HOT MAMA SAUCE RECIPES

Steps:

• Cut the green tops off all the peppers. Discard tops and set peppers aside.
• Slightly smash each clove of garlic just enough that the paper loosens; remove the paper and discard it.
• In a medium, non-reactive (i.e. stainless steel, ceramic, or glass) pot, add the prepared peppers and garlic cloves. Pour in the vinegar and lime juice then add the salt, paprika, and bay leaf. Stir together to mix in the salt and paprika.
• Bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and allow to simmer for 20 to 30 minutes or until the peppers are soft.
• Remove from the heat and add to a food processor or heat safe blender (no need to remove bay leaf). Pulse until smooth and liquidy (be CAREFUL--it is HOT), adding more vinegar if necessary to make it more liquid.
• Smoosh through a fine mesh sieve into a bowl and discard any seeds and large chunks left in the sieve.
• Refrigerate in an airtight container for at least one week prior to using.

Steps:

• Rinse chiles and split open, discarding stems, seeds, and ribs.
• Heat a well-seasoned cast-iron skillet over moderate heat, then toast chiles, skin sides up, in batches, about 30 seconds (be careful not to burn them, or sauce will be bitter). Transfer chiles as toasted to a heatproof bowl and pour boiling water over them. Cover bowl and soak chiles, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 15 minutes.
• Purée chiles with three fourths of soaking liquid, reserving remainder, in a blender until smooth (use caution when blending hot liquids). Pour purée through a coarse sieve into a bowl, pressing on solids, and discard solids. Whisk reserved soaking liquid into chile mixture.
• Cook onion, garlic, cumin, and oregano in oil in a large heavy saucepan over moderately low heat, stirring, 2 minutes. Add flour and cook, stirring, 2 minutes. Whisk in chile mixture and simmer, partially covered, whisking occasionally, until reduced to about 2 1/2 cups, about 30 minutes. Season with salt, vinegar, and sugar.