Homemade Hot Sauce

Directions

For the Fermented Version

• Place the peppers and garlic in a clean wide-mouth quart canning jar. Set aside.
• To make the brine, heat the filtered water and sea salt in a medium saucepan until the salt has dissolved completely. Let cool to room temperature.
• Place the peppers and garlic in a clean glass jar. Pour the brine over the peppers and garlic, completely submerging them. If you run out of brine, you can make more by mixing 1 cup of warm filtered water with 1 teaspoon of sea salt.
• Fit the jar with a fermentation lid or cheesecloth secured with a rubber band. Place in a warm, dark spot for 5-7 days, or until the brine looks cloudy and small bubbles begin to appear when you tap the side of the jar.
• When the fermentation time is up, strain the brine, reserving it. Place the fermented peppers and garlic in a blender, and add in 1 cup of the brine, plus the apple cider vinegar, and honey or maple syrup, if using. Blend until completely smooth, adding in additional brine to reach the desired thickness.
• While the blender is running, sprinkle in the xanthan gum, if using, and blend for an additional minute.
• Transfer to a bottle and store in the fridge for 3-6 months.

For the Quick Cooked Version

• Combine the peppers, garlic, 2 cups of water, 2 teaspoons of sea salt, apple cider vinegar, and honey or maple syrup, if using, in a medium pan over medium-high heat. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer for 10-15 minutes, or until the peppers and garlic have softened.
• Pour mixture into a blender (making sure to leave the cover vent open, but covered with a kitchen towel) and blend until very smooth.
• While the blender is running, sprinkle in the xanthan gum, if using, and blend for an additional minute.
• Transfer mixture to a squeeze bottle and store in the fridge for 2-3 weeks.

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