What is a Hotski?

Olio Santo is a must have condiment

“Olio Santo”

Let’s talk Olio Santo. Some people call it hot oil, or chili oil. My wife’s family calls it Hotskis, but whatever you call it, hot pepper infused EVOO is a kitchen essential in my house. 

Olio Santo literally means oil of the saints. It is a common table condiment in the south of Italy.  It is not crazy hot, but the flavor of the peppers released into olive oil is pronounced and beautiful.

Drizzle it on pasta, pizza, bread, fish, potatoes, cheese, grilled veggies and steaks. It was (and may still be) used in Calabria, Abruzzo and Puglia to anoint damaged, cracked feet, as it has antibacterial qualities and helped to heal the any cuts and wounds. Imagine walking all day in sandals on those dusty, stony fields and paths in Southern Italian. You are bound to kick a rock or two. Ah yes, the healing power of olive oil and hot pepper was “discovered” in Italy.  

 You can also buy very small cast iron pots that come with a grate to fit on conventional burners that are designed just for this recipe. Italians are serious about their hot oil (but any small pot will do.)

Don’t use your premium finishing oil. Since this will be cooked, you can use a generic EVOO (the kind you cook with) for this. 

Subscribe for this recipe and many more