Discover how to make your own pepper sauce with this easy recipe! Our homemade pepper sauce combines local peppers, vinegar, and a blend of spices to create a fiery and flavorful hot sauce perfect for adding a kick to any dish. Ideal for spice enthusiasts, this recipe guides you through the simple steps to make your own pepper sauce from scratch.

Ingredients:

- 10 fresh hot peppers (e.g., jalapeños, habaneros, or your preferred local variety)

- 1 cup white vinegar

- 2 cloves garlic, minced

- 1 teaspoon salt

- 1 teaspoon sugar (optional, for balancing heat)

- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil

- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper

- 1/2 teaspoon paprika

Instructions:

Prepare the Peppers: Wear gloves to protect your hands from the heat. Rinse the peppers and remove the stems. For a milder sauce, remove the seeds. Chop the peppers into small pieces.

Cook the Mixture: In a medium saucepan, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

Add Peppers and Spices: Add the chopped peppers, salt, sugar (if using), black pepper, and paprika to the saucepan. Stir well to combine.

Simmer: Pour in the vinegar and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat and let it simmer for 10-15 minutes, or until the peppers are soft and the flavors are well blended.

Blend the Sauce: Allow the mixture to cool slightly, then transfer it to a blender or food processor. Blend until smooth.

Strain (Optional): For a smoother sauce, strain the blended mixture through a fine mesh sieve into a clean bowl.

Bottle and Store: Pour the sauce into sterilized bottles or jars. Seal tightly and refrigerate. The flavor will continue to develop over time, and the sauce will keep for several weeks.

Enjoy your homemade pepper sauce on everything from grilled meats to sandwiches and more!

Nutritional Values

Fresh Hot Peppers

- Calories: 40

- Carbohydrates: 9 grams

- Protein: 2 grams

- Fat: 0.4 grams

- Fiber: 1.5 grams

- Vitamin C: 242% of the Daily Value (DV)

- Vitamin A: 9% of the DV

- Potassium: 322 mg

Benefits:

- Rich in Vitamin C, which boosts the immune system and improves skin health.

- Contains capsaicin, which helps in pain relief, boosts metabolism, and has anti-inflammatory properties.

- Loaded with antioxidants that protect cells from damage and reduce the risk of chronic diseases.

White Vinegar

- Calories: 21

- Carbohydrates: 0.9 grams

- Protein: 0 grams

- Fat: 0 grams

Benefits:

- Contains acetic acid, which may aid in lowering blood sugar levels and improving insulin sensitivity.

- Has antimicrobial properties that can help in food preservation and may have antibacterial effects.

Garlic

- Calories: 149

- Carbohydrates: 33 grams

- Protein: 6 grams

- Fat: 0.5 grams

- Fiber: 2.1 grams

- Vitamin C: 31% of the DV

- Calcium: 181 mg

- Potassium: 401 mg

Benefits:

- Contains allicin, which provides antibacterial, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory benefits.

- May help reduce blood pressure and cholesterol levels, supporting heart health.

- Enhances the body's immune response.

Salt

- Calories: 0

- Sodium: 38,758 mg

Benefits:

- Essential for maintaining fluid balance and nerve function.

- Improves the taste of food as a flavor enhancer.

Sugar (optional)

- Calories: 387

- Carbohydrates: 100 grams

- Protein: 0 grams

- Fat: 0 grams

Benefits:

- Balances the heat of spicy ingredients and enhances the overall flavor profile of the dish.

Vegetable Oil

- Calories: 884

- Carbohydrates: 0 grams

- Protein: 0 grams

- Fat: 100 grams

- Saturated Fat: 14 grams

- Monounsaturated Fat: 73 grams

- Polyunsaturated Fat: 8 grams

Benefits:

- Provides essential fatty acids and supports cell structure and hormone production.

- Contains Vitamin E, an antioxidant that helps protect cells from damage.

Ground Black Pepper

- Calories: 251

- Carbohydrates: 64 grams

- Protein: 10 grams

- Fat: 3.3 grams

- Fiber: 26 grams

- Vitamin K: 163% of the DV

Benefits:

- Contains piperine, which enhances nutrient absorption and may aid digestion.

- Rich in antioxidants that help protect cells and improve overall health.

Paprika

- Calories: 282

- Carbohydrates: 54 grams

- Protein: 14 grams

- Fat: 12 grams

- Fiber: 34 grams

- Vitamin A: 380% of the DV

- Vitamin E: 8% of the DV

Benefits:

- Rich in antioxidants that protect against oxidative stress and inflammation.

- Contains Vitamin A, which supports vision and immune function.

These ingredients contribute to a flavorful and healthful dish with various beneficial properties.