Ingredients:
– 2-3 dried chili peppers (such as ancho, guajillo, or chipotle)
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– ½ teaspoon cumin powder
– ½ teaspoon paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Begin by selecting your chili peppers. Dried chili peppers can be found at most grocery stores or specialty markets. Ancho, guajillo, or chipotle peppers are popular choices for making chili cream. Each type of chili pepper will have its own unique flavor profile and level of heat, so choose according to your preference.
2. Heat a skillet or frying pan over medium heat. Gently toast the dried chili peppers in the dry pan, flipping them occasionally, until they become fragrant and slightly darkened in color. This process helps to release their flavors. Be careful not to burn them as it can give a bitter taste.
3. Remove the toasted chili peppers from the pan and let them cool. Once cooled, remove the stems and seeds. The seeds tend to add extra heat, so if you prefer a milder chili cream, make sure to remove most of them.
4. In a blender or food processor, combine the toasted chili peppers, minced garlic, cumin powder, paprika, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Blend until you have a smooth paste.
5. In a saucepan, heat the heavy cream over low to medium heat. Slowly add the chili paste to the cream, stirring constantly. Be cautious while adding the paste as it can splatter due to the heat. Continue to stir until the chili cream is well incorporated and heated through.
6. Taste the chili cream and adjust the seasonings according to your preferences. Add more salt, pepper, or chili paste if desired. Remember that the cream will mellow out the spiciness of the chili paste, so it’s best to err on the side of caution with any additional heat.
7. Remove the chili cream from heat and let it cool for a few minutes before transferring it to a jar or airtight container. Once cooled completely, refrigerate for at least an hour to allow the flavors to meld and intensify.
8. Serve your homemade chili cream as a condiment or sauce with your favorite dishes. It pairs excellently with tacos, burritos, grilled meats, roasted veggies, or drizzled over scrambled eggs.
Homemade chili cream can bring a delightful kick to your meals, taking them to a whole new level. By following these simple steps, you’ll have a velvety, spicy, and flavorful cream that can elevate even the simplest dishes. So why not add some heat and zing to your culinary adventures with homemade chili cream?