Fresh Cayenne Hot Sauce

Instructions

1. Start by preparing the cayenne peppers. Wash them thoroughly and remove the stems. If you prefer a milder hot sauce, you can also deseed the peppers at this point. Cut the peppers into small pieces.

2. In a saucepan over medium heat, add a drizzle of olive oil and sauté the chopped onions and minced garlic until they are soft and fragrant, about 2-3 minutes.

3. Add the chopped cayenne peppers to the saucepan and continue to cook for another 5-7 minutes until they begin to soften.

4. Pour in the white vinegar, sugar, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to combine all the ingredients. Allow the mixture to simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally.

5. Once the peppers have softened and the mixture has thickened slightly, remove the saucepan from the heat and let it cool for a few minutes.

6. Carefully transfer the mixture to a blender or food processor. Blend until the hot sauce reaches your desired consistency—smooth for a thinner sauce or with some texture for a chunkier version.

7. If the hot sauce is too thick, you can adjust the consistency by adding a little more vinegar or water and blending again.

8. Taste the hot sauce and adjust the seasoning if needed. You can add more salt, sugar, or vinegar to suit your preference.

9. Once you are satisfied with the flavor and consistency, transfer the hot sauce to a clean jar or bottle. Store the hot sauce in the refrigerator for up to one month.