Matt Bray – Page 84 – PepperScale

Spicy Sweet Potato Fries

A side of sweet and spice…

It’s no secret – sweet potato fries are delicious simply plain. A little dash of salt along with that natural earthy sweetness is plenty good. But like many things sweet – they sure do pair well with fiery spices. Here we pair sweet potato fries with a little chili powder and cayenne pepper. That’s balanced with some brown sugar to level out the sweet just right. These are unforgettable fries, whether as a side for BBQ or a burger. The cayenne pepper powder is optional to the recipe, but it does provide a nice medium heat that chili powder alone won’t bring.

Chipotle Tomato Soup

by Matt Bray

Smokin’ hot tomato soup…

Just a little chipotle in adobo sauce can go a long way into fueling the fire of your traditional tomato soup. Chipotle pepper adds a delicious smoky heat, and a little extra adobo sauce provides a nice earthy undertone to the soup. For those only moderately into spicy foods, we recommend using only one chipotle, but for those with more adventurous taste buds, you could add a second for some bigger heat. Serve with crusty bread, and you have yourself a delicious and filling spicy lunch!

Ajvar Sauce

by Matt Bray

Spicy Serbian delight…

There’s quite a delightful mix of flavors in the ajvar sauce. This Serbian recipe is sweet, tangy, spicy, and smoky all wrapped into one. And don’t let the word “sauce” fool you – this is a multi-purpose relish that can serve as well as a dipper or topper as it does a traditional sauce. It’s as delicious as a pasta sauce as it is a sandwich spread or cracker dip.

The spiciness is brought to you by cayenne pepper, with a little help (and a lot of smokiness) from smoked paprika. Don’t forgo either as each does its part to make this recipe so delicious.

Chilli Pakora

by Matt Bray

A delicious spicy Indian appetizer…

Ready for pure spicy happiness? That’s chilli pakura – an Indian spicy appetizer featuring a deep fried green chili, and – in this instance – stuffed with a delicious potato stuffing. Try it as either a starter or simply as a delicious exotic snack.

In this recipe, the spiciness comes from both the fresh chili used, as well as a decent helping of red chili powder. You can move up or down the pepper scale by being specific about the chili powder used. Opt for a mild paprika for a less spicy evening. Cayenne pepper (or a hot paprika) brings a certain pop to the dish. Or, move right up to crushed Thai pepper for some serious extra kick.

Indian Mutton Curry

by Matt Bray

A bold, hearty curry…

Not everyone has a taste for mutton, but when done right it can be a big, bold flavor. For those that don’t know, mutton is simply sheep over a year old. Lamb (sheep less than 1 year old) and mutton are equivalent to veal and beef in terms of age. Mutton is a strong flavor (lamb is much more delicate), and it can get dry when cooked poorly. But cooked smartly, it can be delicious. For instance in curry with bold savory spices, mutton’s big flavor fits perfectly.

The spiciness in this Indian mutton curry comes red chili powder and black pepper. Ginger, too, gives it some extra kick. Thai pepper works well here for the red chili powder. But if you don’t have it at hand, cayenne pepper powder works too.

The Serrano Pepper Planting Guide: A To Zing

by Matt Bray

Delicious in salsas, sauces, and salads…

Interested in growing a chili with a comparable flavor to a jalapeño, but with a little more kick? Meet the serrano pepper. It has a similar bright, grassy flavor as the jalapeño, but with a little extra spicy punch. It’s perfect for fresh salsas, homemade hot sauces, and spicy salads. Growing serrano peppers – whether in the garden or in containers – is simpler than you may think. Our serrano pepper planting guide is here to get you started.

Spicy Thai Seasoning

by Matt Bray

Thai flavor in ready-to-use form…

Love that exotic spice of Thai food? Spicy Thai seasoning packs all of that flavor in dried form, ready to use when you’re looking for that flavorful kick. You can use it as it is as a dry rub for steaks, pork, or shrimp. Or mix it with coconut milk to create a delicious spicy marinade for noodle dishes. Just a dash, too, can warm up your grilled vegetables with an exotic twist.

The heat source? Thai chili powder, if available. It’s a big heat, so use sparingly if you’re thinking to double-down on the chili powder used in this recipe. If you don’t have Thai chili powder, opt for crushed red pepper. It doesn’t carry quite the spiciness, so use a little more than you would the Thai pepper.

Anaheim Pepper Planting Guide: A To Zing

by Matt Bray

Grow a family-friendly bell pepper alternative…

Looking for a substitute for the popular bell pepper in the garden? Anaheim peppers can be just as versatile in the kitchen, with a delicious mild pop of heat. Your next step? Our Anaheim pepper planting guide to start delivering a constant flow of these delicious chilies all season long.

Garlic Pepper Seasoning

by Matt Bray

Two popular spices, plus…

Tired of always reaching for that salt and pepper to flavor up your food? Garlic pepper seasoning is a robust spice blend that’s surprisingly versatile. It matches two of the most popular spices – garlic powder and ground black pepper – but the seasoning doesn’t stop there. Paprika provides a little sizzle, brown sugar a little sweetness, and ground cumin a delicious earthy undertone. Onion powder, parsley, and salt round things out to top off the flavors.

It’s delicious as a pork or steak seasoning, but don’t stop with meat. Mix it with mashed potatoes (or sprinkle it over french fries), try it mixed with a marinara sauce for pastas, or simply sprinkle some in oil for use as a simple dipping sauce. It’s also a terrific way to spice up popcorn. It may quickly grab that space right next to your salt and pepper on your go-to spice rack.

The Pepperoncini Planting Guide: A To Zing

by Matt Bray

Pickling faves…

If you love some pickled peppers for your sandwiches or pizza, growing pepperoncini brings you one step closer to a constant flow of delicious chilies just ready for brining. Pepperoncini barely nudge the dial on the pepper scale, but that doesn’t stop them from being a chili fan favorite. Best of all, pepperoncini planting doesn’t take a ton of space. In fact, it can even be done via window box gardening. Let’s walk you through the steps.