benzie
Culinary Explorer
Hey everyone! I’ve been experimenting with homemade hot sauces and found a recipe that’s become a real hit in my house. It’s super simple and packed with flavor. Thought I’d share it here for anyone interested in making their own fermented hot sauce. Enjoy!
Ingredients:
Ingredients:
- 1 lb (450g) fresh hot peppers (jalapeños, serranos, or a mix)
- 4 cloves garlic, peeled
- 1 small onion, roughly chopped
- 2 tablespoons sea salt
- 1 cup water (filtered or distilled)
- 1 tablespoon sugar (optional, for a touch of sweetness)
- 1/2 cup white vinegar (for finishing)
- Prep the Peppers: Wear gloves if you’re sensitive to spice. Stem and chop the peppers, keeping the seeds for extra heat.
- Blend Ingredients: In a blender or food processor, combine the chopped peppers, garlic, onion, and salt. Add water a little at a time until you get a smooth, pourable consistency. If you like a bit of sweetness, toss in the sugar.
- Ferment: Pour the mixture into a clean glass jar, leaving about an inch of headspace. Cover with a cloth and secure with a rubber band. This allows gases to escape while preventing contaminants from getting in.
- Let it Sit: Store the jar in a cool, dark place for about 5-7 days. You’ll see bubbles forming as the fermentation progresses. Taste it periodically—when it reaches a tangy, fermented flavor you like, it’s ready for the next step.
- Blend and Bottle: Once fermented, blend the sauce again until smooth. Stir in the white vinegar to stop the fermentation process and add a bit of acidity. Strain if you prefer a smoother sauce.
- Store: Transfer the sauce to sterilized bottles or jars. Store in the fridge for up to 6 months.