Chili Pepper Olive Oil

Looking for a few last minute Christmas gifts? Does your recipient like to eat or cook? (Who doesn't like to eat!)  If so, here is an idea that is quick, easy and sure to please!

I did a lot of reading online before attempting this and have used a number of techniques from all over to make this spicy and attractive oil.Start with a glass bottle of oil...I used olive, but you can use pretty much any cooking oil you like, just not extra virgin olive oil as the heat and chili will destroy subtle flavours. Might as well save your cash in this case and get regular olive oil.

Chili Pepper Olive Oil

Next, pour the oil into a heavy pot and place this over medium heat. Heat oil until a thermometer inserted in oil reads between 300-350 degrees. I have 1500ml oil in the pot (three 500ml bottles – two to give away and one to keep!)


Next, add ¾ cup dried chili pepper flakes (this is for 3, 500lm bottles, adjust accordingly). Immediately remove pot from the heat and cover. Do not put your face directly over the pot! Don't inhale the fumes! Remember, pepper spray is made from this stuff!


Don't worry if the chili's turn a bit black, all will be well!


If you live in a cool climate you can do like I did and set the pot outside to cool.

While the oil is cooling rig up your strainer. Place a mesh strainer over the top over a large bowl or measuring cup. This will be the 1st strain. The oil will need to be strained twice.


Once cool, scoop the oil into the strainer and allow it to drain into the bowl, dumping out the chili's as they accumulate in the strainer. These chili's can be discarded.


Once all the oil is strained, pour it back in the pot and set up the strainer again, this time placing a coffee filter in the strainer. Scoop the oil into the strainer just as before allowing oil to slowly drain through the coffee filter and removing all the tiny particles. This process will take longer as the oil will move more slowly through the filter.


While the oil is straining, prep your bottles. You can either use the same bottles the oil came in or choose a decorative one! I used the same glass bottles the oil came in, and for ease of refilling I removed the plastic pour spout.


I dropped a small handful of whole dried chili's in each bottle. Do not use fresh chili's as a substitute, they will quickly mould.



Once oil is finished straining pour into bottles! Add your own labels if you like! Your oil is ready to give as a gift or keep for yourself!



***Many websites suggest using the oil within 10 days or refrigerating the oil, I have kept the oil at room temp for several weeks without issue in the past but do whatever makes you more comfortable!