HEALTH BENEFITS

Capsaicin, the compound in chillies, relieves pain and reduces inflammation, aiding conditions like arthritis.

Red chilies, high in Vitamin A and carotenoids, may protect the retina and support Vision.

Red and green chilies boost Immunity with Vitamin C and flavonoids that neutralize free radicals.

Capsaicin in chilies boosts metabolism, increases calorie burn, and may reduce appetite for Weight Management.

Chilies enhance Skin Health with antioxidants: Vitamin C reduces wrinkles, and Vitamin A promotes smoother skin.

Spicy chilies Improve Mood by releasing endorphins and may help alleviate mild depression symptoms.

CHILLIES RECIPES

Nasi Lemak (Coconut Rice with Spicy Sambal)

Ingredients:

For the Coconut Rice:

• 2 cups jasmine rice

• 1 cup coconut milk

• 1 cup water

• 2 pandan leaves, knotted (optional)

• 1 teaspoon salt

For the Sambal:

• 5-6 red chilies (fresh or dried, adjust to taste)

• 2 tablespoons oil

• 1 onion, finely chopped

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 tablespoon shrimp paste (belacan), toasted

• 1 tablespoon tamarind paste or juice

• 1 teaspoon sugar (or to taste)

• Salt to taste

Instructions:

Coconut Rice:

Rinse rice until the water is clear. Combine rice, coconut milk, water, pandan leaves, and salt in a rice cooker or pot. Cook until rice is fluffy. Remove pandan leaves.

Sambal:

• Soak dried chillies if using, then blend with shrimp paste and water until smooth.

• Sauté onion and garlic in oil, add chilli paste and cook until thickened. Stir in tamarind, sugar, and salt. Cook for 2-3 more minutes.

Serve:

Plate the rice with sambal, hard-boiled eggs, fried anchovies, peanuts, and cucumber slices.

Ingredients:

• 6-8 red chilies (fresh or dried, adjust to taste)

• 1 tablespoon shrimp paste (belacan), toasted

• 1-2 tablespoons lime juice

• 1 tablespoon sugar (or to taste)

• Salt to taste

• 1 small onion, roughly chopped

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• Water (as needed)

Sambal Belancan (Spicy Shrimp Paste Chili Sauce)

Instructions:

• Prepare Chilies: Soak dried chilies in hot water for 10-15 minutes if using, then drain and deseed for a milder sauce.

• Blend: Combine chilies, shrimp paste, lime juice, sugar, onion, garlic, and salt in a blender, adding water as needed for desired consistency.

• Adjust: Taste and adjust seasoning with more lime juice, sugar, or salt if needed.

• Serve: Transfer to a bowl and serve with rice, grilled meats, or as a dipping sauce.

Sichuan Spicy Chicken

Ingredients:

• 500g chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces

• 2 tablespoons soy sauce

• 1 tablespoon rice wine or sherry

• 1 tablespoon cornstarch

• Oil for frying

• 10-15 dried red chilies (adjust to taste)

• 4-5 cloves garlic, minced

• 1-inch piece ginger, sliced

• 2-3 scallions, chopped

• 1 tablespoon Sichuan peppercorns (optional)

• Salt to taste

Instructions:

• Marinate Chicken: Combine chicken, soy sauce, rice wine, and cornstarch in a bowl. Let marinate for 30 minutes.

• Fry Chicken: Heat oil in a wok over medium-high heat. Fry the marinated chicken in batches until golden and cooked, about 5-7 minutes. Drain on paper towels.

• Prepare Spicy Mixture: In the same wok, leave 1-2 tablespoons of oil. Stir-fry dried chillies and Sichuan peppercorns for 1-2 minutes. Add garlic, ginger, and scallions, stir-frying for another minute.

• Combine: Return fried chicken to the wok and toss with the spicy mixture. Season with salt and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes.

• Serve: Serve hot with steamed rice or noodles.

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