Frequently Asked Questions
What is Upstate NY Inspired Garbage Plate Hot Sauce?
It is a bold, meat-based condiment inspired by the famous Rochester Garbage Plate, featuring triple-ground beef and a complex blend of aromatic spices.
What does this hot sauce taste like?
It has a smoky, slightly sweet, and spicy flavor profile with earthy undertones from spices like cumin, allspice, and cinnamon.
What is the best way to serve this sauce?
It is best served warm, ideally from a crockpot, so guests can drizzle it over burgers, fries, or grilled meats.
What is triple-ground beef?
Triple-ground beef is beef that has been processed through a grinder three times to create a very fine, smooth texture that integrates perfectly into a sauce.
Is this sauce very spicy?
The sauce has a kick from cayenne pepper, chili powder, and black pepper, providing a bold spice level characteristic of Upstate NY meat sauces.
Can I use regular ground beef instead of triple-ground?
Yes, but you should break it up as finely as possible while cooking to mimic the traditional smooth texture of Rochester-style hot sauce.
What are the key spices in this recipe?
The recipe uses a unique blend of cayenne, chili powder, paprika, cumin, allspice, cinnamon, and powdered clove.
How many ingredients are in this hot sauce?
This recipe requires 16 ingredients, ranging from meat and vegetables to a variety of dried spices.
Does this recipe contain sugar?
Yes, it uses a half tablespoon of brown sugar to provide a slight sweetness that balances the heat.
Is there tomato in this sauce?
Yes, the recipe uses a 6-ounce can of tomato paste to provide body and a rich tomato base.
What kind of oil should I use to sauté the vegetables?
The recipe calls for one tablespoon of oil; any neutral cooking oil like vegetable or canola oil works well.
Can I make this sauce ahead of time?
Yes, making it ahead of time often allows the flavors to meld together even better. Just reheat it before serving.
How much water is needed for the sauce?
The recipe calls for one cup of water to help simmer the beef and spices into a cohesive sauce.
What makes this a 'Garbage Plate' sauce?
It follows the tradition of Rochester, NY 'hot sauce,' which is a spicy meat topping rather than a liquid vinegar-based sauce.
Can I adjust the salt level?
Yes, the recipe suggests one teaspoon of salt, but you should adjust it to your personal taste.
Is this sauce gluten-free?
The ingredients listed are naturally gluten-free, but always check the labels on your spices and tomato paste to be sure.
What type of onion should I use?
The recipe calls for one medium onion, finely chopped. A yellow or white onion is typically best for this flavor profile.
Why are there warm spices like cinnamon and clove in a meat sauce?
Cinnamon and cloves are traditional in Greek-inspired meat sauces found in Upstate NY, adding a distinctive aromatic depth.
How much garlic does the recipe require?
The recipe uses one clove of garlic, minced.
Can I use this as a BBQ sauce?
While it is a savory meat topping, it shares some characteristics with BBQ sauce and is tagged as such for its use in grilled food pairings.
Is this recipe suitable for a party?
Absolutely, it is categorized as 'party food' and is perfect for large gatherings where guests can serve themselves.
Can I freeze the leftovers?
Yes, meat-based sauces like this freeze very well in airtight containers for up to 3 months.
How much paprika is used?
The recipe calls for 1 1/2 teaspoons of paprika.
What is the serving size for this sauce?
The specific serving size isn't defined, as it is intended to be used as a condiment or topping to your preference.
Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Yes, after initial browning, you can transfer it to a crockpot to simmer and keep warm for serving.
Is this sauce dairy-free?
Yes, there are no dairy products included in the ingredient list.
What is the best way to chop the onion for this sauce?
The onion should be finely chopped so that it blends into the meat sauce without large chunks.
Can I use fresh cloves instead of powdered?
Powdered clove is recommended for even distribution, but if you use fresh, ensure they are ground into a very fine powder.
Is this an authentic Rochester recipe?
It is an 'Upstate NY Inspired' recipe designed to replicate the specific flavors of Rochester's famous trash plate meat sauce.
What is the main protein in this sauce?
The main protein is one pound of triple-ground beef.