Hot, Hot, Hot!
When the New Year rolls around, the latest food trends emerge in full force. While we’re sure to see some new trends this year, one that doesn’t seem to cool off is hot and spicy food! People are seeking hotter food and eating spicy foods more often[1]. From sweet heat such as honey-chipotle or mango-habanero to nuanced heat from more subtle peppers, the level of spiciness varies, but the presence of heat can be felt throughout many meal occasions and cuisines.
The spices and seasonings we’re seeing in dishes come from all over the globe, though a few in particular are demanding the population’s attention. Some of today’s top spice flavors include[2]:
- Sriracha
- Harissa
- Peri Peri
- Korean pepper paste
- Japanese 7 Spice
- Chile De Arbol
- Serrano
- Habanero
Whether you like your tongue to be on fire or enjoy a subtle touch of heat, it’s time to dive head first into the spicy trend! Below, we’ve provided a few of our favorite recipes that bring the heat to your appetizers and all the way through dinner.
- Spicy Beef and Sausage Skillet (Pique Macho): South American beef and sausage recipe that gets its flavor from garlic, red hot pepper, onion and spices.
- Serrano Pepper Grilled Chicken: If you’re ready for one truly hot dish, try this quick and easy recipe for a weeknight dinner.
- Football Party Dip: Hot, spicy and tasty all rolled into one appetizer worthy of any party!
- Easy Sausage and Egg Breakfast Burrito: Filled with peppers, avocado, cheese and most importantly, hot and spicy sausage crumbles.
- Cheesy Sriracha Corn Dog Poppers: Perfect bites, especially for those who like a touch of heat.
- Crunchy Chorizo Cream Cheese Rolls: Sweet and savory ingredients like chili sauce, cream cheese and jalapeno make these rolls a great appetizer, lunch or dinner.
- Pozole Rojo: Traditional Mexican soup, made with pork, red chiles and veggies.
If you’re not in the mood to make a full spice-focused meal, you can also grab a convenient, already prepared frozen product that puts the heat in heat-and-eat! Try these: Luvo’s Chicken and Harissa Chickpeas, Grainful’s Jambalya and Saffron Road’s Gochujang Chicken.
[1] http://www.foodnavigator-usa.com/Suppliers2/Consumers-demanding-more-sophisticated-blends-of-hot-spice-and-flavor
[2] http://www.foodprocessing.com/articles/2015/flavor-trends-spice-heats-up-the-grocery-aisles/
