Spice Up Your Cooking: Finding the Perfect Chilli Companion

Oleh Anonymous October 09, 2021 Post a Comment

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Are you a fan of spicy food? There's nothing quite like that satisfying burn on your tongue, is there? But sometimes it can be a challenge to figure out what to pair with your favourite chilli dish. Fear not, because in this post we will explore some of the best chilli companions out there.

What is a Chilli Companion?

Before we dive into the specifics, let's first define what we mean by "chilli companion." A chilli companion is any food or drink that complements and enhances the flavour of a chilli dish. It could be something that helps to balance out the heat, adds a contrasting flavour, or just provides a refreshing break from the spice.

The Best Chilli Companions

1. Rice

Rice is a classic pairing for many spicy dishes, especially those from Asian cuisine. Not only does it provide a neutral base to absorb the flavours of the sauce, but it also helps to cool down the heat. Basmati rice is a great choice as it has a distinct aroma and texture that adds to the overall experience.

How to Cook Perfect Rice

To cook perfect rice, rinse it thoroughly to remove excess starch. Then, combine the rice with water in a ratio of 1:2 (one cup of rice to two cups of water). Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover. Let it simmer for 18-20 minutes, or until all the water is absorbed. Fluff with a fork before serving.

2. Yogurt

Yogurt is another great chilli companion, especially for dishes from Indian and Middle Eastern cuisine. The coolness of the yogurt helps to soothe the heat, while the tanginess provides a nice contrast to the spicy flavours. Greek yogurt is a good choice as it has a thicker, creamier texture.

How to Make Tzatziki Sauce

Tzatziki sauce is a popular dip made from yogurt, cucumbers, garlic, and herbs. To make it, combine one cup of Greek yogurt with one grated cucumber, two minced garlic cloves, and a tablespoon of chopped fresh dill. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

3. Beer

If you're looking for something alcoholic to pair with your chilli dish, beer is a great option. The carbonation helps to cut through the spice, while the bitterness of the hops can complement the flavours of the dish. A light lager or pilsner is a good choice, as they won't overpower the food.

The Best Beers for Chilli Pairing

Beer Style	Flavour Notes	Food Pairings
Indian Pale Ale (IPA)	Hoppy, bitter, citrusy	Spicy curries, Tex-Mex dishes
Belgian Witbier	Crisp, refreshing, coriander and orange peel notes	Thai and Vietnamese dishes, seafood
Mexican Lager	Light, crisp, refreshing	Tacos, enchiladas, guacamole

4. Avocado

Avocado is a great chilli companion for many reasons. Firstly, it has a smooth and creamy texture that provides a nice contrast to the heat of the dish. Secondly, it's high in healthy fats which can help to absorb some of the capsaicin (the compound that makes chillies hot) and reduce the burn.

How to Make Guacamole

Guacamole is a classic dip made from mashed avocado, onion, garlic, tomato, and lime juice. To make it, simply mash two ripe avocados with a fork and mix in half a chopped onion, two minced garlic cloves, one diced tomato, and the juice of one lime. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

5. Chocolate

Yes, you read that right - chocolate can be a great chilli companion! The richness and sweetness of the chocolate can balance out the heat of the dish and provide a nice flavour contrast. Dark chocolate is the best choice as it has a higher cocoa content and less sugar.

The Best Chocolates for Chilli Pairing

70% Dark Chocolate
Chili Pepper Infused Chocolate
Milk Chocolate with Sea Salt

In finding the perfect chilli companion can greatly enhance your dining experience. Whether it's rice, yogurt, beer, avocado, or chocolate, there are plenty of options to choose from. Experiment with different combinations and find what works best for you.

FAQs

1. What should I do if my chilli dish is too spicy?

If your chilli dish is too spicy, try adding a dairy product such as yogurt or sour cream to help cool down the heat.

2. Can I use any type of rice for my chilli dish?

While you can technically use any type of rice, basmati rice is a great choice as it has a distinct aroma and texture that adds to the overall experience.

3. What's the best beer to pair with spicy food?

A light lager or pilsner is a good choice, as they won't overpower the food. However, Indian Pale Ales (IPAs) and Belgian Witbiers can also be great choices depending on the dish.

4. Is chocolate really a good chilli companion?

Yes! The sweetness and richness of chocolate can balance out the heat of the dish and provide a nice flavour contrast. Just make sure to choose a dark chocolate with a high cocoa content.

5. What other foods can I pair with chilli dishes?

Other great chilli companions include fresh herbs like cilantro and mint, citrus fruits like lime and lemon, and pickled vegetables like jalapenos and kimchi.