Everything you need to know about Aleppo Pepper
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April 12th, 2022
What is Aleppo pepper?
Aleppo pepper is a coarsely ground Syrian and Turkish chilli pepper, used in cooking or as a seasoning at the table in homes and restaurants. Aleppo pepper (also known as pul biber) is traditionally sprinkled over doner kebabs, however the potential uses for this fruity pepper are vast, ranging from seasoning grilled meats, vegetables and seafood, to stirring through pasta sauces, adding to spice blends and using to garnish egg dishes.
What does Aleppo pepper taste like?
Aleppo pepper has a wonderful sun kissed flavour, adding a a fruity tang and aromatic warmth to your cooking. The pepper also has a vibrant, rust-red colour making it a visually striking seasoning.
How to cook with Aleppo pepper?
Use Aleppo pepper when cooking pulses and grains such as chickpeas and white rice - the flakes layer a gentle warmth through the other ingredients.
One of our favourite uses for Aleppo pepper is to toss the flakes with dicedpreserved lemons and a little oil, then rub over chicken before roasting. You can also use Aleppo pepper as a finishing flourish, whether you stir through scrambled eggs just before serving, sprinkle over whole roasted cauliflower, or add to tahini sauces.
Exciting recipes using Aleppo pepper
Also known as çilbir, these Turkish-style breakfast eggs are served on garlic yogurt and topped with pepper butter. The secret to the success of this dish is the tender vegetables and the contrast between the cool, creamy yoghurt and sizzling spiced butter.
This hearty dish of spiced beans, boiled eggs, chopped tomato salad and smoky griddled flatbreads will set you up for the day ahead.
A great lunchtime snack of lamb-topped flatbreads and Aleppo pepper. Lahmacun are a common street food in Turkey, where they are baked quickly in hot bread ovens then rolled around salad to serve.
These delicate dough parcels are filled with umami rich mushrooms. The dumplings are pleated in the traditional style and served with cool yoghurt and hot Aleppo pepper butter.
Caramelised Pineapple with Black Lava Salt and Aleppo Pepper
The smoky flavour of black lava salt pairs perfectly with sweet pineapple and fruity Aleppo pepper. Serve with grilled prawns or roast pork.
Vegan Turkish-Style Breakfast Tofu
Aleppo pepper is an important seasoning in the bright tomato stew that forms the base of this recipe. It is then used again in combination with melted butter, to finish the dish.
Roast Vegetable and Grain Salad
Charred vegetables, tangy preserved lemons and the sweet warmth of Aleppo pepper make this salad something extra special. Serve as a light lunch or a side to lamb koftas.
What are the different types of Aleppo pepper I can buy?
Aleppo pepper is a fantastic addition to vegan bowls, with its ability to boost flavours while adding its own layers of fruity warmth. It instantly perks up rice, chickpeas, spinach, kale, tofu - pretty much anything!
This 1kg bag of Aleppo pepper is ideal for catering purposes. Sprinkle the pul biber over Turkish eggs, baked feta and flatbreads, or mix with olive oil and use as a marinade for grilled fish and chicken.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Aleppo pepper have another name?
You might also see Aleppo pepper called pul biber or Turkish chilli pepper flakes.
Where does Aleppo pepper come from?
Aleppo pepper is a coarsely ground Syrian and Turkish chilli. The pepper is named after the Syrian city of Aleppo, which lies on the famous silk road spice route. The Turkish peppers are dried, de-seeded and then coarsely ground.
What is Aleppo pepper similar to?
With its fruity warmth, gentle heat and aromatic notes, there isn’t one single spice that can replace Aleppo pepper. If it’s the aromatic, fruit flavour you’re after, use gochugaru, a Korean red pepper powder. Sweet smoked paprika will also offer aromatic flavours and a rich colour, while Turkish urfa pepper offers a warm, rounded, smoky flavour.
