Spicy sauce

Pishcaciune - Homemade Spicy Sauce

Today, I invite you to discover a delicious and easy-to-make recipe that will add a burst of flavor to any meal. Pishcaciune is a spicy sauce made from simple ingredients but with an intense taste that will transform your dishes into a real explosion of aromas. This recipe does not require cooking, making it ideal for those who want to preserve the natural flavor of the ingredients.

Total preparation time: 24 hours (including maceration time)
Active time: 1 hour
Number of servings: 11 jars of 310 g

Ingredients:
- 3 kg fresh, ripe tomatoes
- 300 g green hot peppers
- 300 g garlic
- 250 g kitchen salt
- 50 g dried thyme (ideally from the market, not from a packet)
- 100 ml oil (preferably olive oil or sunflower oil)

Step by Step:

1. Preparing the Ingredients:
- Start by thoroughly washing the tomatoes and hot peppers. It is important to remove any impurities to get a clean and tasty sauce.
- Peel the garlic, being careful to remove the skin but leaving the cloves whole. This step is important because the garlic flavor will be better extracted during maceration.

2. Chopping the Ingredients:
- Use a meat grinder or food processor to chop the ingredients. Follow the specified order: start with the garlic, then add the hot peppers, and finally the tomatoes. This order helps create a uniform texture and an even distribution of flavors.

3. Mixing and Macerating:
- Once you have a smooth paste from the ingredients, transfer the mixture to a large bowl and add the salt and dried thyme. Mix well to ensure an even distribution of salt and seasoning.
- Cover the bowl with a clean towel or plastic wrap and let the mixture macerate at room temperature for 24 hours. This step is essential for flavor development, so don’t skip it!

4. Preparing the Jars:
- After the mixture has macerated, it’s time to prepare the jars. Wash them thoroughly and sterilize them by boiling or placing them in the oven for 10-15 minutes at 120°C. This step will prevent contamination of the sauce.

5. Filling the Jars:
- Fill the jars with the spicy sauce, leaving a small space at the top. Cover each jar with a layer of heated oil to create a barrier against microorganisms.
- Put on the lids and ensure they are tightly closed.

6. Storing:
- Place the jars in a cool place, away from direct sunlight. Pishcaciune will be ready to consume after a few days, but it becomes even tastier after a few weeks.

Practical Tips:
- Choose Quality Tomatoes: Ripe, juicy tomatoes are essential for a quality sauce. Opt for garden or market tomatoes that have a more intense flavor.
- Adjust the Spiciness: If you are not used to very spicy foods, reduce the amount of hot peppers. You can also add sweet peppers for a more balanced taste.
- Use Olive Oil: For an extra flavor boost, extra virgin olive oil is an excellent choice.

Nutritional Benefits:
Pishcaciune is rich in vitamins and antioxidants, thanks to the tomatoes and garlic. Tomatoes contain lycopene, a powerful antioxidant that may contribute to heart health, while garlic has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties.

Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can Pishcaciune be frozen?
Yes, pishcaciune can be frozen. Make sure to store it in airtight containers to prevent freezer burn.
- What dishes does it pair best with?
This spicy sauce pairs excellently with steaks, stews, soups, or even as a dressing for salads.

Recipe Variations:
- Add other spices: Experiment with basil, oregano, or even cumin to customize the sauce to your taste.
- Incorporate vegetables: You can add carrots or celery for a richer vegetable sauce.

A Personal Note:
This pishcaciune recipe reminds me of family moments, when we all gathered around the table to enjoy a meal cooked with love. Each jar filled with spicy sauce is a memory of those days, and the feeling of sharing this sauce with loved ones always brings a smile to my face.

Now that you have all the details, it’s time to put on your apron and start your kitchen adventure! Enjoy every step of the process and savor the final result - a delicious spicy sauce, perfect for brightening up any meal!