Pour boiling hot water over destalked, broken, chillies.
Cover and keep aside for 15-20 minutes.
Drain water of chillies, keep aside.
Dry grind peppercorns, cumin powder, star anise and coriander seeds in small multipurpose mixie.
Add soaked chillies, onions, garlic, ginger, grind again to a paste.
Add drain chilli water if required.
Add lemon grass, salt, lemon zest, blend again to a paste.
Empty into clean, sterile jar, with nonmetallic lid.
Heat and cool oil, pour over paste.
Stir gently with a wooden skewer, close lid.
Refrigerate and use as required.