About the Dish Smashed Chilies

Smashed Chilies is a traditional dish from the Hunan region with a history of several hundred years. In ancient times, Emperor Shennong used a mortar to grind medicinal herbs, and later, the people of Hunan used the mortar to grind chili peppers. This dish is not only a culinary delight but also a form of intangible cultural heritage. The main ingredients of Lei Chili are fresh chili peppers, which are stir-fried and then crushed with minced garlic, salt, and light soy sauce in a large mortar. The skin and stems are removed, and the full aroma and spiciness of the peppers are ground out. The flavor is spicy but not harsh on the stomach, with a slightly charred fragrance and a soft, fresh, and chewy texture.