Fermented Hot Sauce

Bring the zing back to your dishes with a homemade fermented hot sauce that’s bursting with flavor and just the right amount of heat. Making your own hot sauce is not only fun but allows you to customize the spice level and ingredients to suit your taste. This Fermented Hot Sauce recipe gives you a tangy condiment that will elevate your favorite dishes with its vibrant taste. So, let’s roll up our sleeves and get started on this delicious adventure!

**Fermented Hot Sauce**

**Ingredients:**
– 2 cups of hot peppers (such as jalapeño, serrano, habanero)
– 3 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1 small onion, diced
– 1 tablespoon of sea salt
– 1 tablespoon of sugar
– 1 cup of water
– 1/4 cup of apple cider vinegar
– A clean glass jar with a lid

**Instructions:**

1. **Prepare the Peppers:** Wash the hot peppers and remove the stems. If you prefer a milder hot sauce, deseed the peppers. Roughly chop the peppers and set aside.

2. **Combine Ingredients:** In a bowl, mix the chopped hot peppers, minced garlic, diced onion, sea salt, and sugar until well combined. Transfer the mixture into a clean glass jar.

3. **Fermentation:** In a separate bowl, dissolve the apple cider vinegar in water and pour it into the glass jar with the pepper mixture. Make sure the peppers are fully submerged in the liquid to prevent mold from forming. Cover the jar with a lid, loosely to allow air to escape during fermentation.

4. **Fermenting Process:** Place the jar in a cool, dark place for at least 3-5 days. Check the jar daily to release any built-up gas by loosening the lid slightly. Taste the hot sauce every day to monitor the fermentation process and adjust the flavor intensity according to your preference.

5. **Blending the Sauce:** Once the hot sauce reaches your desired level of fermentation, blend the mixture until smooth using a blender or food processor. If necessary, adjust the consistency by adding more water or vinegar.

6. **Strain (Optional):** For a smoother sauce, strain the blended mixture through a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth to remove any remaining solids. Press down on the solids to extract all the liquid.

7. **Bottling:** Pour the strained hot sauce into clean, sterilized bottles or jars. Store the hot sauce in the refrigerator for up to 6 months for optimal freshness and flavor.

Enjoy your homemade Fermented Hot Sauce drizzled over tacos, stirred into soups, or used as a flavorful marinade for meats and veggies. This versatile condiment will add a fiery kick to your meals while impressing your taste buds with its complex flavors. Experiment with different types of peppers and spices to create a signature hot sauce that you’ll love to share with friends and family. We hope this recipe brings a little spice and excitement to your culinary adventures!

Note: Before using the hot sauce, always taste a small amount to ensure it meets your desired level of spiciness. Adjust the recipe by adding more or fewer hot peppers based on your heat tolerance.