Espelette Recipes
These chilis are one of our favorites - infused with the bright and sweet flavors of sun in the southwest of France. It’s one of the best chilies you can keep in your spice pantry because of it’s high quality and versatility.
The Espelette chili, named after the village of Espelette in the Basque region of France where it is grown, is a precious, hand picked, sun-dried dried gem. The hand cultivated pepper is judged by strict guidelines in order to achieve the AOC designation (Appellation d’origine contrôlée) to protect the branding and quality. Only harvested from late summer to fall, the annual harvest festival in Espelette is a picturesque scene of old world streets and colorful buildings festooned with garlands of chilis drying in the sun.
Harvesting opens mid august to the first frost later in the year.
Check out our favorite recipes using Espelette below!
Chili Oil with Lemon and Garlic
This easy chili oil is great for drizzling on pasta, fried eggs, or broiling fish. Espelette gives it a bright, peppery, sunny flavor that pairs beautifully with lemon. Make this oil by simply steeping overnight to anoint your favorite dishes for the week.
Corn Cake with Shrimp
At the height of corn season, these pancake style corn cakes are great with the sauce or topped with shrimp as a great appetizer to share or main course.
Crispy Cauliflower, Capers & Almonds
This addicting vegetable dish will have you asking why you haven't tried frying cauliflower before. Topped with crispy capers makes it even better.
Swiss Chard with Ricotta
Spiced, sautéed Swiss chard with and preserved lemons with fresh, creamy ricotta makes for a delicious appetizer served alongside crusty bread or pita.
Lemon Garlic Roasted Cauliflower
Simply prepared vegetables heightens the flavor and lets the produce truly shine.
Stuffed Shells with Creamy Pumpkin Sauce
Espelette is the perfect spice to pair with a creamy, slightly sweet sauce like pumpkin because its adds a nice dimension and a touch of heat.
