Description
This Apple Chili Crisp recipe combines the savory crunch of fried onions, garlic, and pumpkin seeds with the sweet-tart burst of freeze-dried apples and a spicy kick from red pepper flakes. Perfect as a flavorful condiment or topping, it offers a unique blend of textures and tastes in just 20 minutes.
Ingredients
Oil & Aromatics
- 1 cup neutral oil (avocado oil recommended)
- 1 small yellow onion, thinly sliced
- 3 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
Seeds & Spices
- 2 tablespoons raw pumpkin seeds
- 2 tablespoons crushed red pepper flakes
- 1 teaspoon sesame seeds
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- 2 teaspoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
Fruits
- ½ cup freeze-dried apples, roughly crushed into ¼-inch pieces
Instructions
- Cook Onions: Add the neutral oil and thinly sliced yellow onion to a small saucepan over medium-low heat. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion starts to turn golden and soft.
- Add Garlic and Pumpkin Seeds: Stir in the thinly sliced garlic and raw pumpkin seeds. Continue cooking for another 2 to 3 minutes, watching carefully so the garlic turns golden and the pumpkin seeds become crisp without burning.
- Prepare Spice Mix: Meanwhile, combine crushed red pepper flakes, sesame seeds, smoked paprika, brown sugar, and salt in a heatproof bowl. This will serve as the flavorful base for the chili oil.
- Strain Oil: Strain the hot oil from the saucepan over the prepared chili spice mixture, making sure to separate the fried onion, garlic, and pumpkin seeds. Allow both the oil mixture and crispy bits to cool completely.
- Combine Ingredients: Once cooled, stir the crispy fried onion, garlic, pumpkin seeds, and all the crushed freeze-dried apples into the chili oil mixture to evenly distribute flavors and textures.
- Store and Serve: Let the Apple Chili Crisp cool fully before transferring it into a jar. Store refrigerated and enjoy as a spicy, sweet, and crunchy condiment to elevate your meals.
Notes
- The freeze-dried apples add a unique sweetness and crunch; avoid substituting fresh apples as they will alter the texture and moisture content.
- Use neutral oils like avocado or grapeseed to ensure the chili crisp flavor isn’t overpowered.
- This condiment can be stored in an airtight jar in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
- Adjust red pepper flakes quantity to control spiciness based on personal preference.
- Great accompaniment for rice dishes, noodles, eggs, and grilled meats.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Condiment
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Fusion
