Homemade hot sauce is an easy, satisfying afternoon project that yields a one-of-a-kind flavor ready to be used as a topping or added to a recipe. It also adds depth to a meal or dish and is much more tasty than store-bought varieties.
Make it from scratch, and you’ll get a fresh and unique version of your favorite hot sauce, which will likely last for weeks or more when stored properly. If you prefer, you can also ferment the sauce for long-lasting flavor and probiotics.
Fermenting is a process where the peppers are combined with salt and water to create a brine. Once the mixture has reached a certain concentration, it is allowed to sit in a cool place and start the fermentation process. This will produce carbon dioxide, which will force the air out of the jar and create the bubbly texture we all know and love.
It takes a day or two for the mixture to begin to bubble and ferment, and it is best to stir it daily. Then, once it has reached the proper temperature for canning or storing in a bottle, you can put it away in the fridge and enjoy!
The key is to use fresh, fully ripe chilies. These include fresno, aji amarillo, Thai and scotch bonnet varieties. If you’re using dried chilies, soak them in a hot water bath before using to make sure they are completely hydrated and are not dry or hard.
This is an excellent time to add garlic, which can give your homemade hot sauce a depth and grounding note that tempers the pungency of fresh chilies. It’s also a great way to get a bit of natural sweetness into your finished sauce, if desired.
Cooking the onions, peppers and garlic with olive oil brings out the flavor of the veggies. Then, they are combined with tomatoes for sweetness, body and to balance the heat from the peppers. Finally, vinegar is added for tang and a signature flavor.
Let the sauce simmer for about 10 minutes, then pour into a blender or food processor and blend until smooth. If the mixture is too thick, add more vinegar, a little at a time, until it’s right.
For a thinner final product, you can also blend the hot sauce after it’s been strained to remove any chunky peppers. This will help the sauce stay more liquid-like, which is better for storage and blending.
If you find the sauce too spicy, try reducing the amount of peppers or adding a few carrots for sweetness and flavor. You can also try diluting it with cream or honey for a more mild version.
Making it from scratch gives you control over the flavors, which can be a great way to experiment and discover new favorites. Just be aware that some hot sauces are incredibly potent and may take some getting used to!
You can easily customize your own homemade hot sauce with different types of chiles, vinegar, and other ingredients to make it your own. It’s a fun project and can be an excellent addition to any pantry!
