We have a selection of chilli pepper inspired recipes, to give you the perfect opportunity to turn up the heat this Valentine’s Day! Whether your cupboards are bursting with your latest chilli harvest or you’re just looking to add a little spice to your romantic evening, this menu, inspired by the ChilliChump YouTube channel, is sure to ignite your taste buds and set the mood for a night of passion and flavor.
Of course, it wouldn’t be a ChilliChump menu without a little taste of South African cuisine thrown in too!
Table of Contents
We’re kicking off with not one, but two tasty starters because we love to nibble on a selection of finger food in our house.
Starter 1: Crispy Chicken Wings with Blazing Buffalo Sauce
First up, we have ChilliChump’s favorite: Crispy Chicken Wings with Blazing Buffalo Sauce.
Crispy Chicken Wings with Blazing Buffalo Sauce
Ingredients
- 1 kg Chicken Wings
- Beef Dripping for frying
- Flour for dusting
- Salt and Pepper to taste
- Blazing Buffalo Extreme Hot Sauce as much as you like!
- Butter for the sauce
Instructions
- Start by splitting the chicken wings into the drumette and wingette, discarding the tip (or save them for a different recipe).
- Pat the wings dry and lightly dust them with flour, salt, and pepper. This helps in achieving a crispy exterior.
- Heat beef drippings in a deep fryer or a deep pan until it reaches the optimal frying temperature.
- Fry the chicken wings in batches to ensure they are not overcrowded. This step is crucial for achieving that perfect crunch.
- In a bowl, melt about a tablespoon of butter.
- Mix in your Blazing Buffalo Extreme hot sauce generously, ensuring a smooth and even blend.
- Once the chicken wings are golden and crispy, let them drain any excess oil.
- Toss the wings in the buffalo sauce mixture, ensuring they are well coated.
- Serve the wings on a platter, garnished with a sprinkle of parsley or chives.
- Accompany with celery sticks and a dip of your choice, like a blue cheese or ranch dressing.
Video
Pair this flavorful starter with a chilled beverage of your choice. The contrast of the spicy wings with a cool drink makes for a delightful start to your romantic Valentine’s Day meal.
Enjoy a cozy and spicy start to your Valentine’s Day dinner with these delectable chicken wings, showcasing the best of your culinary skills and love for chilli-infused dishes.
And, for the next 2 weeks (until 14 February 2024), you can take advantage of a Buy One Get One Free (bogof) offer on ChilliChump Blazing Buffalo Extreme Hot Sauce.
Starter 2: Prawn Pil Pil with Spicy Butter Marinade
For something from the sea, we present Mrs. ChilliChump’s favorite: Prawn Pil Pil with Spicy Butter Marinade (also known as Piri Piri Prawns 🤤).
Prawn Pil Pil with Spicy Butter Marinade
Ingredients
- 500 g Prawns shelled and deveined
- 100 g Butter melted
- 1 Medium Heat Chilli Pepper Jalapeno or similar, finely chopped
- 4 Garlic Cloves crushed or finely chopped
- 1 tsp Smoked Paprika
- 2 tsp Balsamic Vinegar
- Juice of 1 Lemon
Instructions
- In a bowl, combine the melted butter, finely chopped pepper, crushed garlic, smoked paprika, salt, balsamic vinegar, and lemon juice. Stir well to ensure all ingredients are thoroughly mixed.
- Get your prawns and place them in a large bowl or a resealable plastic bag. Pour the marinade over the prawns, ensuring they are well-coated.
- Allow the prawns to marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to 1 hour. This helps the flavors to infuse into the prawns.
- Preheat a large frying pan or skillet over medium-high heat.
- Once hot, add the marinated prawns to the pan along with the marinade.
- Cook the prawns for 2-3 minutes on each side or until they turn pink and are cooked through. Be careful not to overcook them.
- Once the prawns are cooked, transfer them to a serving dish along with the sauce from the pan.
- Garnish with some fresh parsley or cilantro and a few slices of lemon on the side.
- Prawn Pil Pil is best served hot. It can be enjoyed as an appetizer with crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
- Alternatively, it can be served as a main dish alongside a simple salad or steamed vegetables and rice or pasta.
Video
Enjoy your Prawn Pil Pil with its vibrant and spicy butter marinade – a perfect dish that balances the richness of butter with the zest of lemon and the warmth of smoked paprika and pepper. This recipe is sure to be a hit for those who love a bit of spice in their seafood!
Main Course: South African Bobotie with a Spicy Twist
Moving on to the main course, we have a traditional South African Bobotie with a twist.
