Centuries ago, explorers from affluent countries launched expeditions in search for those much coveted spices. They travelled far and wide and stepped on unfamiliar shores just to grab a hold of those flavor boosters for their cuisines. Now, spices are available everywhere and have been the major attraction of a large number of specialty dishes. For some people, spicy meals may be too hot to handle, but for others, this burning sensation on their tongues is a perfect ingredient for a totally superb meal.
Why Spices are Good for Your Health
Capsaicin and turmeric, ingredients that give chili peppers and curries that heat, have been known to promote good circulation and protect your heart from disease-causing factors such as cholesterol and triglycerides, alleviate pain and improves flexibility in arthritis, help in weight loss, prevent chronic sinusitis and decrease chances of developing Alzheimer’s disease. A study lead by Dr. H. Phillip Koeffler, hematology and oncology doctor of Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, also found out that capsaicin inhibit growth of cancer cells by allowing them to commit “suicide”. With these given, why don’t you man up and give these fiery food and recipes a try?
Tabasco Classic Peppered Pecans
This spicy dish is a classic in Louisiana and is very easy to make. First, preheat your oven to 250°F. Meanwhile, melt the butter over medium heat in a skillet. Add some garlic, Tabasco sauce and salt and cook for a minute. When done, toss your pecans into this mixture then spread it on a baking sheet. Bake for an hour or until pecans are crispy.
Jerk Chicken
This spicy meal, originating from the Caribbean Islands, is widely popular and an ideal dish if you’re looking for food and recipes that have that ultimate, scorching spiciness factor. All you have to do is to marinate your chicken with Jamaican jerk seasoning, made of Scotch chili peppers and allspice and grill it until the chicken juices run clear.
Clams with Fiery Butter
World renowned chef and restaurateur Pier Franey brought this unrivaled spicy dish into life right after he got inspired with his Avery Island visit. In creating this dish, preheat the boiler first. Open your clams and arrange them on a baking sheet on half shells. In a separate bowl, cream your butter with chopped garlic, mustard, shallots, parsley, basil leaves, Tabasco pepper sauce, Worcestershire sauce and Dijon mustard. Spoon the mixture over the clams and put into the broiler for 1 minute. Your spicy clams are best served with French bread and wine.
Vindaloo Curry
The Portuguese are very fond of highly spiced food and recipes and have been travelling the world in seek of spices. One spicy meal they originally made is the Vindaloo Curry, which initially was cooked with wine, pork, chili peppers and garlic. When they brought this to Goa, an Indian State, the Goans created their own version by turning it into a chicken or lamb curry dish with several spices such as turmeric, coriander and cardamom.
