Are you ready to elevate your culinary game with a homemade hot sauce that's bursting with flavor? Forget those bland, store-bought bottles! This green pepper hot sauce recipe is surprisingly easy to make, delivers a delicious kick, and is perfect for adding a fiery zest to your favorite dishes. Whether you're a seasoned cook or just starting your culinary journey, this recipe is a fantastic addition to your arsenal of easy recipes and healthy meals. It's the perfect quick dinner idea, and a great way to showcase your homemade cooking skills.
Ingredients:
This recipe yields approximately 1 cup of hot sauce. Adjust quantities as needed.
- 2 pounds green bell peppers (about 4 large)
- 4-6 jalapeño peppers (adjust to your desired heat level; remove seeds and membranes for less heat)
- 2-3 serrano peppers (optional, for extra heat; remove seeds and membranes for less heat)
- 1 medium white onion, roughly chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup white vinegar (or apple cider vinegar for a milder flavor)
- 1/2 cup water
- 2 tablespoons salt (or to taste)
- 1 tablespoon sugar (or to taste)
Instructions:
Step 1: Preparing the Peppers
Wash all peppers thoroughly. For less heat, remove the seeds and membranes from the jalapeños and serranos. Roughly chop all peppers and the onion.
Step 2: Cooking the Base
In a large pot, combine the chopped peppers, onion, and garlic. Add the water and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for about 20 minutes, or until the vegetables are very soft.
Step 3: Blending the Sauce
Carefully transfer the cooked mixture to a blender (or use an immersion blender). Add the vinegar, salt, and sugar. Blend until completely smooth.
Step 4: Sterilizing Jars (Important!)
While the sauce is blending, sterilize your jars and lids. You can do this by washing them in hot, soapy water, rinsing thoroughly, and then placing them in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes. This is crucial for preventing spoilage.
Step 5: Bottling the Hot Sauce
Once the sauce is blended, carefully pour it into the sterilized jars, leaving about 1/2 inch of headspace at the top. Wipe the rims of the jars clean, and secure the lids tightly.
Step 6: Processing the Jars (For long-term storage)
For longer shelf life, process the filled jars in a boiling water bath for 15 minutes. This creates a vacuum seal, preventing spoilage and ensuring your delicious hot sauce lasts for months. If you don't plan on storing the sauce for an extended period, refrigeration is sufficient.
Cooking Tips & Variations:
- Adjust the Heat: Control the spiciness by adjusting the number and type of peppers used. Removing seeds and membranes significantly reduces the heat.
- Add Flavor Boosters: Experiment with adding other ingredients like a pinch of cumin, smoked paprika, or a dash of lime juice for extra depth of flavor.
- Make it a Roasted Hot Sauce: For a smoky flavor, roast the peppers and onions before blending. Simply toss them with a little olive oil, roast at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, then proceed with the recipe.
- Use Different Peppers: Feel free to experiment with other peppers like poblanos or habaneros to create unique flavor profiles.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This information is an estimate and may vary depending on specific ingredients and quantities used.
- Calories: Approximately 25-30 calories
- Fat: Negligible
- Protein: Negligible
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 7 grams
This green pepper hot sauce is a fantastic addition to any meal – from eggs and tacos to grilled chicken and vegetables. It's a delicious and easy way to add a zesty kick to your favorite dishes. Enjoy!