HOT RED PEPPER 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:

• Heat oven to 200C/180C fan/gas 6. Place the peppers on a baking tray and roast in the oven for about 45 mins until the skins are blackened. Remove from the oven and put into a plastic bag – this makes them sweat and the skins slip off more easily. When cool enough to handle, peel off the skins with your fingers. Slice the peppers open, pick out and discard all the seeds and membrane, then roughly chop the red flesh.
• Heat the olive oil in a frying pan. When hot, fry the garlic and shallot for a few mins. Add the chopped peppers and continue to fry for a few mins, stirring to combine everything. Add the vegetable stock, bring to the boil, then allow it to reduce a little.
• Pour the contents of the pan into a blender and whizz until smooth. Adjust the seasoning to taste. Depending on the ripeness of the peppers, you shouldn’t need any sugar – but if they retain a slightly bitter flavour, return the sauce to the pan, add sugar to taste and let it dissolve over the heat. Serve hot or at room temperature.