.

References

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Duncan Muller

Last Updated:

Views: 6242

Rating: 4.9 / 5 (59 voted)

Reviews: 82% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Duncan Muller

Birthday: 1997-01-13

Address: Apt. 505 914 Phillip Crossroad, O'Konborough, NV 62411

Phone: +8555305800947

Job: Construction Agent

Hobby: Shopping, Table tennis, Snowboarding, Rafting, Motor sports, Homebrewing, Taxidermy

Introduction: My name is Duncan Muller, I am a enchanting, good, gentle, modern, tasty, nice, elegant person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.