These tongue-numbingly hot peppers hail from the Calabrian region of Italy, which is located at the toe of the boot. The chile pepper although small, packs a huge punch when it comes to being spicy. The unique smokey flavor of these peppers is a result of the regions growing conditions. The peppers are left hanging until they reach full maturity, to ensure a fruitier flavor, as well as a more intense spice. While Calabrian peppers do provide a decent amount of heat, they do not overpower other flavors, making them a great choice for pasta, pizza and other Italian specialties.
What is Calabrian Chile?
Calabrian chile peppers have a truly unique taste and are primarily used in Italian cuisine, up and down the boot, to boost flavor and add heat. Although predominantly spicy, you will also get a slightly salty, smoky taste that lingers in the back of your mouth when you try them.
Where to Find and Buy Calabrian Chiles
Calabrian chile peppers can be jarred and packed in oil, and found in most Italian Delis or online. I enjoy Colavita Calabrian Hot Chili Peppers myself, but you really can’t go wrong when it comes to adding sweet heat to your favorite meals. Rao’s also just debuted a new, on-trend sauce, Calabrian Chili Marinara, which combines naturally sweet Italian cherry tomatoes with the warm heat of chiles grown in the southern Italian region of Calabria.
What is Calabrian Chile Paste?
Calabrian chile peppers are easily made into a paste by drying the peppers and crushing the dried seed with olive oil. This makes a spicy spread that can be used in all the same ways as the pepper itself. Try TuttoCalabria Crushed Calabrian Chili Pepper Paste or Amore Chili Pepper Paste.
How to Use Calabrian Chile Peppers
The Calabrian chile pepper is versatile and can be incorporated into all sorts of recipes, especially those of Italian origin. Let’s face it: If your an Italian food lover like me you’ve probably come across this unique pepper. It’s used often as a pizza topping, or mixed with shrimp and added to pasta sauces. A specialty of mine is to add chopped Calabrian peppers to my egg sandwiches; it certainly raises the bar on heat.
Best Calabrian Chile Recipes
Click through this slideshow to find recipes for this authentic Italian condiment ranging from Giada De Laurentiis’ Penne With Spicy Calabrian Shrimp and Cast Iron Spatchcock Chicken with Calabrian Chile, to Slow Cooker Italian Beef Cross Rib Roast with Calabrian Peppers. Next: 12 Classic Italian Pizza Recipes That Are Pure Happiness In Pie Form
