Spicy West Indian Pepper Sauce
This Spicy West Indian Pepper Sauce is a vibrant and fiery condiment that captures the essence of Caribbean cuisine. Infused with a mix of fresh hot peppers, this sauce delivers an intense heat balanced by the sweetness of unripe pawpaw and the aromatic flavors of onion and garlic. Ideal for those who enjoy a kick in their meals, this sauce can be drizzled sparingly over any dish, or used as an impactful ingredient in soups, stews, and curries. Its unique flavor profile is an essential part of West Indian culture, making it a staple on dining tables throughout the region. Enjoy responsibly, as this sauce packs a punch!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
Fresh hot chili pepper (mix of red, green, yellow, mainly yellow scotch bonnets)
1 kg (Stemmed, seeded, and chopped)
Onion
1/2 cup (Finely chopped)
Garlic
2 teaspoons (Finely chopped (approximately 2-3 cloves or more))
Unripe green pawpaw (papaya)
3 tablespoons (Fresh and finely chopped)
Turmeric
1/2 teaspoon (Ground)
Salt
1 1/2 teaspoons (To taste)
Malt vinegar
1/4 cup (Liquid)
Instructions
1
Put on plastic gloves to protect your skin from the chili oils.
2
Prepare all vegetables by peeling and finely chopping them.
3
Carefully stem and seed the fresh hot chili peppers and chop them into smaller pieces.
4
In a small to medium-sized pot, combine the chopped peppers, onion, garlic, unripe pawpaw, turmeric, salt, and malt vinegar.
5
Stir the mixture well while heating on high until it reaches a boil. Cook for about 1 minute or until the onion becomes transparent and the peppers are soft.
6
Taste the mixture, and if desired, add more malt vinegar for extra acidity.
7
Transfer the mixture to a blender (or use a handheld blender) and blend on high speed until the sauce reaches your preferred consistency, either pulverized or pureed.
8
Allow the sauce to cool to room temperature.
9
Carefully pour the cooled sauce into a cleaned, boiled, and sterilized jar for storage.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Spicy West Indian Pepper Sauce?
It is a vibrant and fiery Caribbean condiment made with fresh hot peppers, onion, garlic, and unripe pawpaw.
What are the main ingredients in this pepper sauce?
The main ingredients include 1 kg of fresh hot chili peppers, onion, garlic, unripe green pawpaw, turmeric, salt, and malt vinegar.
What type of peppers are best for this recipe?
The recipe recommends a mix of red, green, and yellow peppers, primarily focusing on yellow Scotch Bonnets.
Do I need to wear protection when making this sauce?
Yes, you should wear plastic gloves to protect your skin from the intense chili oils found in the hot peppers.
What is the purpose of adding unripe pawpaw?
Unripe green pawpaw adds a subtle sweetness and body that helps balance the intense heat of the chili peppers.
How much garlic is used in the sauce?
The recipe calls for 2 teaspoons of finely chopped garlic, which is approximately 2 to 3 cloves.
What kind of vinegar should I use?
Malt vinegar is used in this recipe for its specific acidity and flavor profile.
How long does the sauce need to cook?
Once the mixture reaches a boil, cook it for about 1 minute until the onion is transparent and the peppers are soft.
Should I remove the seeds from the peppers?
Yes, the instructions specify to carefully stem and seed the fresh hot chili peppers before chopping.
How do I achieve the right consistency?
Transfer the cooked mixture to a blender or use a handheld blender and blend until it is pulverized or pureed to your preference.
How should the sauce be stored?
The cooled sauce should be stored in a cleaned, boiled, and sterilized jar.
Can I adjust the acidity of the sauce?
Yes, you can taste the mixture after cooking and add more malt vinegar if you desire extra acidity.
What dishes pair well with West Indian Pepper Sauce?
It is ideal for drizzling over meals or as an ingredient in soups, stews, and curries.
Why is turmeric added to the recipe?
Turmeric provides aromatic flavor and contributes to the sauce's vibrant color.
Can I use a handheld blender for this recipe?
Yes, a handheld blender or a traditional high-speed blender can be used to reach the desired consistency.
How much onion is required?
The recipe requires 1/2 cup of finely chopped onion.
Is this sauce considered very spicy?
Yes, it is described as a fiery condiment that packs a punch and should be enjoyed responsibly.
What is the first step in preparing the ingredients?
The first step is to peel and finely chop all the vegetables, including the garlic and onion.
Should the sauce be hot when bottled?
No, you must allow the sauce to cool to room temperature before pouring it into a sterilized jar.
How much salt is needed?
The recipe uses 1 1/2 teaspoons of salt, though it can be adjusted to your personal taste.
What culture does this sauce originate from?
This sauce is an essential staple of West Indian and Caribbean culture.
How many grams of peppers are needed?
The recipe calls for 1 kg of fresh hot chili peppers.
What should the onion look like after cooking?
The onion should be transparent, indicating it is properly cooked.
Is the pawpaw used ripe or unripe?
The recipe specifically requires unripe green pawpaw (papaya).
Can this sauce be used in cooking or just as a topping?
It serves both purposes; it can be a table condiment or an impactful ingredient in cooking.
What is the total number of ingredients in this recipe?
There are 7 ingredients listed: chili peppers, onion, garlic, pawpaw, turmeric, salt, and malt vinegar.
How do I prepare the jars for storage?
Jars should be cleaned, boiled, and sterilized to ensure the sauce stays fresh.
Can I use different colored peppers?
Yes, the recipe suggests a mix of red, green, and yellow peppers.
What heat setting should I use to start the cooking process?
Heat the mixture on high until it reaches a boil.
Is the pepper sauce pureed?
It can be either pulverized or pureed depending on your preferred final texture.