Southern Pepper Sauce

When I first tasted Southern Pepper Sauce, it was like a burst of sunshine on my palate. Living in the South, this sauce is a staple that embodies the warmth and zest of our culinary traditions. I remember gathering with family for Sunday dinners, and there, at the table, was a bottle of this vibrant sauce, ready to elevate our meals. From drizzling it on fried catfish to adding a kick to our greens, it became a cherished companion to many dishes. Making Southern Pepper Sauce is not just about combining ingredients; it’s about creating a flavorful experience that brings people together.

This sauce is incredibly versatile. Whether you want to spice up your breakfast or give your dinner a southern flair, this recipe is the way to go. The balance of tangy vinegar, combined with the heat of fresh peppers, makes it a unique addition to any meal. Plus, it’s easy to make in just a few steps, allowing you to capture that authentic southern flavor right in your kitchen. Trust me, once you have your own jar of Southern Pepper Sauce on hand, you’ll find endless ways to use it!

Ingredients You’ll Need for Southern Pepper Sauce

Creating Southern Pepper Sauce is all about using simple, quality ingredients that work in harmony to create a delightful flavor. The key players in this recipe include distilled white vinegar, which forms the base of the sauce, and a variety of peppers that add the perfect amount of heat. Together, these ingredients create a condiment that is both vibrant and versatile.

• 1 cup distilled white vinegar: A must-have for the acidic base of the sauce. It balances the flavors beautifully.
• 1 tablespoon sugar: Adds a hint of sweetness to round out the tanginess of the vinegar.
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt: Essential for enhancing the overall flavor profile of the sauce.
• 1 teaspoon olive oil: Optional for those who want an extra layer of richness, particularly in a hot pepper sauce.
• about 30 small peppers: The star ingredient; choose your favorite varieties to customize the heat level.

Recipe Directions for Southern Pepper Sauce

Making Southern Pepper Sauce is a simple and rewarding process. Follow these steps to create your own batch. You’ll soon find it’s a staple you can’t live without!

1. Start by preparing your jars. Clean the jar, lid, and band thoroughly, then rinse well. It’s important to keep them warm to ensure a good seal later.
2. Next, in a stainless steel saucepan, combine 1 tablespoon of sugar, 1 teaspoon of kosher salt, 1 cup of distilled white vinegar, and the optional 1 teaspoon of olive oil. Mix these ingredients well.
3. Place the saucepan over medium heat and cook the mixture. Stir occasionally until it begins to boil; this process melds the flavors together beautifully.
4. As the mixture heats, prepare your peppers. Rinse them under cool water and trim the stems if necessary. Pack about 30 small peppers tightly into the clean jar.
5. Once the vinegar mixture is boiling, carefully pour it over the peppers in the jar. Make sure to leave about one inch of headspace from the top of the jar.
6. To remove air bubbles, tilt the jar slightly, allowing any trapped bubbles to escape. Gently press the peppers against the opposite side of the jar to help this process.
7. Wipe the rim of the jar with a clean cloth to ensure a perfect seal. Place the lid on top and tighten the ring securely.
8. Allow the jars to seal by setting them on the countertop to cool. Make sure there is about one inch of space between each jar.
9. After about 12 hours, test the seal by pressing your finger to the center of each lid. If it doesn’t pop back, it’s sealed. If not sealed, simply refrigerate and use the sauce promptly.
10. Store your Southern Pepper Sauce in a dark, cool cabinet or pantry where it can last up to a year. Enjoy the fruits of your labor!

Make It Your Own

There are countless ways to customize your Southern Pepper Sauce to suit your tastes. Here are some tips to help you make it uniquely yours!

• Experiment with peppers: Try different types of peppers such as jalapeños, habaneros, or even sweet bell peppers for a milder flavor.
• Add herbs: Mix in herbs like oregano or thyme for an aromatic twist that complements the spice.
• Infuse flavors: Consider adding garlic or onion powder for a deeper flavor profile in your sauce.
• Adjust sweetness: If you prefer a sweeter sauce, increase the amount of sugar until it suits your taste.
• Try different vinegars: While distilled white vinegar is standard, you might enjoy using apple cider vinegar for a different taste.
• Gift it: Package your homemade sauce in decorative bottles to give as gifts. Add a label with serving suggestions for a personal touch.

Side Dish Ideas for Southern Pepper Sauce

Pairing Southern Pepper Sauce with the right dishes can elevate your meals significantly. Here are some ideas to inspire your next culinary adventure:

• Fried Chicken: Drizzle Southern Pepper Sauce over crispy fried chicken to enhance its flavor.
• Grilled Fish: A splash of this sauce adds a spicy tang that beautifully complements grilled fish.
• Fried Green Tomatoes: Serve with Southern Pepper Sauce to create a tangy contrast to the richness of the fried tomatoes.
• Mac and Cheese: Stir in a bit of sauce to your mac and cheese for a spicy kick that will surprise your taste buds.
• Vegetable Medleys: Add some zing to steamed or roasted vegetables by drizzling them with the sauce.
• Sandwiches: Use Southern Pepper Sauce as a condiment on sandwiches for a burst of flavor.
• Egg Dishes: A dash of the sauce on scrambled eggs or omelets can wake up your breakfast.
• Soups: Enhance the flavor of your favorite soups with a spoonful of this peppery sauce.
• Picnic Fare: Include Southern Pepper Sauce in your picnic spread to spice up cold salads and sandwiches.

FAQ

Conclusion

In summary, Southern Pepper Sauce is a delightful condiment that brings a burst of flavor to any dish. Its simple ingredients and ease of preparation make it a staple in many Southern kitchens. I encourage you to give this recipe a try; once you experience the spicy tang of your own homemade sauce, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it. Enjoy the journey of flavor and the joy it brings to your meals!

Southern Pepper Sauce

The ultimate flavor booster, Southern Pepper Sauce is a zesty and spicy condiment that's perfect for enhancing your favorite dishes. This easy recipe combines fresh peppers and tangy vinegar, making it the perfect addition to your kitchen. Make it today and spice up your meals!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 20 minutes mins

Course Condiment

Cuisine Southern

Servings 32 tablespoons

Calories 30 kcal

Equipment

• Large Pot
• Mixing Bowl
• Frying Pan

Ingredients

  

• 1 cup distilled white vinegar
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon olive oil optional for extra hot pepper sauce
• 30 small peppers small peppers

Instructions

 

• Clean jar, lid, and band and rinse well. Keep warm.
• Mix together sugar, salt, vinegar, and optional olive oil in a stainless steel saucepan.
• Cook over medium heat until it begins to boil.
• Fill jar with peppers and pour hot vinegar mixture over the peppers. Leave about 1 inch of headspace from the top of the jar.
• Remove air bubbles in the jar by tilting jar slightly to allow bubbles to escape as press peppers against opposite side of the jar.
• Wipe jar rim to clean. Place lid on top of jar and tighten ring.
• Allow jars to seal by setting on countertop to cool with about 1 inch in between each.
• Test seal after about 12 hours by pressing finger to the center of the lid. If sealed, it will not pop back. If not sealed, refrigerate and use.
• Store in dark, cool cabinet or pantry for up to a year.

Notes

• Makes 1 pint: This recipe yields approximately 1 pint of Southern Pepper Sauce, perfect for personal use or sharing.

Keyword homemade pepper sauce, southern cooking, Southern Pepper Sauce, spicy condiment recipe