HOT PEPPER FLAKES RECIPES

Steps:

• Cut the green tops off all the peppers. Discard tops and set peppers aside.
• Slightly smash each clove of garlic just enough that the paper loosens; remove the paper and discard it.
• In a medium, non-reactive (i.e. stainless steel, ceramic, or glass) pot, add the prepared peppers and garlic cloves. Pour in the vinegar and lime juice then add the salt, paprika, and bay leaf. Stir together to mix in the salt and paprika.
• Bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and allow to simmer for 20 to 30 minutes or until the peppers are soft.
• Remove from the heat and add to a food processor or heat safe blender (no need to remove bay leaf). Pulse until smooth and liquidy (be CAREFUL--it is HOT), adding more vinegar if necessary to make it more liquid.
• Smoosh through a fine mesh sieve into a bowl and discard any seeds and large chunks left in the sieve.
• Refrigerate in an airtight container for at least one week prior to using.

Steps:

• Heat the oven to 220C/200C fan/gas 7. Cut the potatoes into chunky chips or wedges. Tip into a pan, top up with cold water and bring to a boil. As soon as you see bubbles, simmer gently for 5 mins. Drain carefully and leave to steam dry.
• Meanwhile, heat 4 tbsp of the oil in a shallow-lipped baking tray in the top of the oven. Transfer the parboiled chips to the tray, carefully coat in the hot oil and cook for 20-25 mins until golden and crisp, turning halfway through.
• While the chips are cooking, toast the peppercorns in a wok or large frying pan for a few mins, then transfer to a pestle and mortar and crush. Heat the remaining in the pan and stir-fry the onion, peppers, garlic and chilli for 5-8 mins over a medium-high heat until the onions and garlic turn golden brown. Remove from the heat and set aside.
• Mix the Chinese five-spice powder, sugar, salt, chilli flakes and ground peppercorns together. Tip the cooked chips into the pan with the veg and return to a medium heat. Toss to combine. Sprinkle in the salt and pepper mixture and the spring onions. Toss everything together for 1-2 mins until evenly coated, then serve straight away with another pinch of sea salt, if you like.