Spice up your life with this easy-to-make, vinegar-based hot pepper sauce! This recipe is perfect for adding a fiery kick to your favorite dishes, from eggs to tacos and everything in between. It’s a fantastic way to preserve your homegrown peppers or use up those extra peppers from the market. Forget store-bought sauces—this homemade version lets you control the heat and flavor intensity, making it the perfect addition to your homemade cooking arsenal. It's a quick dinner idea solution that adds a punch to even simple meals.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound hot peppers (a mix of varieties is great for complex flavor, but habaneros, jalapeños, or serranos work well)
- 2 cups white vinegar (distilled or white wine vinegar work best)
- 1 cup water
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon black pepper (optional)
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Peppers
Wash the peppers thoroughly. Remove stems and roughly chop the peppers. Wear gloves while handling hot peppers to avoid skin irritation. If you prefer a smoother sauce, remove the seeds and membranes; leave them in for extra heat.
Step 2: Combine Ingredients
In a medium-sized saucepan, combine the chopped peppers, vinegar, water, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper (if using). Stir well to ensure everything is evenly distributed.
Step 3: Simmer the Sauce
Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. Then, reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer gently for 20-30 minutes, or until the peppers are very soft. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
Step 4: Blend the Sauce
Carefully transfer the pepper mixture to a blender (or use an immersion blender). Blend until smooth. Be cautious when blending hot liquids; vent the lid slightly to release steam.
Step 5: Sterilize Jars (Optional but Recommended)
If you plan to can your hot sauce for long-term storage, sterilize your jars and lids by boiling them in water for 10 minutes. This helps prevent spoilage.
Step 6: Fill and Seal
Carefully pour the hot pepper sauce into the sterilized jars, leaving about ½ inch of headspace. Wipe the rims of the jars clean, and seal tightly with lids and rings.
Step 7: Process (for Canning Only)
For long-term storage, process the filled jars in a boiling water bath for 15 minutes. This ensures the sauce is properly sealed and safe to consume. (Follow safe canning practices for best results – refer to a reputable canning guide for detailed instructions).
Step 8: Cool and Store
Allow the jars to cool completely. You should hear a "pop" sound as the lids seal. Store unopened jars in a cool, dark place for up to a year. Once opened, refrigerate and consume within a few months.
Tips and Variations:
- Adjust the Heat: Control the heat level by adjusting the type and amount of peppers. For a milder sauce, use less spicy peppers or remove the seeds and membranes. For extra heat, add more peppers or use hotter varieties like scotch bonnets or ghost peppers.
- Add Sweetness: For a sweeter sauce, add a tablespoon or two of honey, brown sugar, or maple syrup during the simmering process.
- Experiment with Flavors: Get creative with your flavor combinations! Add other spices like cumin, oregano, smoked paprika, or even a pinch of cayenne pepper. A dash of lime juice at the end brightens the flavors beautifully.
- Make it a chunky sauce: If you prefer a chunky consistency, simply pulse the mixture in the blender instead of blending it until completely smooth.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This will vary depending on the types of peppers used, but a general estimate for a 1/4 cup serving is:
- Calories: 15-20
- Carbohydrates: 4-5g
- Protein: 0-1g
- Fat: 0g
This easy, delicious, and healthy meal enhancer is sure to become a staple in your kitchen! Enjoy the fiery goodness!