I have an event coming up and the person who usually brings the popular 'Ghost Pepper Cheese Dip' can't make it.
I've order some 'Smoked and Dried Bhut Jolokia Ghost Chili Pepper Pods' but I have not idea how to deal with them.
I figure I need to soak them, then mince them and integrate them into a queso.
But that seems to too simple…insanely hot peppers, meat and cheese.
I'm thinking Velvetta, 80/20 hamburger, rotel, cumin…and maybe sour cream (to kill some of the fire)…
I'm make shots in the dark.
Any advice would be welcomed.
Best Answer
The basic question is how to work with your dried bhut jolokia chili peppers.
First and foremost, don gloves (and, afterwards, remove them so that they're inside out).
To rehydrate the pods, put them in a bowl and pour boiling water over them, enough to cover them. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it sit until the chilies are softened, at least 10-15 minutes. As though you needed them to be more intense (really), you could toast the dry pods (both sides) in a hot, dry skillet, before rehydrating.
As for the dip, follow any recipe for queso, such as your Velveeta approach, with sauteed meat, onions, and tomatoes.