Do-It-Yourself, Veggie-Packed Hot Sauce

In order to prepare for the upcoming gardening season, I decided I should use up some of the hot peppers I have in the freezer. Hot peppers are one of the things that grow well in our garden; groundhogs, squirrels and deer don't seem to have an affinity for these spicy morsels. In fact, we have so many hot peppers in the freezer, I can't remember which season they are from. I need to start labeling freezer goods.

 

For those of you who know me, you know I don't fit the Latina stereotype when it come to eating spicy foods. But lately, baby Wyatt and I have been craving hard cooked eggs with homemade hot sauce, like the one my coworker Carina once made, that I have been dreaming about. Thanks Carina Robich, for the inspiration!!

 

 

Do-It-Yourself, Veggie-Packed Hot Sauce

 Makes 6 ½ cups

3 Tbsp. olive oil
10-15 cloves garlic
2 medium Spanish onion, chopped
2 orange or red bell pepper, chopped
1¼ cups chopped carrot
2-3 oz. hot chili peppers*, such as cayenne, steamed and seeded if desired
1 ½ cups red wine vinegar, plus 1-2 Tbsp. to finish
1 ¾ cups water, plus  ½ cup to thin/cool at the end
2 ½ tsp. kosher salt

 Nutrition Facts per 1 Tbsp. portion Calories: 5, Total fat: 0g, Sat fat:0g, Trans fat:0g, Chol:0g, Sodium: 40mg, Carbs:1g, Fiber: 0g, Sugars:0g, Protein:0g, Vitamin A:6%, Vitamin C: 10%, Calcium:0%, Iron:0%

 

 

I used about  cayenne 19 peppers of varying sizes; if using habaneros, use about 1/2 the amount, or even less.

*use caution when working with hot peppers; wear food safe gloves and keep away from eyes and skin. Seeds from peppers are hot; remove as desired depending on taste.

 

In large pot, heat oil over medium high heat. Sauté garlic, onion, peppers, carrots and chilies for about 15-20 minutes, lowering heat as needed. Add vinegar, water and salt; simmer for about 20 minutes until tender.

 Let sit for about 10 minutes to cool slightly. Remove from heat and process in a blender until smooth.

Stir in remaining water and vinegar as desired to thin sauce.

 

Awesome on hard cooked eggs, and almost anything!! Makes great gift too; make sure to tell your friends to keep it refrigerated.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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