Hot Chilli & Lemon Paste

Directions

1. 1
   Wash chillies and remove stalks (Note: Use rubber gloves).
2. 2
   Cut chillies in half lengthways.
3. 3
   Wash and cut lemons into quarters.
4. 4
   Crush garlic and finely chop ginger.
5. 5
   Put all above ingredients into food processor and blend in batches until paste consistency is as desired, adding small amounts of oil if dry.
6. 6
   In a heavy based pan cover bottom with oil and heat to medium high, when a small amount of paste is dropped into the oil it should sizzle.
7. 7
   (Note: only cook chilli in well ventilated area as fumes are strong).
8. 8
   Add paste to hot oil, add salt and stir constantly.
9. 9
   As soon as paste turns from red to orange (about 3 - 4 mins) remove from heat, stir and allow to cool.
10. 10
    Once cool put into sterilised jars and top with oil so that there is a thin layer of oil on top of paste and refrigerate.
11. 11
    In cool weather this can be stored in a cupboard.