Fiery Hungarian Chili Paste
Experience the fiery flavor of traditional Hungarian cuisine with this homemade chili paste, inspired by the classic Eros Pista. This recipe retains the bold spice and vibrant color you desire, while simplifying the preparation process. Perfect for those who love a kick in their dishes, this paste can be used to enrich soups, stews, or any meal needing an extra punch. Be careful while preparing, as handling chili peppers can be volatile. Make sure to work with gloves and keep your space well-ventilated.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
2
Ingredients
Ingredients
red chili peppers
250 (washed, chopped with seeds)
salt
1 tablespoon (for canning)
Instructions
1
Put on gloves to protect your hands from the chili's spicy oils.
2
Thoroughly wash the red chili peppers and pat them dry to remove excess water.
3
Slice the peppers into smaller pieces, including the seeds for extra heat.
4
Add the chopped peppers to a food processor along with the canning salt.
5
Pulse until the mixture reaches your desired consistency; either slightly chunky or smooth.
6
Transfer the paste into a sterilized jar, sealing it tightly to preserve freshness.
7
Store the jar in a cool, dry place, and refrigerate after opening to maintain flavor and heat.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Fiery Hungarian Chili Paste?
It is a spicy, homemade condiment inspired by the classic Hungarian Eros Pista, made from red chili peppers and salt.
Is this recipe similar to Eros Pista?
Yes, it is specifically inspired by the traditional Eros Pista style used in Hungarian cuisine.
How many ingredients are in this chili paste?
This recipe is simple and only requires two main ingredients: red chili peppers and canning salt.
What type of salt should I use?
The recipe recommends using one tablespoon of canning salt for proper preservation.
Do I need to remove the pepper seeds?
No, the seeds are included in this recipe to provide extra heat and texture.
Should I wear gloves while preparing this?
Yes, it is highly recommended to wear gloves to protect your hands from the spicy oils found in chili peppers.
How do I prepare the red chili peppers?
Peppers should be thoroughly washed, patted dry, and sliced into smaller pieces before processing.
What equipment is needed for the texture?
A food processor is used to pulse the peppers and salt to your desired consistency.
Can I make the paste smooth?
Yes, you can pulse the mixture until it is smooth, or leave it slightly chunky depending on your preference.
How should the finished paste be stored?
Transfer the paste into a sterilized jar, seal it tightly, and store it in a cool, dry place.
Does the chili paste need to be refrigerated?
Yes, you should refrigerate the paste after opening to maintain its flavor and heat levels.
What can I use this chili paste for?
It is perfect for enriching soups, stews, or any meal that needs an extra punch of heat.
Is ventilation important when making this?
Yes, make sure to work in a well-ventilated space as handling and processing chili peppers can be volatile.
How many grams of peppers are needed?
The recipe calls for 250 grams of red chili peppers.
Can I use table salt instead of canning salt?
Canning salt is preferred because it lacks additives that can cloud the paste, but in a pinch, non-iodized salt is best.
Is this chili paste cooked?
No, this is a raw, salt-preserved chili paste that captures the fresh flavor of the peppers.
Is the paste very salty?
Yes, the salt is a preservative, so keep this in mind when adding the paste to your dishes.
What color is the paste?
The paste has a vibrant red color characteristic of traditional Hungarian chili condiments.
Can I use green peppers instead?
Traditional Hungarian paste uses red peppers, but green peppers would create a different flavor profile and color.
How do I ensure the paste stays fresh?
Using a sterilized jar and a tight seal is crucial for preserving the freshness of the paste.
Is this recipe vegan?
Yes, the recipe only contains plant-based ingredients and salt.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, there are no gluten-containing ingredients in this chili paste.
How long does it take to make?
The preparation is very fast once the peppers are washed and chopped, taking only a few minutes in the processor.
Can I add garlic to this recipe?
While the basic recipe is just peppers and salt, some variations include garlic, though it may change the traditional shelf life.
What should I do if I get chili oil on my skin?
Wash the area immediately with soap and water or rub with a bit of vegetable oil to help dissolve the capsaicin.
Why must the peppers be dry?
Removing excess water helps prevent spoilage and ensures the paste has the correct concentrated consistency.
Is this paste the same as Harissa?
No, Harissa usually contains oil and spices like cumin and coriander, while this is a simpler salt-preserved Hungarian paste.
Can I use this as a sandwich spread?
It is very intense and salty, so it is usually better as a component in a sandwich rather than a thick spread.
Does it contain any preservatives?
The salt acts as a natural preservative for the chili peppers.
How do I sterilize the jar?
You can sterilize the jar by boiling it in water for 10 minutes or using a high-heat dishwasher cycle.