Sichuan pepper is usually sold in the form of dry brown-red open or semi-opened boxes with black seeds. As a rule, shells are used in cooking. It has a special taste with citrus notes and a chilly aroma. Consider in more detail the features of seasoning, its benefits and some interesting recipes.
What is the secret of the original taste of Sichuan pepper?
Buying seasoning, you can not worry about the fact that most of the shells are open. Since it is in them, as was noted, that an unforgettable taste is contained. Small bitter pepper seeds are no different from ordinary black.
The seasoning shells contain a very rare substance that increases the sensitivity of the nerve endings of the tongue to temperature and touch. After its use, taste buds begin to work intensively . The result is a sensation close to true cognitive dissonance.
Sichuan pepper. Application
How to use seasoning so that the aroma and taste are fully revealed? There are several simple tricks.
Firstly, it is recommended to fry it without adding oil on low heat before using grain and shell. After that, immediately crush the Sichuan pepper. The photo contains an image of the structure that should be the result. Shells should remain almost intact.
Secondly, it is better to add seasoning to soups and liquid dishes ten to fifteen minutes before being ready. Thanks to this method, pepper can give all its aroma and taste to the broth.
Thirdly, it is not recommended to apply this seasoning separately. She works better in the complex. It is recommended to add to it other peppers, fragrant herbs, star anise or ginger.
Fourthly, if meat or fish is being prepared, then it is necessary to make a mixture. To do this, mix the fried pepper with salt. Next, the semi-finished product is rubbed and cooked.
That's all the secrets.
What can replace this seasoning?
Not every housewife has Sichuan pepper on a shelf in the kitchen . How to replace this seasoning and can it be done without loss of taste? There are several recommendations regarding this.
Firstly, this seasoning is often replaced with white pepper. However, the result is slightly different. The fact is that white pepper has a similar aroma, but there is no specific cold taste. Therefore, the dishes are slightly different.
Secondly, a relative substitute for this seasoning is a mixture of black and allspice. But, of course, the taste and aroma will not be completely identical.
Thirdly, it is recommended to use ordinary black pepper. But keep in mind that Sichuan is not so sharp, it is more spicy. Therefore, the taste of the final dish will be slightly different.
Sichuan pepper. Beneficial features
This original condiment is very healthy.
Firstly, its composition improves digestion. Substances that are in pepper can increase the production of special enzymes, which, in turn, will improve the activity of the digestive tract. In addition, this spice is a carminative.
Secondly, pepper reduces pressure. Thanks to its reception, blood vessels expand, blood circulation normalizes and blood pressure decreases.
Thirdly, this spice has anti-aging properties. Naturally, it is not recommended to use it in domestic conditions. But cosmetic firms use an extract that comes from peppers. Studies have shown the presence of short-term and long-term anti-aging effect.
Pepper contains a significant amount of antioxidants, due to which free radicals are destroyed. This stops negative oxidative processes in the cells.
Fourth, seasoning has anti-inflammatory properties. Pepper can be used as an additional tool in the treatment of arthritis and inflammatory diseases.
Fifth, if you take this seasoning in small quantities, then it has a diuretic effect. The mechanism of its action is simple: pepper removes excess water from the body due to the fact that a person often goes to the toilet. As a result of fluid loss, a process of weight loss occurs.
Sixth, Japanese pepper anesthetizes. It contains a unique compound that is very active. It is able to excite nerve fibers that send specific signals to the brain. As a result, taste buds in the mouth are excited, which feel like numbness. This property of pepper is actively used in medical practice, mainly to combat chronic pain.
Seventh, in the latest research on the fight against cancer, it is proved that the substances contained in this pepper will help create a cure for such a terrible disease as oncology. This is due to the fact that they are able to stop the growth of abnormal cells, without affecting the activity of healthy, normal. Such a treatment is optimal for cancer of the pancreas and mammary glands, as well as the prostate. Therefore, it is recommended to use this seasoning in food as often as possible.
We offer several interesting recipes, which include Sichuan pepper. Culinary sketches can be different, but the result is very interesting.
Grilled Appetizing Wings
Sichuan pepper must be ground and mixed with sea salt. Next, grate the chicken wings, grease them with ketchup and mustard. Leave the meat to marinate for several hours. Bake the wings on the grill, constantly stirring. Serve with ketchup and fresh vegetables.
Meat "Juicy" with seasonings
Sichuan pepper must be ground in a mortar with dried onions, a slice of ginger, sea salt and star anise. You can add your favorite seasonings. Stir the sprinkle, pour it onto the table and carefully roll the tenderloin in it. Fry the meat from different sides very carefully so that the seasonings are browned. Put it in a foil envelope. Bake in a preheated oven.
Before serving, fry vegetables in a saucepan. Mushrooms, spinach and red hot peppers can be an ideal side dish.
Spaghetti with Meat Chips
First you need to prepare seasonings. Grind Sichuan pepper with aromatic herbs and add salt. Cut the beef tenderloin into thin strips, roll in seasonings and fry. Boil spaghetti, drain and mix with olive oil. Put the pasta in the meat pan and mix.
Spaghetti is recommended to make a fragrant sauce. To do this, chop hot pepper finely , mix it with soy sauce and mustard. Next, put the spaghetti on a plate, sprinkle with fresh basil leaves, parsley and celery slices, pour over the sauce.
Quick Meat
Cut the beef tenderloin into medium strips. Sichuan pepper mixed with salt, favorite seasonings and meat. Preheat a deep stewpan, pre-poured olive oil. Fry the meat for ten to fifteen minutes. At this time, chop the green and red bell peppers into strips. We spread it in a saucepan and fry for several minutes. Bell pepper should remain crispy.
Serving the dish is recommended warm. You can sprinkle with ground pepper and seasonings.