Fermented Hot Sauce
Fermented hot sauce is a fantastic way to add a burst of flavor to your dishes. The fermentation process not only enhances the taste but also adds beneficial probiotics. Here's a simple recipe with some variations and cost-saving tips, including your unique additions of preserved lemon and kombucha vinegar.
Ingredients:
500 grams of fresh chili peppers (mix of your choice)
1 medium onion (about 150 grams), chopped
4 cloves of garlic, minced
1 preserved lemon, chopped
50 ml kombucha vinegar
1 tablespoon sea salt (about 15 grams)
500 ml water (non-chlorinated)
Instructions:
Prepare the Peppers: Remove the stems from the chili peppers. You can keep the seeds for extra heat or remove them for a milder sauce.
Blend Ingredients: In a blender, combine the chili peppers, onion, garlic, preserved lemon, and kombucha vinegar. Blend until you have a smooth mixture.
Fermentation Brine: Dissolve the sea salt in the water to create a brine.
Combine and Ferment: Pour the blended mixture into a clean glass jar. Add the brine until the mixture is fully submerged. Leave some space at the top of the jar for gases to escape.
Fermentation Process: Cover the jar with a cloth or a fermentation lid. Let it sit at room temperature (18-22°C) for 5-7 days. Check daily to ensure the mixture is submerged and to release any built-up gases.
Final Blend: After fermentation, blend the mixture again until smooth. Strain if desired for a thinner consistency.
Bottle and Store: Transfer the hot sauce to a clean bottle. Store in the refrigerator for up to 6 months.
Variations:
Fruit-Infused: Add 100 grams of mango or pineapple for a fruity twist.
Smoky Flavor: Use smoked chili peppers or add 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika.
Herbal Notes: Add fresh herbs like cilantro or basil during the blending process.
Cost-Saving Tips:
Seasonal Peppers: Buy chili peppers when they are in season to save money.
DIY Preserved Lemons: Make your own preserved lemons at home using salt and lemons.
Reuse Kombucha Vinegar: If you brew kombucha at home, use the vinegar from your batch instead of buying it.
Enjoy your homemade fermented hot sauce! Feel free to experiment with different ingredients and flavors to make it your own. 🌶️
