There’s something incredibly satisfying about turning your garden’s harvest into a homemade spice blend. Recently, we’ve decided to take a bounty of dried chilies and grind them into my own chili flakes—a perfect way to preserve the heat and flavor of summer for the colder months.
Step 1: Harvest and Dry Your Chilies Start by harvesting your chilies when they are at their peak ripeness. Once picked, let them dry in a well-ventilated space, away from direct sunlight. You can string them up or lay them out on a rack. This process could take a few weeks depending on your climate and the thickness of the chili skins.
Step 2: Grind to Perfection Once your chilies are thoroughly dried, it’s time to grind them. I used a coffee grinder for this batch. The key is to pulse the grinder, checking the texture periodically to ensure you’re achieving the perfect consistency. I prefer my chili flakes to have a mix of sizes, from powdery fine to chunky flakes. You can adjust this to your liking.
Step 3: Store and Enjoy After grinding, store your chili flakes in an airtight container to maintain freshness. I used a small glass jar for this, which not only keeps the flakes fresh but also looks great on the spice rack.
This simple process has given me a flavorful addition to my kitchen, perfect for sprinkling on pizzas, pastas, and even eggs. Plus, it’s a great way to make sure none of your garden’s produce goes to waste.
If you’re looking for a fun and rewarding way to extend the life of your garden’s chilies, I highly recommend making your own chili flakes. Not only do you get the satisfaction of using your own produce, but you also get a unique spice blend that’s tailored to your taste.
Happy cooking! 🌶️