Spicy food can be a very interesting and exciting experience. Many people enjoy that strong sensation of heat and burning in the mouth, and may experience a feeling of euphoria after tasting it.
Consuming spicy foods can expand the palate and allow people to appreciate a wide variety of flavors and textures. Spicy food can add a distinctive and complex flavor to dishes and can be a key ingredient in achieving that flavor typical of many international cuisines, such as Thai, Indian, Korean, Mexican, and other cuisines.
A whole new experience
Eating spicy food can also be an exciting and fun challenge, especially when shared with family and friends. Accepting the challenge of trying different types of spicy preparations and dishes, apart from having a new gastronomic taste, can even develop a tolerance and appreciation for the spicy flavor.
In the world, there are many gastronomic cultures where spiciness is the protagonist. That is why we present below a list of the 7 most famous spicy food dishes in different parts of the world, some spicier than others, it is all a matter of knowing them, tasting them and determining where our “hot zone” of tolerance to spiciness is.
- Mexican Enchiladas are a traditional dish of Mexican cuisine, consisting of corn tortillas stuffed, rolled, and covered with a spicy red chili sauce and grated cheese. The most common fillings for enchiladas are shredded chicken, beef, pork, beans, cheese, spinach, zucchini, and mushrooms, among others. The filling is placed in the center of the corn tortilla, rolled up, and placed in a baking dish. They are taken to the oven and served with rice and beans. If you want to recreate the complete traditional dish you must include the classic Mexican-style rice garnish, which you can get at the following link: minuterice.com/recipes/mexican-rice/
- Thai red curry: it is a curry characterized by its intense red color and its spicy and aromatic flavor. It is made with red chilies, curry paste, coconut milk, herbs, and spices.
- Sichuan hot pot: a Chinese dish in which a variety of ingredients, such as meat, seafood, and vegetables, are cooked in a broth of chicken bones and Sichuan chilies. It is known for its spicy and addictive flavor.
- Korean Kimchi: this is a Korean dish made with fermented Chinese cabbage seasoned with garlic, ginger, red chili, and other seasonings. It is a common side dish in most Korean meals and is used to add a spicy, sweet, and sour flavor.
- Indian chicken vindaloo: this is an Indian curry dish originating from Goa that is made with chicken meat marinated in a mixture of spices and vinegar. It is known for its spicy and sour taste.
- Jamaican Jerk chicken: is a Jamaican dish in which chicken is marinated in a mixture of hot chilies, peppers, ginger, and other spices. It is grilled and served with rice and side dishes.
- American Buffalo wings: these are fried chicken wings covered with a spicy sauce based on red chili, butter, and vinegar. It is a popular dish in bars and fast food restaurants in the United States.
Some benefits of eating spicy food
The active components of spices, such as capsaicin, can offer certain health benefits to the body. Among them are the following:
- Improve digestion: thanks to an increase in the production of gastric juices.
- Promote weight loss: it has been shown that capsaicin can increase metabolic rate and reduce appetite, which can aid in weight loss.
- Have anti-inflammatory properties: capsaicin has anti-inflammatory properties that may help reduce inflammation in the body.
- May improve cardiovascular health: some studies suggest that capsaicin may lower cholesterol and blood pressure, which may reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.
- May improve mood: it has been shown that capsaicin can stimulate the release of endorphins, which may improve mood and reduce stress.
Eating spicy food can be an interesting and exciting experience, as long as it is done in moderation and individual sensitivities are taken into account. Inexperienced and unprepared exposure to high levels of spice will not be an enjoyable time and your relationship with hot foods may be over before it begins. As with any other food, it is important to enjoy spicy foods responsibly and in moderation.