Hot pepper "Harvey"

Adjika from Dried Chili Peppers.
A condiment that can be prepared all year round. Dried peppers do not lose their pungency and are easily "restored" in water. In taste and quality, this adjika is no different from seasonings made from fresh vegetables. Its uses are endless: in sauces, sandwich spreads, meatballs, soups, or simply with meat. Even last year's dried string of peppers will work!
The adjika turns out very spicy: 1/4 teaspoon is enough to add zest to a dish.

Characteristics:
Preparation: 1 day (soaking).
Cooking time: 15 minutes.
Yield: 250 ml.
Calories (per 100 g): 74 kcal (Protein: 2.5 g, Fat: 0.5 g, Carbs: 15.3 g).

Ingredients (for one 250 g jar):

• 25 dried chili peppers;
• 2 heads of garlic;
• 4 tsp coarse table salt;
• 1 tsp dried parsley;
• 1 tsp dried herbs (oregano, thyme, or Herbes de Provence);
• 1 tsp ground sweet paprika.

Preparation Method:
1. Soaking: Thoroughly wash the dried pods to remove dust. Break off the stems. Place chilies in a pot, cover with cold boiled water, and leave for 12-24 hours. The peppers should be fully rehydrated and smooth.
2. Prep peppers: Drain the peppers in a colander. Squeeze them gently, turning them upside down to drain water from the inside. Cut the pods and remove seeds (you don't need to remove all of them, just the bulk near the stalk).
Important: Wear rubber gloves! Even rehydrated chili is very aggressive to the skin.
3. Prep garlic: Separate the heads into cloves, crush them with a wide knife, and peel.
4. Blending: Cut the peppers with scissors and slice the garlic into a blender bowl (or use a meat grinder). Add salt, paprika, and dried herbs.
5. Mixing: Blend for a few minutes. Scrape the sides with a spatula and blend again. The adjika should be thick, with visible chili flakes. For a smoother paste, use an immersion blender.
6. Storage: Transfer the adjika to a dry, clean jar, packing it tightly to remove air pockets. Store in the refrigerator (keeps for several months).
Tip: Add a coffee spoon of this adjika to your morning omelet — breakfast will sparkle with new flavors!