By Dr. Leah Alexander | Published on December 3, 2023 | Last Updated on December 3, 2023
Are you looking to add a little heat and flavor to your meals? Look no further than this delicious datil pepper sauce. This simple yet flavorful sauce is perfect for spicing up any dish, from tacos to eggs and everything in between.
Plus, with just a handful of ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, you can whip up a batch of this sauce in no time. So get ready to impress your family and friends with this tasty homemade datil pepper sauce! Read on for the full guide and tips for variations.
What is datil pepper sauce?
Datil pepper sauce is a hot and spicy condiment made from datil peppers, a variety of chili peppers native to St. Augustine, Florida. These peppers pack a punch with their intense heat level and slightly fruity flavor. They are similar to habanero peppers but have a sweeter taste.
To make the sauce, the peppers are finely chopped and cooked with other ingredients such as garlic powder, apple cider vinegar, paprika, lemon juice, tomato paste, and honey. The result is a fiery yet flavorful sauce that can be used as a dip, drizzle, or marinade for meats and vegetables.
Why You’ll Love This Datil Pepper Sauce?
Not only is this datil pepper sauce bursting with heat and flavor, but it also has several other benefits that make it a must-try.
Firstly, it’s made with simple, natural ingredients without any artificial flavors or preservatives. This means you can enjoy the sauce without any guilt or worries about unhealthy additives.
Secondly, this sauce is incredibly versatile and can be used in many different ways. From adding a kick to your favorite dishes to being the star of dips and spreads, this sauce has got you covered. Plus, it’s easily customizable to suit your taste preferences.
So whether you’re a heat lover or just looking for something new to spice up your meals, this datil pepper sauce is sure to become a household favorite.
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The Ingredients
- Datil pepper: This pepper is native to St. Augustine, Florida, and packs a punch with its intense heat level. It’s similar to habanero peppers but has a slightly fruitier and sweeter taste.
- Garlic powder: This dried form of garlic adds a subtle but powerful flavor to the sauce without any bits or pieces in it.
- Apple cider vinegar: The tanginess from this ingredient provides a slight acidic bite to the sauce, balancing out the heat and adding depth.
- Paprika: This spice contributes a smoky and earthy flavor, perfect for sauces like this one.
- Lemon juice: The citrusy notes from lemon juice liven up the sauce and add brightness to each bite.
- Tomato paste: Adding tomato paste gives the sauce a rich and thick consistency, making it perfect for drizzling or dipping.
- Water: Adding water helps achieve the desired consistency of the sauce and prevents it from becoming too thick or clumpy.
- Honey: A touch of honey balances out the heat from the peppers and adds a hint of sweetness to enhance all the flavors.
- Salt: The final seasoning brings all the ingredients together and elevates the overall taste of the datil pepper sauce.
Step by Step Instructions
Step 1
Prepare the peppers
- Begin by preparing the datil peppers. Cut off the stems and discard them.
- Finely chop the peppers, making sure to remove any seeds if you prefer a milder heat level.
Step 2
Cook the sauce
- In a medium-sized saucepan, add the chopped datil peppers, garlic powder, apple cider vinegar, paprika, lemon juice, and tomato paste.
- Mix all the ingredients together until well combined.
- Turn on the heat to medium and let the sauce cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Step 3
Add water and honey
- After 5 minutes, add in 2 tablespoons of water to thin out the sauce and stir well.
- Next, add 1/2 tablespoon of honey and continue to mix until the ingredients are fully incorporated.
Step 4
Simmer and season
- Let the sauce simmer for an additional 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. This will allow all the flavors to develop and blend together.
- Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning according to your preference. You can add more salt or honey for a better balance of flavors.
Step 5
Cool and store
- Once done, remove the saucepan from heat and let it cool down to room temperature.
- Transfer the sauce to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
Notes
- The heat level of the sauce can be adjusted by adding more or fewer datil peppers and adjusting the amount of honey.
