Shishito Peppers With Shichimi Togarashi Food

SAUTEED SHISHITO PEPPERS

Steps:

• Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large (12-inch) saute pan over medium to medium-high heat. When the oil is hot, add the whole peppers in one layer and sprinkle them with 1 teaspoon kosher salt and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper. Cook for 4 to 6 minutes, tossing often until blistered and browned. Off the heat, squeeze some lime juice on the peppers and sprinkle with flaked sea salt. Serve hot right from the pan or transfer to a small serving dish. Have a dish nearby for discarding the stems.

SHICHIMI TOGARASHI

Steps:

• Spread the ginger and mandarin zest in a dehydrator and dehydrate at 135°F (57°C) for 3 to 4 hours, until the ginger becomes completely dried and snaps when bent. (You can also dehydrate them in the lowest setting of your oven.) Process the ginger and mandarin zest into a spice grinder until finely ground. You should have about 2 tsp. ginger powder and 1 tsp. mandarin peel powder. (If you have more of either, save it to spice your tea.) Sift the powders through a fine-mesh strainer to remove any fibers. Transfer both to the same small bowl and set aside.
• Next, process the chiles and sansho peppercorns separately. Put the ingredient in the spice grinder and grind into a powder. Sift the powder through a fine-mesh strainer. You should have 1 Tbsp. of chile powder and ½ tsp. of sansho pepper powder. (If you have more of either, save it to spice your noodle soup.) Add both to the bowl.
• Last, put the torn pieces of nori in the spice grinder and grind for 3-4 seconds, being careful not to overprocess it (you want flakes, not powder); add it to the bowl. Add the hemp seeds, poppy seeds, toasted sesame seeds, and salt (if using). Store in a glass container with a tight-fitting lid in the pantry. Use within a couple of months for best flavor.