Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 cup cayenne peppers, stemmed and chopped
- 1/2 cup distilled white vinegar
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 tablespoon kosher salt
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 garlic clove, minced
Special equipment needed:
- Blender or food processor
- Fine mesh strainer
- Glass bottle or jar with a tight-fitting lid
Step-by-step instructions:
1. In a small saucepan, combine the chopped cayenne peppers, distilled white vinegar, water, kosher salt, sugar, and minced garlic.
2. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 10-15 minutes until the peppers are soft and the liquid has reduced slightly.
3. Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the mixture cool for a few minutes.
4. Transfer the mixture to a blender or food processor and blend until smooth.
5. Pour the mixture through a fine mesh strainer into a glass bottle or jar with a tight-fitting lid.
6. Store the hot sauce in the refrigerator for up to 3 months.
- Time:
Preparation time: 10 minutes
- Cooking time: 15 minutes
Temperature:
- Medium-high heat for boiling, then reduced heat for simmering
Serving size:
- Makes about 1 cup of hot sauce
Nutritional information:
- Calories: 15 per tablespoon
- Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Protein: 0g
- Sodium: 290mg
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Cayenne peppers can be substituted with other hot peppers, such as jalapeños or habaneros.
- Distilled white vinegar can be substituted with apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar.
- Sugar can be substituted with honey or maple syrup.
Variations:
- Add other ingredients to the hot sauce, such as lime juice, onion, or ginger, for different flavor profiles.
- Adjust the amount of cayenne peppers to make the hot sauce milder or hotter.
Tips and tricks:
- Wear gloves when handling hot peppers to avoid getting the oils on your skin.
- Use a funnel to pour the hot sauce into the bottle or jar to avoid spills.
- Let the hot sauce cool completely before storing it in the refrigerator.
Storage instructions:
- Store the hot sauce in the refrigerator for up to 3 months.
Reheating instructions:
- The hot sauce does not need to be reheated before using.
Presentation ideas:
- Serve the hot sauce in a small dish or ramekin alongside your favorite dishes.
Garnishes:
- Garnish the hot sauce with chopped fresh herbs, such as cilantro or parsley.
Pairings:
- Use the hot sauce as a condiment for tacos, burritos, or grilled meats.
Suggested side dishes:
- Serve the hot sauce with rice and beans or a side salad.
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the hot sauce is too thick, add a little more water to thin it out.
- If the hot sauce is too thin, simmer it for a few more minutes to reduce the liquid.
Food safety advice:
- Store the hot sauce in a clean, airtight container in the refrigerator.
- Discard the hot sauce if it develops mold or an off odor.
Food history:
- Hot sauce has been used for centuries in many cultures around the world, including in Mexico, Southeast Asia, and the Caribbean.
Flavor profiles:
- This hot sauce is spicy, tangy, and slightly sweet.
Serving suggestions:
- Use the hot sauce as a condiment for your favorite dishes, such as tacos, burritos, or grilled meats.
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