Description
This Pineapple Habanero Hot Sauce combines the tropical sweetness of fresh pineapple with the fiery kick of habanero peppers to create a vibrant, tangy condiment. Ideal for adding bold flavor to grilled meats, tacos, or even as a spicy dipping sauce, this recipe balances heat and sweetness with hints of lime, garlic, and optional 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 Aromatics and Spices
- 2 cloves garlic (optional)
- 1 small onion, chopped (optional)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for sautéing onion and garlic)
- ½ teaspoon cumin (optional)
- ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare Ingredients: Peel and chop the pineapple. Put on gloves to handle the habanero peppers, then stem and seed them. If using, chop the onion and garlic finely.
- Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook for 4–5 minutes until soft and translucent. Add garlic and sauté for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.
- Blend Sauce: Transfer the pineapple, habaneros, vinegar, lime juice, honey, salt, and sautéed onion and garlic into a blender. Add optional spices such as cumin, smoked paprika, and fresh cilantro if desired. Blend until smooth and well combined.
- Simmer Sauce: Pour the blended mixture back into the saucepan. Simmer over medium heat for 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly. If it becomes too thick, add a little water or vinegar to achieve desired consistency.
- Adjust Seasoning: Carefully taste the sauce and adjust for sweetness, heat, or acidity as needed. For a smoother texture, blend the sauce briefly again after adjusting.
- Cool and Store: Allow the sauce to cool for 10–15 minutes. Pour it into sterilized jars or bottles.
- Refrigerate: Store the sauce in the refrigerator for up to 3 months and use as a flavorful hot sauce.
Notes
- Wear gloves when handling habanero peppers to avoid skin irritation.
- If you prefer a milder sauce, reduce the number of habaneros or leave seeds in for less heat.
- The sauce can be customized with optional spices such as cumin and smoked paprika for extra depth.
- Use fresh pineapple for best flavor, but canned pineapple chunks (drained) work as a convenient substitute.
- Store in sterilized jars to prolong shelf life and prevent contamination.
- If the sauce thickens too much after cooling, thin it with a little water or vinegar before serving.