- For a smoother consistency, you can blend the sauce in a food processor or blender before storing it.
- You can use this sauce as a dip for chips, crackers, or vegetables. It also goes well with meats such as chicken, pork, or beef.
- If you don’t have datil peppers, you can substitute them with habanero peppers or other hot chili peppers.
Nutrition Information
Variations
- For a tangier sauce, use lime juice instead of lemon juice.
- You can add in other spices such as cumin, oregano, or chili powder for more depth and complexity to the sauce.
- If you prefer a sweeter sauce, add more honey or substitute with maple syrup.
Datil Pepper Sauce Recipe
Equipment
- Medium-sized saucepan
Ingredients
- 1.75 oz of datil peppers finely chopped, infusing the sauce with a fiery and bold flavor.
- 1/2 tsp of garlic powder providing a subtle, aromatic depth to the sauce.
- 1 tbsp of apple cider vinegar contributing a tangy and zesty kick.
- 1/2 tsp of paprika offering a hint of smokiness and earthy warmth.
- 1/2 tbsp of lemon juice lending a bright and citrusy note to the sauce.
- 1.5 oz of tomato paste bringing a rich and hearty tomato essence to the mixture.
- 2 tbsp of water or more to thin the sauce, ensuring a smooth and velvety texture.
- 1/2 tbsp of honey adding a touch of natural sweetness to balance the heat.
- Salt to taste enhancing the overall flavor profile with a perfect savory seasoning.
Instructions
- Begin by prepping the datil peppers. Cut off the stems and discard them, then finely chop the fiery peppers, removing any seeds for a milder heat level.
- In a medium-sized saucepan, combine the chopped datil peppers with garlic powder, apple cider vinegar, paprika, lemon juice, and tomato paste. Stir well to ensure all ingredients are evenly mixed.
- With the heat set to medium, let the sauce cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. This will allow all the flavors to merge together.
- Next, add in a splash of water and a drizzle of honey. These two ingredients will help thin out the sauce and balance out the intense heat from the peppers.
- Allow the sauce to simmer for an additional 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Once done, taste and adjust the seasoning as desired before letting it cool down to room temperature and storing it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.
Notes
- The heat level of the sauce can be adjusted by adding more or fewer datil peppers and adjusting the amount of honey.
- For a smoother consistency, you can blend the sauce in a food processor or blender before storing it.
- You can use this sauce as a dip for chips, crackers, or vegetables. It also goes well with meats such as chicken, pork, or beef.
- If you don’t have datil peppers, you can substitute them with habanero peppers or other hot chili peppers.
FAQs
Can I use dried datil pepper instead of fresh ones?
Yes, you can use dried datil peppers for this sauce. Just make sure to rehydrate them before using by soaking them in warm water for about 20 minutes.
How spicy is datil pepper sauce?
Datil pepper sauce is known for its intense heat level, similar to habanero peppers. However, you can adjust the spiciness by adding fewer peppers or removing the seeds.
Can I use this sauce for marinating meats?
Yes, this datil pepper sauce makes a great marinade for meats. Simply coat your preferred meat with the sauce and let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before cooking.
Wrapping Up
Datil pepper sauce is a versatile and flavorful condiment that can elevate any dish. Made with simple ingredients and easy to customize, it’s a must-try for all hot sauce lovers. So give this recipe a try, and get ready to add some heat to your meals!
So why not try making this delicious datil pepper sauce today and experience the spicy, tangy, and delicious flavors for yourself?
Don’t forget to share this article with your friends and family so they can also enjoy the benefits of homemade hot sauce.
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Dr. Leah Alexander, M.D., is a board-certified Pediatrician in New Jersey and has been working at Elizabeth Pediatric Group of New Jersey since 2000.
She also has a passion for culinary arts that extends beyond the medical realm. After completing culinary school at the French Culinary Institute, she started Global Palate, LLC, a catering firm, in 2007. She ran her own six-year-old catering company and served small group parties as an owner and executive chef.
