Off the Beaten Aisle: Sambal by J.M. Hirsch in Recipes, July 7th, 2011
Rule No. 1 about spicy ingredients: You don’t need to love spicy foods to love what spicy ingredients can do for the foods you do love.
That’s because foods such as chili peppers and hot sauces can do way more than simply add mouth-searing heat. Adding just a touch will heighten the other flavors of a dish without adding noticeable spiciness.
For example, whip up your favorite mac and cheese. Now stir in just a drop or two of hot sauce. Taste. It won’t be spicy, but it will be better.
Why am I telling you this? Because I want you to try a seriously spicy ingredient and don’t want you to be scared off by the heat.
