Heat Seekers (hot shots)

Louisiana heat that still lets you taste the rice. Cayenne is honest; thyme and oregano keep it from being only fire.

The heat of the coast, lemon-forward so it stays food. Built for a pot of rice under grilled chicken, not a dare.

Yard heat with the allspice first, chili second. Rice that can stand next to a proper jerk, not a pale copy.

The flavour of a kimchi stew, packed for plain rice. Chili, garlic, sesame. Fold through leftover rice the next day and it still holds.

The green heat of a street stall, packed for a saucepan. Basil stays fragrant because it only meets the steam, not a long fry.