Matt Bray, Author at PepperScale

Spicy Parsnip Soup

Earthy, hearty, and so much more…

In terms of flavor, parsnips are one heck of a root vegetable. They’re hearty, yes, and earthy too. But the underlying flavor is what makes them so delicious in soups. They have delicious cinnamon-like undertones, like the parsnip was spiced while growing in the earth. It’s why they make such a tasty cream soup – this has “feel good” written all over it.

Crushed red pepper provides some extra punch to this creamy parsnip soup, along with a little warmth from the curry powder as well. It’s not overwhelming – in fact the spices really complement the flavor of the parsnip perfectly.

Aji Colorado Guide: Heat, Flavor, Uses

by Matt Bray

What are Aji Colorado? The aji colorado may not be the first aji pepper that comes to mind when thinking of Peruvian chilies, but there’s a lot to love here, from their strong, yet eatable heat (20,000 to 30,000 Scoville heat units) to their deliciously …

Taco Sour Cream Sauce

by Matt Bray

Perfect for tacos of most any kind…

Putting a dollop of regular sour cream on your taco will seem so plain Jane once you try this super-simple taco sour cream sauce recipe. Here, a little cayenne pepper adds some solid sizzle to the typically mild taco seasoning, though it’s a totally optional add-in.

This recipe is Tex-Mex tasty and perfect for all types of tacos, from ground beef to fish tacos, along with other Mexican and Tex-Mex dishes to boot.

Spicy Piccalilli

by Matt Bray

Perhaps the best condiment on earth…

And no, we aren’t overstating it. Spicy piccalilli is a British condiment treat. A mishmash of fruits, vegetables, chili peppers (in this case jalapeño peppers, red or green), vinegar, and tons of spices. It’s such a crazy mix, and yet it just works. It’s spicy, tangy, and bold – a vegetable chutney with total attitude.

There are many uses for piccalilli. Try it as a side with sausage or eggs. Use it as a compliment to cheeses and cured meats. Or try it as a sandwich condiment that goes way beyond your typical ketchup or mustard. Really any dish where meat or cheese is part of the mix is a perfect opportunity to break out the piccalilli.

Cumari do Para Guide: Heat, Flavor, Uses

by Matt Bray

What are Cumari do Para? The Brazilian Cumari do Para may be tiny – it sized more like a pea than a pepper – but boy this chili pepper can bite. It can run from medium-heat to extra-hot, with the potential for habanero-level heat (50,000 …

Smoky Peppers Guide: Earthy And Rustic

by Matt Bray

Like your chilies with some earthy oomph?

These are the best of the bunch. Our smoky peppers guide covers these delicious chilies, from mild to super-hot, that are just perfect for barbecue rubs, rustic marinades, and earthy salsas and hot sauces.

Note there’s a mix of dried and fresh chilies in the list below. We’ll refer to it in the synopsis, but the photos will also provide the queue to which is which.

Aji Pineapple Guide: Heat, Flavor, Uses

by Matt Bray

What are Aji Pineapple peppers? Peruvian aji peppers are well known for their flavor. Most have a delicious fruitiness that leans towards tropical, and the Aji Pineapple is no exception Its flavor is reminiscent of pineapple – fruity and sweet. That, with its very eatable …

Little Elf Pepper Guide: Heat, Flavor, Uses

by Matt Bray

What are Little Elf peppers? If you love holiday colors – festive reds, greens, and more – the Little Elf pepper will bring a lot of joy to your space. It’s among the most colorful ornamental peppers – those reds and greens are peppered with …

Big Peppers Guide: The Giants Of The Pepper Scale

by Matt Bray

For many, the bell pepper may be the biggest pepper they’ve ever seen. But there are more than a handful of peppers in the world that eclipse the bell. These big fruits are the giants of the pepper scale, yet they don’t have a level of heat that matches their frames. In fact, all the big peppers on our list are either mild or barely medium in overall spiciness, the spiciest never getting past the heat of a jalapeño pepper.

Calico Pepper Guide: Heat, Flavor, Uses

by Matt Bray

What are Calico peppers? The Calico pepper is full of beautiful fruits, there’s no doubt. Their black and red cone-like pods are reminiscent (in terms of color) the dramatically beautiful Black Pearl. But it’s the foliage that really steals the scene here. The green leaves …