South African Bobotie with a Spicy Twist
Ingredients
- 1 kg Minced Meat beef or lamb
- 2 Slices Bread
- 360 ml Whole Milk enough to soak the bread
- 3 Medium Onions finely chopped
- 5 Cloves of Garlic minced
- 2 tbsp Madras Chilli Paste to taste
- 3 tbsp Mrs Balls Chutney or any sweet pach chutney
- 20 ml Worcestershire Sauce
- 25 ml Brown Vinegar
- 1 tsp Turmeric Powder
- 2 tsp Salt
- 100 g Sultanas not raisins
- 30 g Chilli Mash from a fermentation, adjust to your spice preference
- 5 Bay Leaves
- 3 Eggs
- 40 g Butter for frying
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to a moderate temperature.
- Soak the bread slices in milk until fully absorbed. Set aside.
- In a pan, melt butter over medium heat.
- Add the onions and garlic, cooking until they are soft but not browned. This step is crucial for the right flavor profile.
- Stir in the Madras chilli paste, chutney, a dash of Worcestershire sauce, and a splash of brown vinegar.
- Sprinkle most of the turmeric, reserving a pinch for later. Mix well.
- Squeeze the milk out of the bread, mash it, and add it to the pan.
- Add the minced meat, breaking it apart and stirring until it loses its pink color. Don’t overcook, as it will cook further in the oven.
- Mix in the sultanas, a few bay leaves, and your chilli mash for extra heat.
- Reduce the heat and let the mixture simmer gently.
- In a separate bowl, beat the eggs.
- Stir in the remaining milk and a pinch of turmeric and salt.
- Transfer the meat mixture into an oval baking dish, leveling it out.
- Pour the egg mixture over the meat evenly.
- Place a couple of bay leaves on top for garnish.
- Place the baking dish in a larger dish filled with water (a makeshift bain-marie) to keep the bobotie moist.
- Bake in the preheated oven until the egg topping is set and golden.
- Let the bobotie cool slightly before serving.
- Enjoy the rich, curried, and slightly sweet flavor of this traditional South African dish with a spicy twist, perfect for a cozy dinner.
Video
This recipe has been passed down through generations and enhanced with your personal spicy touch, which is a true testament to the rich culinary heritage of South Africa and our love for heat in our dishes. Enjoy the bobotie!
If you’re looking for something a little different – why not try my Pad Thai, the full recipe is in the article linked below.
Simple and Authentic Pad Thai Recipe You Can Make at Home
Or maybe you’re after the perfect gift for your loved one who enjoys cooking up a storm in the kitchen – why not get them the Stay Spicy Recipe eBook – as it’s an eBook you don’t have to worry about lengthy delivery timescales either!
“Love this book! Love the links to your content through it also.”
Adrian Sullivan – 22nd October 2023
https://chillichump.com/product/stay-spicy-recipe-ebook/
Dessert: Koeksisters – A Sweet and Sticky End
To end the evening on a sweet note, we introduce a traditional South African dessert: Koeksisters.
Koeksisters – A Sweet and Sticky End
Ingredients
- 2 cups Cake Flour
- 0.5 tsp Salt
- 2 tbsp Baking Powder
- 1 Egg
- 0.5 cups Water
- Oil for frying
- 1 kg Sugar
- 1.5 Cinnamon Sticks
- 0.5 tsp Ground Ginger
- Juice of 1 Lemon
- 1.5 cups Water
Instructions
- To make the syrup, boil together the sugar, cinnamon sticks, ginger, lemon and water.
- To make the dough, sift the flour, baking powder and salt together.
- Rub in the butter.
- Mix with the egg and water, adding a little at a time.
- Work the dough well until it works into a ball.
- Let the dough rest at room temperature for 2-3 hours under an inverted mixing bowl.
- Roll dough about 5 mm thick and cut into strips of 6 cm x 2 cm.
- Leaving a 5 mm gap at the top, slice each strip length-ways into 3 parts and plait.
- Deep fry the plaits, drain them quickly and dip into the syrup whilst hot.
This Valentine’s Day, why not celebrate love and flavor in a truly unique way? Our chilli-infused menu, inspired by the ChilliChump YouTube channel, promises a journey that will make your evening unforgettable. From the tasty crunch of Crispy Chicken Wings to the delicate and rich Prawn Pil Pil, followed by the heart-warming and comforting South African Bobotie with a spicy twist, and ending with the sweet and delectable Koeksisters.
This menu is more than just a collection of recipes; it’s a celebration of the diverse and vibrant flavors that the wonderful chilli can bring to your table. It’s about taking traditional dishes and giving them a unique twist that adds excitement and passion to your Valentine’s Day dinner.
So, light some candles, set the table, and get ready to enjoy a meal that’s not only delicious but also a journey of culinary discovery. Let each bite be a reminder of the love and creativity that goes into cooking, and may your Valentine’s Day be as spicy and sweet as the dishes you share with your loved one. Stay spicy, and enjoy a Valentine’s Day filled with flavor, love, and unforgettable memories.