Ingredients

The following ingredients have 2 Servings
  • 1 pound red chili peppers (chopped (use cayenne, tabasco, red jalapeno or others))
  • 1 quart unchlorinated water ((for fermented version only))
  • 3 tablespoons salt ((for the non-fermented version, use only 1/2 to 1 teaspoon salt, to your preference))
  • ½-1 cup white wine vinegar (to your preference)

Instruction

  • FOR THE FERMENTED VERSION
  • First, ferment the chili peppers. Chop the peppers then pack them into a jar, leaving at least 1 inch of head space. The peppers may rise a bit when fermenting.
  • Next, mix 1 quart unchlorinated water with 3 tablespoons sea salt. Pour just enough brine over the peppers to cover them, pressing them down a bit as you go. It is important to keep the peppers covered with brine to avoid spoilage. Check this daily.
  • Screw on the lid and set the jar away from direct sunlight to ferment for at least 1 week. Ideal temperatures are between 55-75 degrees F. The most active fermentation period is between 1-2 weeks, so be sure to monitor it during this time. “Burp” the jars often by unscrewing the lid a bit to let out some of the accumulating gases. Or, use an airlock or membrane for easier fermenting. See our page, “How to Make Fermented Pepper Mash”, for further instruction.
  • After 1-2 weeks, the fermenting activity will diminish and the brine will turn cloudy and taste acidic.
  • Pour the fermented peppers, including brine, into a pot along with the vinegar. Bring to a quick boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes. Alternatively, you can strain out the fermented peppers and discard the brine, then boil the peppers with 1 cup vinegar and 1/2-1 teaspoon salt. Some people prefer to use the brine.
  • Cool slightly then add to a food processor and process until smooth.
  • Strain the mixture to remove the solids. Pour into hot sauce bottles and enjoy.
  • FOR THE NON-FERMENTED VERSION
  • Add only the chili peppers, 1 cup vinegar and 1 teaspoon salt to a pot and bring to a quick boil. Be sure you are only using 1 teaspoon of salt.
  • Reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes to soften everything up.
  • Cool slightly then add to a food processor and process until smooth. If it is too thick, add water a tablespoon at a time and process until smooth.
  • Strain the mixture to remove the solids. Pour into hot sauce bottles and enjoy.