What is Calabrian Chile Paste?
Everyone has a few ingredients in the pantry that they turn back to time and time again. There are some spices, herbs, and oil you love so much that you find yourself rushing to the store to replace them the second they run out. For the chefs at Blue Apron, Calabrian chile paste is one of those ingredients.
Calabria is a region in the southwest of Italy, located on the toe of the proverbial boot. The dry warm climate makes it ideal for hot pepper growing. Calabrian peppers are known for their ripe fruity flavor, in addition to fiery spice.
Calabrian chile paste is made by crushing dried peppers with olive oil. Some chile pastes can include eggplants or other vegetables, but our favorite version is all about bright pepper and zippy spice. If you’re more interested in the flavor than the hot kick, feel free to adjust your recipe. Using less will add a peppery complexity without making your eyes water.
How to Use Calabrian Chile Paste
Once you have your jar in hand, there are plenty of options. When cooking, Calabrian chile paste introduces a savory richness and spice to everything from pasta to eggs. We love to use it in recipes inspired by its Mediterranean heritage. Here are some of our favorite ways to use it.
Hand-Cut Pappardelle with Chile-Tomato Sauce & Kale
Summer Vegetable Gnocchi with Creamy Chile Sauce
Broccoli & Mozzarella Pizza with Chile Ricotta
Calabrian Chile Shrimp & Chickpea Stew with Couscous
Want to try for yourself? Sign up for a meal using Calabrian chile paste designed by Chef Amada Freitag.
Ready for dessert? Try this summery lemon cake.
