Pickled Chillies

Ingredients:

• 400ml boiling water
• 150g chillies ( you can use a variety of chilies)
• 1 cup of either white or apple cider vinegar
• 1 tsp salt
• 1.5 tsp coconut/palm sugar or white sugar
• Clean, sterilised jar or container of your choice with lid

Method:

1. Wash the chillies and slice finely. Place them into a heatproof bowl. I typically use a mix of small green chilies and a few red Scotch Bonnets; however, you can use any combination you like

2. Pour the boiling hot water over the chillies and stir making sure that all the chillies have been well covered with the hot water. Let it steep for 10 minutes.

3. In a separate jug, add the vinegar and then add the sugar and salt. Stir the mixture continuously until the salt and sugar are completely dissolved.

4. Using a sieve, drain the hot water from the chillies, discarding the excess seeds at the bottom of the bowl.

5. Place the chillies into a sterilised jar.

6. Carefully pour the vinegar mixture over the chilies, ensuring they are fully covered

7. Allow the mixture to cool, and then store it in the fridge. I usually leave the pickled chilies overnight to fully absorb the flavors of the vinegar mix before using them.

8. Always use a clean spoon when using the pickled chilies and by doing so, they should last for a couple of months. I have kept them in the fridge for 2 – 3 months. The vinegar should remain clear while being stored; furthermore, it should stay clear when used. If it starts turning cloudy, it should be discard immediately.

Some other ideas

I love finding ways to also use the vinegar from the pickled chillies. Here are a number of ways I include them in my cooking:

• A refreshing replacement where you would normally use vinegar for a spicy kick
• Include it in your salad dressings
• Use it to make a Vietnamese or Thai inspired dipping sauce
• Add a dash into Bloody Mary cocktails

Lastly, you can add a little spice to your space without experiencing it on your palette by purchasing my chilli watercolour titled “Spicy Chilli Charms” here.

To see behind the scenes footage on my creative process follow me on Instagram here.

A minimalist printable version of this recipe is available in the link below: