Slightly more charming than your average chilli flake.
A juicy chilli flake made from finely ground Halaby peppers, semi-dried, from the Syrian city of Aleppo.
You'll find Aleppo chilli flakes in large supermarkets or on our online shop. The best Aleppo chilli flakes appear semi-oily, have a burgundy colour, and smell slightly like sun-dried tomatoes.
In an airtight container, they'll remain fresh for about a year before they begin to lose their flavour.
They're made from Halaby chilli peppers: Halab being the Arabic word for Aleppo. These peppers, known for their sweet and fresh flavour, are partially dried, finely ground, and carefully cured with salt and neutral oil.
Aleppo chilli originated in historic spice markets in Syria, but most of what you’ll find today is actually from Turkey. There's a pretty fervent debate about how the Aleppo chilli produced in the two nations differ. Fear not, both variations deliver the same subtle heat and added zing that we're looking for.
When it comes to our spice rack, we really aren’t the type to play favourites. How dull it would be to limit our affections to just one. But, in all honesty, there are a few we simply cannot stay away from–Aleppo chilli being one. But if you don’t have any on hand, as a rule of thumb, use half the amount of standard chilli flakes as you would Aleppo.
When you’re putting the finishing touches on a Simple spread for a dinner party–the tofu’s braising, the aubergines are roasting, and the tunes are blaring–what would be the ideal pre-dinner cocktail to ignite the evening? Well, take those leftover Aleppo chilli flakes and use them to rim the glass of a Spicy Paloma or Margarita. Just moisten the rim of the glass with a lime wedge and dip it into a small plate filled with the flakes.
“Chef, what's your favourite way to use Aleppo chilli?”
Grab a small saucepan and heat it up over medium-high heat. Toss in some butter and let it bubble away until it's nice and frothy. Then, stir in a bit of Aleppo chili—just enough to add a nice kick. This tasty combo is perfect for drizzling over eggs, pasta, or your roasted veggies.
