Getting to Know: Banhoek Chilli Oil
Founded by Ken Kinsey-Quick and Adi Meintjes, two brothers-in-law with a shared passion for chilli oil, Banhoek was born of a desire to create a consistent, high quality chilli oil they found was so lacking in their local pizzerias.
Handmade in Stellenbosch, South Africa, this award-winning chilli oil is an all-natural infusion of ethically produced rapeseed oil and gently hand crushed, sundried chillis, sourced from local farming communities. Crafted to complement, not overpower the flavours of your favourite dishes.
Keen to find out more about what exactly makes this exciting condiment so special, we caught up with the team at Banhoek to find out more.
Firstly, what makes a great chilli oil?
Like anything delicious, the key is the ingredients and the chef. In Banhoek Chilli Oil we only use the finest ingredients, our sun ripened chillies are grown in fynbos nurtured soils, famous for both rooibos tea and superb South African wines. Adi, our chef and co-founder, is a real foodie!
After trialling more than 60 different combinations, how did you know you'd struck the right balance?
Firstly, we believed it was the right balance between flavour and heat. Secondly, we got a number of fellow foodies to give it a try, and they all agreed.
Why is sourcing local ingredients so important to you?
If we didn’t think our local ingredients were up to scratch, we wouldn’t use them. One of South Africa’s biggest assets is its agriculture, especially in the unique fynbos nurtured soils of the western cape, home to the smallest yet most diverse floral kingdom in the world.
If someone was tasting your chilli oil for the first time, what would you recommend they try it with and why?
Pizza! It’s a classic. Our motto is ‘great on pizza, delicious on everything’, fry your eggs with it in the morning, spice up your next salad dressing, or use it to marinade your meat, fish, and vegetables.
Lastly, what is next for Banhoek Chilli Oil?
We are determined to become the global brand for chilli oil, and ultimately, we want to get Banhoek Chilli Oil into every home’s pantry.
Banhoek Chilli Oil and Yoghurt Dip Recipe
The perfect complement to a summer spread, discover Banhoek's recipe for using chilli oil in an interesting way
mini Guide
Banhoek Chilli Oil and Yoghurt Dip Recipe
The perfect complement to a summer spread, this delightful recipe successfully combines the cool, creamy texture of the yoghurt with the wonderfully warming flavours of the mixed spices and chilli oil, all accented with those lingering, piquant flavours of the fresh lime juice and pickle.
Ingredients
- 260g of double cream yoghurt
- 100ml of cream
- The juice of half a lime
- One pickle, finely chopped
- One tablespoon of cumin
- One tablespoon of coriander powder
- One tablespoon of smoked paprika
- 15ml of Banhoek Chilli Oil
- One tablespoon of sesame seeds
- A pinch of red chilli flakes
Method
In a bowl add the yoghurt, cream, lime juice, chopped pickle, cumin, coriander powder, smoked paprika and half of the Banhoek Chilli Oil.
Mix together until combined and smooth
Put dip into the preferred serving bowl and garnish with the extra Banhoek Chilli Oil, sesame seeds and red chilli flakes.
Learn more with our Stories and Guides
Glossary
