Spice up your life with this vibrant and easy-to-make Mango Habanero Hot Sauce! This recipe delivers a delicious balance of sweet, fruity mango and fiery habanero peppers, making it the perfect condiment for everything from tacos and grilled chicken to eggs and even popcorn. Whether you're a seasoned home cook looking for a new delicious dish or a beginner searching for easy recipes, this homemade hot sauce is guaranteed to impress. It's a fantastic addition to your pantry and a wonderful gift for any foodie friend.
Ingredients:
- 2 ripe mangoes, peeled and chopped
- 2-3 habanero peppers, stemmed and seeded (adjust to your spice preference – remove membranes for less heat)
- 1/2 cup white vinegar (apple cider vinegar works well too)
- 1/4 cup lime juice
- 1/4 cup water
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
Instructions:
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Combine Ingredients: In a blender or food processor, combine the chopped mangoes, habanero peppers, vinegar, lime juice, water, garlic, salt, and cumin.
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Blend Until Smooth: Blend until you achieve your desired consistency. For a chunky sauce, blend for a shorter time. For a smoother sauce, blend for longer. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed – you might want more lime juice for acidity or extra salt for flavor.
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Cook the Sauce (Optional): For a thicker sauce with a longer shelf life, transfer the blended mixture to a saucepan and bring to a simmer over medium heat. Stir occasionally and cook for 10-15 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened to your liking.
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Sterilize Jars: While the sauce is simmering (or if skipping the simmering step), sterilize your jars and lids by boiling them in water for 10 minutes. This is crucial for preserving the hot sauce and preventing spoilage.
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Fill and Seal: Carefully fill the sterilized jars with the hot sauce, leaving about 1/2 inch of headspace. Wipe the rims of the jars clean, place the lids and rings on tightly, and process in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes (this step is essential if you want a shelf-stable sauce).
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Cool and Store: Let the jars cool completely. You should hear a satisfying "pop" sound as the jars seal. Store the cooled jars in a cool, dark place. Unopened jars can last for several months.
Tips for the Best Mango Habanero Hot Sauce:
- Adjust the Heat: Start with fewer habaneros and add more gradually until you reach your preferred level of spiciness. Remember that the heat varies depending on the pepper. Removing the seeds and membranes significantly reduces the heat.
- Fresh Mangoes are Key: Use ripe, sweet mangoes for the best flavor.
- Don't Over-Process: If you want a chunky sauce with visible mango pieces, pulse the blender instead of blending continuously.
- Experiment with Flavors: Add other spices like ginger, cilantro, or even a touch of honey for added complexity.
Variations:
- Mild Mango Hot Sauce: Substitute jalapeños or serrano peppers for the habaneros.
- Spicy Mango Salsa: Add finely chopped red onion, cilantro, and a squeeze of fresh orange juice to transform this into a vibrant salsa.
- Mango Habanero BBQ Sauce: Add 1/4 cup of your favorite BBQ sauce to the mixture for a sweet and smoky twist.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This information is based on a recipe yielding approximately 1 cup of sauce, and nutritional values may vary based on specific ingredients used.
- Calories: Approximately 30-40
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 8-10g
- Sugar: Approximately 6-8g
- Protein: Approximately 0-1g
- Fat: Approximately 0g
This vibrant Mango Habanero Hot Sauce is perfect for adding a kick to your favorite dishes. Its quick preparation and delicious flavor profile make it a fantastic addition to your repertoire of healthy meals and quick dinner ideas. Enjoy!