Description
Dill Pickle Hot Sauce is a tangy, spicy condiment combining the bold flavors of chopped dill pickles, fresh jalapeños, and aromatic garlic. Simmered to blend the spices and then pureed into a smooth sauce, it offers a perfect balance of heat, acidity, and herbaceous notes. Ideal for adding a zesty kick to sandwiches, burgers, or as a flavorful dip.
Ingredients
Scale
Hot Sauce Ingredients
- 1 cup chopped dill pickles (with some pickle juice)
- 3–4 fresh jalapeños or serrano peppers, chopped (seeds in for more heat)
- 1/4 cup white vinegar or pickle brine
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill (or 1 teaspoon dried dill)
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar or honey (optional, to balance acidity)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or neutral oil
Instructions
- Heat the Oil and Sauté Aromatics: In a small saucepan, heat the oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and chopped jalapeños or serrano peppers and sauté for 2–3 minutes until they soften slightly and become fragrant, releasing their flavors.
- Add Pickles and Seasonings: Stir in the chopped dill pickles along with some pickle juice, white vinegar or pickle brine, fresh or dried dill, onion powder, salt, and sugar or honey if using. Mix well to combine all ingredients.
- Simmer to Meld Flavors: Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook for 5–7 minutes. This simmering step helps the flavors meld together, enhancing the sauce’s depth and complexity.
- Cool the Mixture: Remove the saucepan from heat and let the hot sauce mixture cool slightly to avoid overheating your blender and to help flavors settle.
- Blend Until Smooth: Transfer the cooled mixture to a blender or food processor. Blend until completely smooth. If a thinner consistency is preferred, add more pickle juice or water gradually while blending.
- Adjust Seasonings: Taste your hot sauce and adjust seasonings as needed. For extra heat, blend in another raw chili pepper or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- Store Properly: Pour the finished hot sauce into a clean glass jar or hot sauce bottle. Seal tightly and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks to maintain freshness and flavor.
Notes
- Use seeds in peppers for increased spiciness, or remove seeds to moderate heat.
- Adjust the amount of sugar or honey to balance the acidity based on personal preference.
- For a thinner sauce, add additional pickle juice or water during blending.
- Stored properly in the fridge, this sauce will keep well for up to 3 weeks.
- Substitute olive oil with any neutral oil if preferred for a milder flavor.
