Adjika hot sauce

Adjika Recipe – Spicy Savory Sauce

Adjika is a spicy sauce with a fascinating history, deeply rooted in the traditions of shepherds who would take their flocks to the mountain pastures in the spring. The word 'adjika' comes from the Abkhaz language and means 'salt'. They mixed salt with hot peppers to prevent thefts but quickly discovered that the resulting mixture not only helped in raising animals but also became a delicious condiment. Over time, this recipe evolved, adding spices like coriander and garlic, resulting in a spicy sauce that can be enjoyed in many ways.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 15 minutes
Total time: 45 minutes
Servings: 500 grams (approximately one jar)

Ingredients:
- 3 large bell peppers
- 4 medium tomatoes
- 4 large garlic cloves
- 3 seeded hot peppers
- 1 handful of chopped lovage
- 1 handful of chopped parsley
- 1 medium apple
- 1 tablespoon honey (or sugar)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 5 tablespoons apple or grape vinegar (or juice from one lemon)
- 3 generous tablespoons of quality tomato paste (thick and sweet)

Necessary tools:
- Grill pan
- Blender or meat grinder
- Sterilized jar (500 ml)
- Jar lid

Step by step:

1. Preparing the vegetables: Start by washing the bell peppers and tomatoes thoroughly. Roast the tomatoes on all sides in a grill pan until the skin becomes slightly charred. This process will not only give them an intense flavor but will also make peeling easier. Once cooled, peel off the skin.

2. Chopping the ingredients: While the tomatoes cool, clean and chop the bell peppers, garlic, and hot peppers (make sure to remove the seeds from the peppers to control the heat level). I recommend wearing gloves when handling hot peppers to avoid irritation.

3. Mixing: Place all the ingredients (tomatoes, bell peppers, garlic, hot peppers, lovage, parsley, apple, honey, salt, and vinegar) in the blender. Blend until you achieve a smooth paste. If you prefer a chunkier texture, you can use a meat grinder, but make sure everything is well combined.

4. Boiling: Transfer the mixture to a pot and add the tomato paste. Simmer on low heat for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. At the end, you can add the crushed garlic and let it boil for a couple more minutes, about 2 minutes.

5. Preserving: Pour the hot mixture immediately into the sterilized jar. Make sure the jar and lid are clean and dry. Seal the lid tightly and let it cool. You can store adjika in the refrigerator for immediate use or in the pantry for winter.

Useful tips:
- If you like a sweeter note, you can adjust the amount of honey or sugar to your preference.
- Use seasonal tomatoes; they will add a fresh and vibrant taste to your sauce.
- Experiment with different types of hot peppers to achieve a heat level that suits you.
- Instead of an apple, you can also try a pear for a milder flavor.

Delicious combinations:
Adjika pairs perfectly with a variety of dishes:
- Use it as a dip for fresh vegetables or chips.
- Serve it alongside grilled meat or steaks to add an extra flavor boost.
- You can add it to sandwiches or wraps for a spicy and interesting taste.

Nutritional information:
Adjika is rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals due to the fresh vegetables. Tomatoes are an excellent source of vitamin C, and hot peppers contain capsaicin, a compound that can help boost metabolism. Additionally, garlic is known for its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can it be stored in the freezer? Yes, you can freeze adjika, but it is recommended to consume it fresh to enjoy all the flavor of the ingredients.
- Can I use other vegetables? Absolutely! You can experiment with carrots or celery to achieve a different texture for the sauce.
- Is this sauce very spicy? The level of spiciness depends on the type of pepper used. If you prefer a milder sauce, you can reduce the amount of hot peppers or use sweeter peppers.

In conclusion, Adjika is not just a sauce, but an explosion of flavors that enriches everyday meals. Whether you choose to enjoy it in season or preserve it for winter, this spicy sauce will bring a touch of authenticity and flavor to every dish. Don't hesitate to try it and enjoy its unique taste. Bon appétit!