As a lover of spicy food, I was thrilled with the abundance of peppers that grew in my garden this year. Even as far north as Sioux Falls, most of them even fully ripened to be a brilliant red color. However, I quickly realized that I couldn’t possibly use all of them in salsa and other recipes. It was time to explore other preservation methods, and after some research, I decided to make spicy pepper flakes.
The Dehydrator Dilemma
Since I didn’t own a dehydrator, I had to find a budget-friendly option that would allow me to start processing my peppers immediately. After some online research, I discovered the Nesco 7-tray stainless steel dehydrator. It had excellent reviews, was within my budget, and best of all was available in town so I could get started immediately.
Gathering the Ingredients and Tools
To make spicy pepper flakes, you’ll need a few essential tools and ingredients:
- Dehydrator: A food dehydrator is crucial for drying the peppers.
- Silicone trays or parchment paper: These are used to place the pepper strips on the dehydrator trays.
- Gloves: Wearing gloves is essential to protect your hands from the capsaicin, the compound that gives peppers their heat.
- Knife and cutting board: For slicing the peppers.
- Food processor: To grind the dried peppers into flakes.
- Spicy peppers: You can use any type of spicy pepper you have on hand, such as jalapenos, serrano peppers, or habaneros.
- Optional: You can also use the membranes and seeds from peppers that you’ve already used for other purposes, such as jalapeno poppers.
The Dehydration Process
Step 1: Prepare the peppers
Put on your gloves and cut the tops and any blemishes off of the peppers and cut lengthwise into approximately ¼-inch strips. Cut any membranes to the same size.
Step 2: Arrange on trays
Place the pepper strips on the dehydrator trays, using silicone mats or parchment paper for small bits and seeds.
Step 3: Dehydrate
Set the dehydrator to 140 degrees Fahrenheit and dehydrate for 6-10 hours, or until the peppers are fully dry. If the peppers bend when you try to break them, they still contain moisture and need to be dehydrated for longer.
Step 4: Grind in to flakes
Once the peppers are dry, transfer them to the food processor and grind until they are broken down into small flakes. Avoid grinding too finely, as a very fine powder can be inhaled and cause irritation.
Step 5: Store the flakes
Pour the pepper flakes into containers and store them in a cool, dark place. Carefully wipe out any dust from the food processor onto the container, avoiding stirring up the dust.
Safety Tips
- Wear gloves: Always wear gloves when handling spicy peppers to avoid touching the capsaicin, which can cause severe burning and irritation.
- Avoid touching your face: Do not touch your eyes or face while handling peppers, as the capsaicin can cause intense pain.
Uses for Spicy Pepper Flakes
Spicy pepper flakes can add a flavorful kick to a variety of dishes. Here are a few ideas:
- Add to sauteed vegetables: Sprinkle pepper flakes over sauteed vegetables for a spicy flavor boost.
- Enhance finished foods: Add pepper flakes to soups, chili, pizza, pasta, and other dishes.
- Create dipping sauces: Use pepper flakes to make spicy dipping sauces for chips, vegetables, or meat.
By following these steps, you can easily transform your surplus of spicy peppers into a versatile and flavorful seasoning that will enhance your meals for months to come.