For all you chile heads looking for a knockout, eyewatering, tongue-tingling sauce, here it is; you may never buy commercially made hot sauce again. But a word to the wise: proceed with caution—this is not meant for wusses. Made from habañeros, one of the fieriest chiles around, this serious sauce achieves the perfect balance between flavor and heat. It’s best to protect your hands with a pair of latex gloves to keep the oils off your skin. Carrot is the secret weapon here; it not only adds amazing orange color but also gives the sauce another layer of flavor, with subtle sweetness and body. Use this hot sauce in Fried “Buffalo Style” Rabbit (page 152) or to fire up Bloody Marys or mayo. This sauce will keep practically forever!
Recipe information
Yield
makes 3 cups
Ingredients
Preparation
Step 1
Put a large nonreactive pot over medium heat and coat with the oil. When the oil is hot, add the onion and garlic. Cook, stirring often, until the onion is translucent but not brown, 4 to 5 minutes. Add the carrot, bell pepper, chiles, and tomato paste and stir to combine. Pour in the vinegar and 4 cups water. Give everything a good stir and bring up to a simmer.
Step 2
Add the agave, paprika, cumin, coriander, salt, and pepper. Reduce the heat to medium-low and continue to cook until all of the vegetables are super soft, about 30 minutes. Remove from the heat and let cool.
Step 3
Transfer the cooled sauce to a standard blender (or use an immersion blender) and puree until smooth. Store covered in the fridge for up to 6 months.
