Make Your Own Hot Sauce From Fresh Jalapeno Peppers

Jalapenos are dark green when young and ripen to a bright red.

Jalapeno peppers (Capsicum annum) originated in South America. They range from 2,500 to 5,000 units on the Scoville scale, which was specifically designed to measure the heat in chilie peppers. Peppers on the Scoville scale range from 0 units for a sweet bell pepper to 16,000,000 units for some specialty hot sauces. To make your own sauce, use fresh jalapenos rather than the dried and smoked jalapenos known as chipotle. Making your own jalapeno hot sauce is a simple endeavor. Use your homemade version to add extra heat to all sorts of dishes, from burgers to spaghetti sauce.

Instructions

Recipe One

1. Rinse the jalapenos and slice them lengthwise in two, discarding the stem. The seeds are the hottest part of the jalapeno. Depending on how hot you want your sauce, either leave them in or take them out. If you want your sauce to be completely smooth, it is best to remove the seeds. To do this, carefully cut away the white membrane attached to the seeds with the tip of a sharp knife. Be careful not to remove the flesh of the pepper.

2. Chop the prepared jalapenos coarsely.

3. Blend 3 cups chopped jalapenos, white vinegar and pickling salt in a blender or food processor until smooth.

4. Pour the sauce into clean, labeled sauce bottles and refrigerate for up to three months.

Recipe Two

5. Mix together 20 cleaned, thinly-sliced jalapenos, olive oil, garlic, onion and salt in a saucepan. Cook over a high heat for about four minutes.

6. Add 2 cups water and cook for another 20 minutes, stirring often. Allow to cool.

7. Transfer the mixture to a blender or food processor. Slowly add the vinegar while blending, until the mixture is completely smooth.

8. Pour the finished sauce into clean, labeled bottles and store refrigerated for up to three months.

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