Dulce de Papaya Hot Sauce is a delightful and versatile condiment that combines the natural sweetness and tanginess of ripe papaya with the fiery kick of chili peppers. Packed with vitamins like A, C, and E, it provides antioxidant benefits that support skin health and boost immunity. The addition of apple cider vinegar not only enhances its tangy flavor but also aids digestion, while honey offers a touch of sweetness and anti-inflammatory properties. This smooth and creamy hot sauce complements a variety of dishes, from tacos and grilled chicken to vegetarian stir-fries, making it a perfect choice for adding flavor and a spicy twist to your meals.
Ingredients:
1- 2 cups chopped ripe papaya
2- 2-3 Thai chili peppers, chopped (or any other spicy pepper of your choice)
3- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
4- 1/4 cup honey
5- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Method:
1- Start by peeling and chopping the ripe papaya into small pieces. Remove the seeds and set aside.
2- In a medium saucepan, combine the chopped papaya, chopped chili peppers, apple cider vinegar, honey, and salt.
3- Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the papaya is very soft and the liquid has reduced.
4- Remove the saucepan from the heat and let it cool for a few minutes.
5- Transfer the mixture to a blender or food processor and blend until smooth.
6- If you want a thinner consistency, add a little bit of water or more vinegar until you reach your desired consistency.
7- Pour the hot sauce into a clean jar or bottle and store in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.
Note:
- This recipe makes a fairly mild hot sauce, but you can adjust the heat level to your liking by adding more or less chili peppers. If you don't like it too sweet, reduce the amount of honey.
- Excessive Sugar: High intake can raise sugar levels due to honey and papaya.
- High Sodium: Overuse may contribute to high sodium intake.
- Allergies: Individuals with allergies to chili, honey, or papaya should exercise caution.
Frequently asked questions
How can Dulce de Papaya Hot Sauce be used in various recipes?
- Marinade for Meats: Use it as a marinade for chicken, pork, or shrimp. Its sweet and spicy profile pairs well with grilled or roasted dishes.
- Pizza Sauce: Swap traditional pizza sauce with this hot sauce for a unique tropical and spicy twist.
- Dressing for Salads: Mix it with olive oil and lime juice to create a tangy salad dressing.
- Dipping Sauce: Serve it as a dip for spring rolls, fried snacks, or fresh vegetables.
- Topping for Tacos and Burgers: Elevate the flavor of tacos, burgers, or quesadillas with a drizzle of this sauce.
How can the sauce be stored for a longer shelf life?
- Refrigeration: Store the sauce in an airtight glass jar in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
- Freezing: For longer storage, pour the sauce into an ice cube tray, freeze, and transfer the cubes to a freezer-safe bag. Thaw individual portions as needed.
- Sterilized Jars: If you plan to keep it longer, sterilize jars before filling them with the hot sauce and process them using the water bath canning method.
Is this hot sauce suitable for everyone?
- Children: It may be too spicy; consider using less chili for a milder version.
- Allergies: Avoid if allergic to any ingredients like honey or chili peppers.
- Vegan Adaptation: Replace honey with maple syrup or coconut sugar for a vegan-friendly version.
What dishes pair well with this sauce?
- Egg Dishes: Drizzle over scrambled eggs or omelets for a sweet and spicy kick.
- Grilled Vegetables: Complements charred zucchini, eggplant, or mushrooms.
- Seafood: Use as a glaze for grilled salmon or shrimp skewers.
- Rice and Grain Bowls: Adds flavor to plain rice, quinoa, or couscous.
- Appetizers: Perfect as a topping for bruschetta or a dip for tortilla chips.
How long can the sauce be stored?
- Refrigeration: Up to 2 weeks in a sealed jar.
- Freezing: Up to 3 months in ice cube trays or airtight containers.
What ingredients can be added to enhance the flavor?
- Garlic: Adds depth and a savory note.
- Cilantro: Brings a fresh, herbal flavor.
- Lime Juice: Enhances tanginess and balances sweetness.
