Hot sauce

Spicy Sauce Recipe – A Burst of Flavors in a Jar

Spicy sauce is an essential condiment in the kitchens of many cultures, adding a vibrant and spicy note to your dishes. This simple and quick recipe, combining bell peppers, sweet peppers, and celery, will delight you with its intense flavor. Throughout history, spicy sauces have been appreciated not only for their taste but also for their ability to preserve food. So, let’s discover together how you can create an exceptional spicy sauce, perfect for enhancing your meals!

Total preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 10 minutes
Number of servings: 10 jars (approx. 200-300 ml each)

Ingredients

- 20 sweet peppers (preferably red)
- 20 red bell peppers
- 20 hot peppers (you can adjust the quantity according to your preference)
- 1 root of celery
- Leaves of one celery
- 2-3 bunches of parsley
- 1 cup of oil (preferably olive oil for a more intense flavor)
- 1 cup of vinegar (red wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar for a sweeter taste)
- 2 tablespoons of honey
- 2 tablespoons of coarse salt

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preparing the Ingredients
Start by washing all the vegetables thoroughly. Remove the stems and seeds from the peppers and sweet peppers, and peel and chop the celery into smaller pieces. These steps are essential for achieving a fine and homogeneous sauce.

2. Chopping the Vegetables
Use a food processor or a meat grinder with a fine mesh to chop the peppers and sweet peppers. If you don’t have these appliances handy, you can use a sharp knife, but it will require more time and effort. After chopping, add the grated celery to enhance the flavor.

3. Mixing the Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the chopped vegetables with the celery leaves and finely chopped parsley. Add the oil, vinegar, honey, and salt. Mix well to achieve a uniform composition.

4. Cooking the Sauce
Place the pot over medium heat and bring the mixture to a boil. Let it simmer for 10 minutes, stirring constantly. This step will help develop the flavors and better preserve the sauce.

5. Adding the Parsley and Celery Leaves
After 10 minutes of boiling, add the parsley and celery leaves, mixing well. These will add freshness to your sauce.

6. Bottling and Sterilizing
Prepare the glass jars by washing them in hot water. Fill each jar with the hot sauce, leaving a little space at the top. Then, seal the jars and place them in a pot of boiling water. Sterilize for 10 minutes from the moment the water starts boiling.

7. Cooling and Storing
After sterilization, remove the jars and let them cool in the oven or on a clean towel. These spicy sauces store excellently in a cellar or pantry, having a long shelf life due to the sterilization process.

Serving Suggestions

Spicy sauce is extremely versatile! Use it as an addition for:

- Pizza: Why not add a spicy touch to your favorite slice?
- Steaks: A teaspoon of sauce on meat will transform every bite into an unforgettable experience.
- Stews and cabbage rolls: This sauce will add depth and complexity to the flavors.
- Soups: A drop of spicy sauce will bring an extra flavor and make the dish more interesting.

Calories and Nutritional Benefits

This spicy sauce recipe contains healthy ingredients rich in vitamins and minerals.

- Peppers are an excellent source of vitamin C and antioxidants, contributing to the immune system.
- Celery is rich in fiber, aiding digestion.
- Honey brings natural sweetness and has antibacterial properties.

In general, a serving of spicy sauce (approximately one teaspoon) contains about 20-30 calories, depending on the type of oil and honey used.

Frequently Asked Questions

- Can I adjust the level of spiciness?
Absolutely! You can reduce the number of hot peppers or opt for milder peppers. You can also add more honey to balance the spiciness.

- Is sterilization necessary?
Yes, sterilization is essential to prevent bacterial growth and ensure long-lasting preservation.

- How can I use this sauce in other recipes?
You can add the spicy sauce to marinades, salad dressings, or even use it as a base for spicy soups.

Possible Variations

If you want to experiment, you can try the following variations:

- Tomato sauce: Add ripe tomatoes for a sweeter and richer sauce.
- Garlic sauce: Add a few cloves of garlic for a more intense and aromatic flavor.
- Spiced sauce: Add a teaspoon of cumin or coriander for a more exotic aroma.

Conclusion

This is a spicy sauce that will not only add a splash of life to your meals but will also give you the satisfaction of making it at home. Whether you use it occasionally or it becomes a staple in your kitchen, you will be delighted by its vibrant taste and versatility. Whether you serve it at a festive meal or a casual dinner, the spicy sauce will surely be a favorite of all! Enjoy every drop and don’t hesitate to share this recipe with friends!