What is it
A juicy chilli flake made from finely ground Halaby peppers, semi-dried, from the Syrian city of Aleppo.
Buying
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.
Storing
In an airtight container, they'll remain fresh for about a year before they begin to lose their flavour.
GETTING TO KNOW Aleppo Chilli
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.
“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.
Chaya - BrownBread Test Kitchen Development Chef