Basic chili oil is an essential ingredient to have in your pantry. It is very easy to make your own and they make nice Christmas presents too.
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Optional: add some Sichuan pepper to the oil mixture, when adding in the ginger and garlic and you will have a mala chili oil and paste. Other ingredients you can mix into the flakes are: fermented black beans, raw sesame seeds, chopped peanuts, etc. In the winter I tend to make heavier seasoned oil: so next to the ginger, garlic and leek I am adding dry spices in the oil and remove that at the same time when the garlic is turning golden brown. Spices that you can consider to use are: cinnamon bark, bay leaves and star anise.