Pickled Chillies: Simple and Tasty Recipe

The chillies are one of the most popular in Brazil, known for their mildly spicy flavor and distinctive aroma. An excellent way to preserve them longer and enhance their flavor is by preparing a homemade pickle.

Today, we will teach you an irresistible recipe for pickled chillies with garlic and olive oil, perfect to accompany a variety of dishes.

Pickled Chillies Go With Everything

Ingredients:

To make the pickled chillies, you will need:

300g of fresh chillies;
4 garlic cloves, sliced;
250ml of extra virgin olive oil;
A pinch of salt;
1 bay leaf (optional);
1 sterilized glass jar.

Method:

Step 1: Preparing the Chillies

Wash the chillies thoroughly under running water.
With a sharp knife, slice them thinly. If you prefer a milder pickle, remove the seeds.
Set aside the sliced chillies.

Step 2: Preparing the Jar

Wash the glass jar well with hot water and mild soap.
To sterilize it, boil it in water for about 10 minutes.
Dry it thoroughly before adding the ingredients.

Step 3: Assembling the Pickle

In the sterilized jar, place alternating layers of chillies and sliced garlic.
Add the salt and the bay leaf, if desired.
Fill the jar with extra virgin olive oil, completely covering the chillies.
Seal the jar tightly and gently shake to mix the ingredients.

Step 4: Storage and Resting Time

Let the pickle rest for a while before consuming so that the flavors intensify.
Store in a cool, dry place. Once opened, keep refrigerated.

How to Use Pickled Chillies

Now that your pickle is ready, here are some ways to use it:

As a side for meats and grilled dishes: The chillies add a spicy and flavorful touch to barbecues, roasts, and grilled meats, enhancing the natural flavors of the ingredients.
Mixed in sauces and vinaigrettes: Ideal for enriching salad dressings, meats, and even as a topping for breads and toasts.
Added to pizzas and sandwiches: A perfect option to give a special touch to artisanal pizzas and gourmet sandwiches, providing a balanced flavor between spiciness and the aroma of olive oil.
As a seasoning in pastas and risottos: A few slices of the pickle mixed into pastas or risottos create a unique gastronomic experience, adding complexity to the dish.
In marinades for fish and poultry: The flavored olive oil from the pickle can be used to marinate fish fillets and chicken, making them tastier and juicier.
As a side for cheeses and cold cuts: It pairs perfectly with charcuterie boards, cured cheeses, and cold cuts, adding a slight heat and intensity to the ensemble.

Variations of the Pickled Chillies Recipe

If you want to try new versions of this delicious pickle, here are some variations that can bring unique and distinctive flavors:

1. Pickle with Aromatic Herbs 🌿

Add herbs such as rosemary, thyme, oregano, or bay for a more sophisticated aroma. These herbs blend very well with the spicy flavor of the chillies and make the pickle even more special.

2. Pickle with Mixed Chillies 🔥

Combine different types of chillies, such as biquinho, jalapeño, malagueta, or aromatic chilli, to create a pickle with a more complex and balanced flavor. This allows you to adjust the heat level to your taste.

3. Pickle with Sicilian Lemon 🍋

If you desire a citrus touch, add thin slices of Sicilian lemon to the jar before adding the olive oil. The lemon helps balance the spiciness and gives a surprisingly fresh note to the pickle.

4. Pickle with Vinegar and Olive Oil 🫙

For a more acidic flavor, replace part of the olive oil with apple cider vinegar or rice vinegar. This creates a more intense pickling effect and adds a different twist to your culinary creations.

5. Pickle with Honey and Mustard 🍯

If you enjoy a contrast between sweet and spicy, try adding a teaspoon of honey and a bit of mustard seeds. This variation delivers an intriguing sweet and tangy flavor, perfect for accompanying cheeses and grilled meats.

6. Smoked Pickle 🌬️

For a smoky touch, add a pinch of smoked paprika or use chillies that have undergone a light smoking process. This version is perfect for those who appreciate intense and distinctive flavors.

7. Pickle with Garlic and Red Onion 🧄🧅

In addition to garlic, you can add sliced red onion to the pickle. This adds a slight sweetness and complexity to the flavor, creating an interesting balance between heat and sweetness.

8. Fermented Chili Pickle 🦠

If you prefer a fermented version, simply let the chillies sit covered in a brine (water and salt) for a few days before adding the olive oil. This produces a more intense flavor and provides the benefits of natural probiotics.

Each of these variations adds a special touch to your pickled chillies. Choose the one that best suits your palate and experiment with new combinations! 🌶️😋

Tips for a Perfect Pickled Chillies

Choose fresh and unbruised chillies
The quality of the chillies directly influences the flavor and shelf life of the pickle. Fresh chillies ensure a more pronounced taste and vibrant appearance, as well as prevent the pickle from spoiling quickly.
Sterilize the jars well before use
Sterilizing the jars is essential to avoid contamination by fungi and bacteria. To do this, wash the jars with hot water and soap, then boil them for a few minutes. This helps keep the pickle safe for a longer period.
Adjust the amount of garlic and olive oil to your taste
If you desire a more intense flavor, you can increase the amount of garlic in the recipe. Additionally, the olive oil can be combined with aromatic herbs such as rosemary and thyme, providing a special touch to the pickle.
Press the layers of chillies in the jar
When assembling the pickle, lightly press the chillies into the jar to ensure they are completely submerged in the olive oil. This prevents exposure to air, which can compromise the pickle’s shelf life and safety.
Store properly

Keep the pickle in a cool, dry place before opening. Once opened, store it in the refrigerator to maintain its quality and prevent the ingredients from deteriorating.

FAQ – Pickled Chillies

How long do the pickled chillies last?

If stored correctly in a cool, dry place, the pickle can last from 3 to 6 months. Once opened, it should be consumed within 1 month and kept refrigerated.

Do the pickled chillies become very spicy?

It depends on the amount of seeds you leave in. For a milder flavor, remove the seeds before preparing the pickle.

Can I add other herbs and spices?

Yes, herbs like rosemary, thyme, and oregano pair very well and can add a special touch to the pickle.

Can the olive oil from the pickle be used as a seasoning?

Yes! It absorbs the flavor of the chillies and becomes delicious for seasoning salads, grilled dishes, and pastas.

Now that you have learned this delicious pickled chillies recipe, why not prepare your own and try it in your favorite dishes? Enjoy this explosion of flavor and share it with those who love a spicy touch in their cooking!

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I hope you enjoyed it. Pickled Chillies

With love

Nate

Pickled Chillies: Simple and Tasty Recipe