If you’re a fan of spicy food, Aug. 19 is the day for you because it’s National Hot and Spicy Food Day! Spicy food is not only delicious, but it could also have health benefits. Harvard Medical School found that people who regularly eat chile peppers appear to lower their risk of dying from heart disease.
Even if you can’t stand the heat, you don’t have to get out of the kitchen. You can be adventurous and try food that’s a little hotter-than-usual. Here are some recipes from Island Scene magazine and islandscene.com for you to make today.
coconut curry chicken soup
While the red curry paste is spicier than yellow and green curry, this chicken soup won’t scorch your soul. The coconut milk balances the spiciness, creating a satisfying depth of flavor. This recipe was one of three soups featured in the winter 2021 issue of Island Scene.
hoisin-glazed corn on the cob
Sriracha on corn? The answer is “yes!” if you want to level up your corn-on-the-cob game. While this recipe from the fall 2020 issue of Island Scene calls for grilling the corn, you can also cook it in the oven or on the stove.
masoor dal with vegetables
This popular Indian dish gets its spice from red chile peppers. Not only is it nice and spicy, it’s vegan, too! Serve with naan (oven-baked flatbread) to make it a complete meal!
napa cabbage kimchi
If you think all kimchi is the same, you’ll be surprised to learn that there are hundreds of types of kimchi in the world. This spicy, fermented food can be made from cucumber, daikon (Japanese radish), green onions, mustard leaves, and more. Kimchi is not only delicious, but it may have health benefits, like aiding digestion, strengthening your immune system, and slowing the aging process. Here’s a recipe for napa cabbage kimchi that certainly packs a punch.
oven-broiled shishito peppers
Did you know that one in 10 shishito peppers is spicy, while the rest are mild? We have an easy, oven-broiled recipe that will have you eating one pepper after another, knowing that the next pepper could be the one to burn your mouth.
Plus, check out a video of a few brave members of Team HMSA testing their luck during the Shishito Pepper Challenge.:
peppery swiss chard
Swiss chard seems like kale’s less popular cousin. However, this leafy green is high in antioxidants. With Thai green chile paste and optional jalapeno and serrano chiles, you can make this delicious side dish eye-wateringly spicy if you’d like.
spicy and sweet pork chops
This delectable recipe is high in protein and full of flavor. If you’re trying to incorporate more protein in your diet, check out the other recipes in Protein Power, which were featured in Island Scene.
spicy pickled onions
Here’s an easy recipe for delicious pickled onions that requires no cooking. It’s the perfect refreshing side dish for any meal.Make it as spicy as you’d like!
spicy soy-glazed edamame
If you’ve ever eaten a soybean appetizer at a restaurant or izakaya (Japanese-style tavern), you know how addicting they can be. Enjoy this version that’s packed with spice.
spicy sweet miso dressing
You can use this versatile dressing on salads, as a marinade, or as a dipping sauce. The original recipe paired it with a refreshing soba tofu spinach salad.
vegetarian kimchi stew
This comforting staple of Korean cuisine, known as kimchi soondubu jjigae, is a simple, spicy stew with a shiitake mushroom broth, filled with kimchi, onions, and tofu.
While you’re in the kitchen ...
Be sure to check out our exciting new e-cookbook! Discover 10 quick and easy weeknight dinners, complete with photos and step-by-step instructions to help make cooking a breeze.
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