Spice up your meals with a vibrant chilli recipe that’s easy to grow and delightful to savor. This paste, bashed and preserved, adds life to any dish. Cultivate them from your garden, or pick fresh chillis from the store and enjoy the flavours.
Harvesting and Preserving Spice
If you enjoy bringing the heat to your dishes, you can preserve your chillis to enjoy all year round. This recipe shows you how to make Mazavaroo, a spicy Mauritian paste to enjoy with bread or any savoury dishes.
Ingredients:
Fresh chillis (400g)
1 onion, finely chopped
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon minced ginger
1 teaspoon minced garlic
1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
2 tablespoons lemon juice
Optional Additions:
1 teaspoon cumin powder for depth of flavor
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika for a smoky undertone
Fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley for freshness
Instructions:
Step 1:
Start with harvesting fresh chillis, or buy them fresh from the store. Consider using a variety of chilli types for a complex flavor profile. Harvest chillis when they reach the desired level of heat but before turning completely red. This ensures a good balance of flavor and spice.
Step 2:
Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add finely chopped onions and sauté until translucent. Then add minced ginger, garlic, and optional cumin powder. Stir well and let the flavors meld on low heat. Meanwhile, prepare the chillis by chopping them finely.
Step 3:
Add chopped chillis to the pan and sauté until they soften and release their aroma. Next, add salt according to your preferred taste. Then lastly, squeeze lemon juice over the mixture, stirring to incorporate. This adds a citrusy brightness to the Mazavaroo.
Step 4:
Allow the mixture to cool slightly, then transfer the mixture to a blender and pulse a few times for a chunky texture or blend until smooth if you prefer a pasty consistency. Spoon the Mazavaroo into a sealable jar, then add some olive oil on top to help preserve it. Besides using it as a spread, consider adding a dollop to soups, stews, or marinades for an extra kick. Experiment with the optional additions mentioned earlier to customize the flavor profile.
And there you have it! An aromatic and spicy preserve to add to any meal and enjoy all year round.
