Description
A vibrant and spicy Pineapple Habanero Hot Sauce that combines the sweetness of fresh pineapple with the fiery kick of habanero peppers. Perfect for adding a tropical heat to your dishes, this homemade sauce is balanced with citrus, a touch of sweetness, and optional warming spices.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh pineapple, chopped (or 1 can pineapple chunks in juice, drained)
- 4–6 habanero peppers, stemmed and seeded (adjust for desired heat)
- ½ cup white vinegar or apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
- 1 tablespoon honey or sugar (optional)
- ½ teaspoon salt
Optional Ingredients
- 2 cloves garlic (optional)
- 1 small onion, chopped (optional)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for sautéing onion and garlic)
- ½ teaspoon cumin
- ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro
Instructions
- Prepare Ingredients: Peel and chop the pineapple into chunks. Wear gloves to safely stem and seed the habanero peppers to control the heat intensity. Chop the onion and garlic if using.
- Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for 4–5 minutes until softened. Then add the garlic and sauté for 1 more minute until fragrant.
- Blend Sauce: In a blender, combine pineapple, habaneros, vinegar, lime juice, honey (if using), salt, and the sautéed onion and garlic. Add cumin, smoked paprika, and cilantro if desired. Blend all ingredients until completely smooth.
- Simmer Sauce: Pour the blended mixture back into the saucepan. Simmer over medium heat for 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly. Add water or more vinegar as needed to reach your preferred consistency.
- Taste and Adjust: Carefully taste the sauce. Adjust sweetness with honey or sugar, increase heat by adding more habanero if desired, or add more vinegar for tanginess. Blend briefly again for a smoother texture if needed.
- Cool and Store: Let the sauce cool for 10–15 minutes. Pour into sterilized jars or bottles for storage.
- Refrigerate: Store the finished hot sauce in the refrigerator for up to 3 months to maintain flavor and freshness.
Notes
- Wear gloves when handling habanero peppers to avoid skin irritation and accidental contact with eyes.
- Adjust the number of habanero peppers to suit your preferred spice level carefully.
- Optional spices like cumin, smoked paprika, and cilantro add a unique depth of flavor but can be omitted for a simpler sauce.
- If the sauce is too thick after simmering, thin it with a little water or vinegar to reach the desired consistency.
- Use sterilized containers for storing to extend shelf life and prevent contamination.
- Shake or stir the sauce before each use as natural separation may occur.
