If you’re anything like me, then you’re constantly looking for ways to spice up your meals. Lucky for you, there’s a whole world of possibilities beyond those bottles of Sriracha you’ve been aggressively using on that bland dining hall food. Here are five fire ingredients you’re going to want to stock up to fuel your obsession with spicy food.
1. Crushed Red Pepper
Crushed red pepper (aka red pepper flakes) is seriously a godsend. It’s perfect for upgrading easy meals like boxed mac and cheese, ramen and pizza. In fact, most pizza places have cute little packets of crushed red pepper that you can request with your order! But you’re going to want to pick up a jar of this stuff the next time you do groceries because it is quite possibly the greatest condiment of all time. Plus, it usually comes in a crushed red pepper shaker so you don’t have to worry about going overboard (though you probably will, anyway).
2. Chili Powder
Chili powder is like the grown-up version of crushed red pepper. It’s got a more pungent kick to it, which makes it perfect for cooking. Use it in marinades, homemade sauces and salad dressings. I like mixing a teaspoon of chili powder with some lemon juice and adding it to my guac to make it extra spicy! You can find chili powder in the condiments aisle of most grocery stores.
3. Garam Masala
Garam masala literally means ‘hot mixture of spices’ which basically makes it the overachiever of spicy condiments. Its main ingredients are ground peppercorns, cumin, cinnamon, nutmeg and chili powder, though several variations exist. The different spices create a unique spectrum of flavor that makes garam masala the perfect addition to spice rubs for meat or tofu. Use it in place of traditional taco seasoning or whisk a teaspoon of garam masala into your eggs to take breakfast to the next level. You can usually find garam masala tucked away in the ethnic foods aisle of most supermarkets or at any Indian grocery store. Or you can make your own!
4. Jalapeños
Besides being the obvious choice for the jalapeño popper and all its beautiful variations (I’m looking at you, bacon mac and cheese jalapeño poppers), these spicy green peppers are just all-around stars. Slice up some jalapeños to top pizzas and make sandwiches. Or dice them up to use in guac and salsa. You can pick up a fresh bag of jalapeños at your local grocery store, but if you’re lazy like I am, a jar of pickled jalapeños will do just fine.
5. Nando’s Peri Peri Sauce
First things first, if you’ve never heard of Nando’s Peri-Peri then you’re seriously missing out. The popular restaurant chain has its own line of South African style sauces that are perfect for poultry marinades and glazes. The creamy consistency of Peri-Peri sauce also makes it great for dipping everything from nuggets to fries to fresh veggies. Plus, it comes in varying levels of spice (Extra Extra Hot, anyone?) and different flavors like garlic or lemon herb. Look for it in the condiments aisle.
So while Sriracha has spared you the discomfort of many a tasteless meal, don’t be afraid to expand your horizons. Go ahead and spice up the spice in your life.