Fermented Blackberry Hot Sauce
There's nothing quite like the satisfying kick of homemade hot sauce, and if you're a fan of both heat and the funk of fermentation in the kitchen, we have a unique recipe that will tantalize your taste buds - Fermented Blackberry Hot Sauce. This delightful condiment combines the bold flavors of blackberries, apples, and an array of fiery chilis, all brought together through the magic of fermentation. So, roll up your sleeves, put on your gloves, and get ready to embark on a culinary adventure that will result in a hot sauce that's bursting with flavor.
Ingredients:
350g blackberries
100g apple
2 scotch bonnet chilis
2 fresno chilis
10-12 finger chilis
100g total for peppers OR you can use 25g dried chilis instead
5 garlic cloves
2% salt (calculated based on the total weight of ingredients)
Let's Dive In:
Preparation and Cleanliness: Start by ensuring your workspace is clean and all your ingredients are free of dirt. A clean environment is crucial for a successful fermentation process.
Sterilize Your Jar: Proper sanitation is key when fermenting. Sterilize a glass jar thoroughly to prevent unwanted bacterial growth.
Chop and Crush: Don your gloves (trust us, you'll thank us later) and start by chopping the chilis and apples into small pieces. Crush the garlic cloves. These ingredients are the heart of your hot sauce and will infuse it with rich flavors.
Weigh and Calculate Salt: Weigh all your prepared ingredients and calculate 2% of their total weight. This is the amount of salt you'll need to add. Mix the salt evenly into the chopped ingredients.
Pack It Up: You can either vacuum-seal the mixture or place it in your clean, sterilized mason jar. Make sure to pack the mixture down to minimize air gaps.
Fermentation Time: Find a dark, cool spot for your jar. Over the course of the next week or two, check it daily. As the fermentation process kicks in, gases will build up. To prevent any explosive surprises, "burp" the jar regularly by slightly loosening the lid.
Taste Test: After a week or two, taste your hot sauce. Fermentation time can vary, so let your taste buds be the guide. Once it reaches your preferred level of fermentation, it's time to move on to the next step.
Blend and Strain: Carefully blend all the ingredients together until you achieve a smooth consistency. Strain the mixture to remove any remaining solids.
Add Sweetness and ACV (optional): If you desire a sweeter or tangier flavor profile, you can add a touch of sweetness and a dash of apple cider vinegar (ACV) to round out your hot sauce. This step is entirely optional and can be adjusted to suit your taste.
Cooking to Halt Fermentation: Cooking your hot sauce will stop the fermentation process. Heat it gently on the stove, bringing it to a simmer.
You've just created a unique and flavorful Fermented Blackberry Hot Sauce. This condiment will elevate your dishes with its perfect balance of heat and fruity sweetness. Whether you drizzle it on tacos, use it as a marinade, or simply add a dash to your favorite meals, your homemade hot sauce will undoubtedly become a kitchen staple. Enjoy the fruits of your fermentation labor and share the fiery love with friends and family!
Original source for recipe: @appetite.life on TikTok
