Chili oil is an excellent source of many health benefits and it has been used for centuries as a therapeutic and medicinal remedy. It is extracted from the plant Salvia hispanica L and it is a powerhouse of essential vitamins, minerals, and healthy fats.
It contains high amounts of protein (approximately one gram per spoon). This helps in maintaining body weight, muscle mass, and immunity. It also strengthens the respiratory framework and aids in transporting oxygen throughout the body.
The oil is also rich in Vitamin D that protects the body from various diseases, including Alzheimer’s disease and bone weakening. It is good for the skin and hair and helps prevent psoriasis, an auto immune disease.
This is a wonderful natural anti-inflammatory ingredient that can be added to any number of dishes. It is also useful as a decongestant and expectorant.
Make Your Own Chili Oil
Creating your own homemade chili oil is easy. It starts by simmering and infusing spices in neutral oil for flavor, then pouring over chili flakes to create a savory, spicy condiment that can be used as a dressing or sauce for many of your favorite Chinese and Southeast Asian dishes.
Flavoring the oil with spices is an important step as this adds an aromatic component to the final product that can be customized to your own tastes. Whole spices like Sichuan peppercorns, star anise, cassia cinnamon stick, bay leaves, and fennel seeds work best for this step.