Hot and Sour Cabbage
The Japones Chile (Capsicum Annuum) is similar in appearance to the De Arbol. Though the walls of the Japones are thicker. Dried Japones Chiles are medium hot and good with Asian dishes. On the heat scale, this chile is 5-6. Scoville heat units 15,000 to 35,000.
Suggested Use:
Japones Chiles are medium hot and frequently found in spicier Asian and Oriental dishes. Used in Thai Basil Curry dishes and Hot Peanut Sauces. Crush a few pods and add them to your next stir fry.
Ingredients:
1 (3-4 lb) Napa cabbage
2 Tbsp kosher salt
4 Tbsp sugar
8-12 dried red chiles
1/2- 1 tsp red chile oil
1 cup white vinegar
Instructions:
Peel away green leaves from napa cabbage until you reach pale yellow-tipped inside leaves. (Discard green leaves or save for another use.) Quarter cabbage lengthwise, core, then slice lengthwise into 1 1/2”-wide strips.
Transfer to a bowl, sprinkle with kosher salt, cover, and set aside to release water and until leaves are pliable and translucent, 3-4 hours.
Drain, then squeeze to release more water. Arrange half the cabbage in a bowl and sprinkle with 2 tbsp. sugar and 4-6 dried red chiles. Repeat with remaining cabbage, 2 tbsp. sugar, and 4-6 dried red chiles. Add red chile oil and white vinegar. Cover, and refrigerate for 24 hours. Serve cold.