Are you a hot sauce aficionado? Do you dream of bold flavors and a fiery kick that dances on your tongue? Then look no further! This homemade Cholula-inspired hot sauce recipe is your ticket to a delicious, customizable condiment that will elevate any dish from breakfast tacos to grilled chicken. Forget store-bought – this easy recipe lets you control the heat and ingredients, ensuring a perfect blend to suit your palate. Get ready to experience the joy of homemade cooking with this quick dinner idea that's surprisingly healthy too!
Ingredients:
- 2 pounds ripe red jalapeños (adjust quantity for desired heat level)
- 1 large white onion, roughly chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, roughly chopped
- 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 cup water
- 2 tablespoons dried oregano
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Equipment:
- Food processor or blender
- Small saucepan
- Fine-mesh sieve (optional, for a smoother sauce)
- Sterilized jars or bottles for storage
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients: Wash and roughly chop the jalapeños, onion, and garlic. Removing the stems and seeds from the jalapeños will reduce the heat. For a milder sauce, wear gloves while handling the peppers.
Step 2: Cook the Vegetables: In a small saucepan, combine the chopped jalapeños, onion, and garlic. Add the apple cider vinegar and water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the vegetables are very soft. This step mellows the flavors and reduces bitterness.
Step 3: Blend the Mixture: Carefully transfer the cooked vegetables to a food processor or blender. Add the oregano, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth. Adjust the consistency by adding more water if needed.
Step 4: Strain (Optional): If you prefer a smoother sauce without seeds or bits of vegetables, use a fine-mesh sieve to strain the mixture. This step is entirely optional; many prefer a chunkier texture.
Step 5: Bottle and Store: Pour the hot sauce into sterilized jars or bottles. Ensure the jars are completely full to minimize air exposure. Seal tightly and store in a cool, dark place. Your homemade Cholula-style hot sauce will improve in flavor over time!
Tips for the Best Cholula Hot Sauce:
- Adjust the Heat: Control the heat level by adjusting the amount of jalapeños and removing the seeds and membranes. For a milder sauce, you can substitute some of the jalapeños with milder peppers like poblanos.
- Experiment with Spices: Feel free to experiment with other spices like ancho chili powder, chipotle powder, or a touch of cayenne pepper for an extra kick.
- Roasting for Deeper Flavor: For a smoky, deeper flavor, roast the vegetables before blending. Simply toss them with a little olive oil and roast at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes.
- Sterilizing Jars: Sterilizing your jars prevents mold growth and ensures your hot sauce stays fresh for longer. You can do this by boiling the jars and lids in water for 10 minutes.
Delicious Variations:
- Mango Cholula: Add 1 cup of diced mango to the saucepan along with the other vegetables for a sweet and spicy twist.
- Roasted Garlic Cholula: Use roasted garlic instead of raw garlic for a sweeter, more mellow flavor.
- Spicy Pineapple Cholula: Add a cup of diced pineapple for a unique tangy and spicy blend.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
Serving size will vary based on the final yield. This is an approximation for a typical batch.
- Calories: Approximately 15-20
- Fat: Negligible
- Protein: Negligible
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 4-5g
This recipe provides a delicious and healthy way to enjoy the vibrant flavors of homemade hot sauce. Enjoy!