Louisiana Style Hot Sauce - How to Make Your Own

cayenne peppers

🥗Healthier: habanero peppers

💰Cheaper: jalapeño peppers

Habanero peppers offer a spicier flavor, while jalapeños are milder and more budget-friendly.

vinegar

🥗Healthier: apple cider vinegar

💰Cheaper: white vinegar

Apple cider vinegar has a more complex flavor profile, while white vinegar is often less expensive.

Chop the chili peppers and pack them into a fermentation jar, leaving at least 1 inch of head space.

Mix 1 quart unchlorinated water with 3 tablespoons sea salt. Pour enough brine over the peppers to cover them, pressing them down as you go.

Screw on the lid and set the jar away from direct sunlight to ferment for at least 1 week, monitoring daily.

After 1-2 weeks, the brine will turn cloudy and taste acidic.

Pour the fermented peppers, including brine, into a pot along with the vinegar and bring to a quick boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes.

Cool slightly then add to a food processor and process until smooth.

Strain the mixture to remove the solids and pour into hot sauce bottles.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Dietary