Ingredients:

  • 1 lb (450 g) fresh peppers (jalapeño, serrano, or habanero depending on heat preference)
  • 4 cloves garlic, peeled
  • 1 small onion, chopped (about 1/2 cup or 75 g)
  • 1/2 cup (120 ml) distilled white vinegar or apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 1/2 cup (120 ml) water
  • Juice of 1 lime
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste
  • Fresh herbs (cilantro or oregano)

Instructions:

  1. Prepare the Peppers: Remove stems and chop peppers, adjusting seed removal based on heat preference. For milder, remove seeds; for more heat, leave them in.
  2. Cook or Blend: Combine peppers, garlic, onion, vinegar, water, salt, sugar, lime juice, and tomato paste in a saucepan. Bring to a boil and simmer for 20-30 minutes until peppers soften, or blend raw ingredients until smooth.
  3. Blend to Smooth: Transfer mixture to a blender and blend until very smooth. Strain through a fine-mesh sieve for extra smoothness if desired.
  4. Adjust Flavor: Taste and adjust salt, acidity (additional vinegar or lime juice), or sweetness as needed.
  5. Bottle and Store: Pour into sterilized bottles or jars. Let cool, then refrigerate. Flavors improve after a day or two, perfect for enjoying hot sauce recipes.