- Ginger: Adds a warm, spicy kick that complements the papaya.
Health benefits
- Rich in Nutrients: Contains vitamins A, C, and E, which promote skin health and boost immunity.
- Digestive Health: Papaya enzymes aid digestion, while apple cider vinegar supports gut health.
- Anti-Inflammatory Properties: Honey and chili peppers reduce inflammation.
Nutrition Facts:
1. 2 cups chopped ripe papaya:
- Calories: ~120 calories
- Carbohydrates: ~30g
- Protein: ~1g
- Fat: ~0g
- Sodium: ~10mg
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Vitamins: High in Vitamin C (about 90mg or 100% of daily value), Vitamin A (from beta-carotene), Vitamin E, and Folate
- Minerals: Potassium (~450mg), Magnesium, and Calcium in smaller amounts
- Nutritional Benefit:
- Vitamin C: Acts as a powerful antioxidant, supports immune function, and promotes skin health.
- Vitamin A: Supports vision, immune health, and cell growth.
- Potassium: Helps in maintaining normal blood pressure and heart function.
- Papaya is also rich in digestive enzymes like papain, which aids in digestion and can reduce inflammation.
2. 2-3 Thai chili peppers, chopped:
- Calories: ~18 calories (for 2-3 peppers)
- Carbohydrates: ~4g
- Protein: ~1g
- Fat: ~0g
- Sodium: ~0mg
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Vitamins: Rich in Vitamin C (~30mg per pepper), Vitamin A (Beta-Carotene)
- Minerals: Iron, Potassium, Magnesium
- Nutritional Benefit:
- Vitamin C: Boosts the immune system and promotes skin health.
- Capsaicin (the compound that gives chili peppers their heat) has anti-inflammatory properties and may help in pain relief.
- Metabolism Boost: Capsaicin is also believed to help in increasing metabolic rate, promoting fat burning.
3. 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar:
- Calories: ~5 calories
- Carbohydrates: ~1g
- Protein: ~0g
- Fat: ~0g
- Sodium: ~1mg
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Vitamins: Contains small amounts of Vitamin C and B-vitamins (mainly B6, folate)
- Minerals: Trace amounts of Potassium, Magnesium, Calcium
- Nutritional Benefit:
- Digestive Health: ACV is often used to aid digestion and balance stomach acid.
- Blood Sugar Regulation: May help in stabilizing blood sugar levels after meals.
- Antioxidants: Contains polyphenols that have antioxidant properties, helping to combat oxidative stress in the body.
4. 1/4 cup honey:
- Calories: ~260 calories
- Carbohydrates: ~70g (mainly sugars)
- Protein: ~0g
- Fat: ~0g
- Sodium: ~1mg
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Vitamins: Small amounts of Vitamin C, B-vitamins (B6, thiamine, riboflavin), and some antioxidants
- Minerals: Contains trace amounts of Calcium, Iron, Magnesium, Potassium, and Zinc
- Nutritional Benefit:
- Natural Sweetener: Honey provides natural sugars for energy and is less processed than refined sugar.
- Antioxidants: Rich in antioxidants, honey can support immune health and may have anti-inflammatory effects.
- Antibacterial: Honey has natural antibacterial properties and can help in wound healing.
5. 1/4 teaspoon salt:
- Calories: 0 calories
- Carbohydrates: 0g
- Protein: 0g
- Fat: 0g
- Sodium: ~500mg
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Vitamins: No significant vitamins
- Minerals: Sodium (500mg)
- Nutritional Benefit:
- Electrolyte Balance: Salt is an important mineral that helps maintain fluid balance, nerve function, and muscle contraction. However, it's essential to consume in moderation to avoid excessive sodium intake.
In summary, this combination of ingredients provides a good balance of vitamins, antioxidants, and minerals, with papaya and honey offering natural sweetness, while chili peppers and apple cider vinegar add zest and potential health benefits such as boosting metabolism and improving digestion.
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