Best Pepper-Based Condiments You Can Make at Home

Peppers are a gift to the culinary world, offering endless possibilities to spice up your meals. Whether you like your heat mild or scorching, creating pepper-based condiments at home allows you to customize flavors and enjoy the freshest ingredients. Here’s a list of some of the best pepper-based condiments you can whip up in your kitchen and elevate your dishes to the next level.

1. Homemade Hot Sauce

Arguably the king of pepper condiments, hot sauce is versatile, easy to make, and endlessly customizable.

Basic Instructions:

1. Choose your favorite peppers (e.g., jalapeños, habaneros, or ghost peppers) and remove stems. For milder heat, you can also remove seeds.
2. Roughly chop the peppers and garlic cloves (about 2-3 cloves for a medium batch).
3. Add the peppers, garlic, and 1 cup of vinegar (white or apple cider) to a blender. Add 1 teaspoon of salt and blend until smooth.
4. Pour the mixture into a saucepan and simmer over low heat for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally. This step enhances flavor and preserves the sauce.
5. Optional: For added complexity, ferment the peppers before blending by soaking them in a salt brine (1 tablespoon of salt to 1 cup of water) for 5-7 days.
6. Let the sauce cool, then strain for a smoother texture (optional). Bottle and store in the fridge for up to 3 months.

Pro Tip: Try aging your hot sauce for a few weeks after bottling for even more robust flavors.

2. Spicy Pepper Relish

Perfect as a topping for burgers, hot dogs, or sandwiches, spicy pepper relish combines chopped peppers with onions, vinegar, sugar, and spices.

Basic Instructions:

1. Dice 2 cups of mixed peppers (sweet and hot) and 1 large onion finely.
2. Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a pan and sauté the peppers and onions until softened.
3. Add 1/2 cup of vinegar, 1/4 cup of sugar, and 1 teaspoon of mustard seeds (optional) to the pan. Stir well.
4. Simmer the mixture over medium heat until it thickens, about 15-20 minutes.
5. Remove from heat, let it cool, and transfer to sterilized jars. Store in the fridge for up to 1 month.

Pair It With: Grilled meats, cheese boards, or roasted veggies.

3. Chili Oil

This fragrant condiment is a staple in many Asian cuisines. Made by infusing oil with dried chilies, garlic, and spices like Sichuan peppercorns, chili oil delivers a smoky, spicy punch.

Basic Instructions:

1. Heat 1 cup of neutral oil (like canola or vegetable oil) in a small saucepan over medium heat until it’s shimmering but not smoking.
2. Add 2-3 tablespoons of crushed dried chilies, 2 minced garlic cloves, and 1 teaspoon of Sichuan peppercorns (optional) to a heatproof bowl.
3. Carefully pour the hot oil over the chili mixture. It will sizzle and release a smoky aroma.
4. Stir in 1 tablespoon of soy sauce or sesame oil for added flavor (optional).
5. Let cool completely, then transfer to a jar. Store in the fridge for up to 2 months.

DIY Tip: Use a mix of whole dried chilies for a variety of heat levels and flavors.

4. Pepper Jam

Sweet and spicy pepper jam is the perfect addition to your condiment repertoire.

Basic Instructions:

1. Finely chop 1 cup of sweet peppers and 1/2 cup of hot peppers (e.g., jalapeños or serranos).
2. In a large saucepan, combine the peppers with 2 cups of sugar, 1/2 cup of apple cider vinegar, and 1 tablespoon of lemon juice.
3. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, then reduce to a simmer.
4. Stir in 1 packet of pectin and cook until the mixture thickens, about 5-10 minutes.
5. Pour the jam into sterilized jars and seal. Allow to cool before storing.

Hot Idea: Use pepper jam as a surprise ingredient in desserts like chocolate cake or brownies.

5. Smoky Chipotle Ketchup

Regular ketchup is fine, but smoky chipotle ketchup is a game-changer.

Basic Instructions:

1. Blend 1 can of chipotle peppers in adobo sauce with 1 cup of tomato paste until smooth.
2. Add 1/4 cup of vinegar, 2 tablespoons of brown sugar, and 1 teaspoon of cumin.
3. Pour the mixture into a saucepan and simmer over low heat for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
4. Let cool and transfer to a jar. Store in the fridge for up to 1 month.

Pro Pairing: Use it as a marinade base for BBQ ribs or chicken wings.

6. Fermented Pepper Salsa

Salsas are already a spicy staple, but fermenting the peppers adds an umami-packed tang that takes it to the next level.

Basic Instructions:

1. Finely chop 2 cups of peppers (a mix of mild and hot), 1 cup of tomatoes, 1 onion, 2 garlic cloves, and a handful of cilantro.
2. Toss the mixture with 1 tablespoon of salt and pack it tightly into a clean fermentation jar, leaving about 1 inch of headspace.
3. Weigh the mixture down with a fermentation weight and seal the jar with an airlock lid.
4. Let ferment at room temperature for 3-5 days, tasting periodically.
5. Once fermented, blend for a smooth salsa or keep it chunky. Store in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.

Bonus Tip: Keep a batch in the fridge to impress your next dinner guests.

7. Harissa Paste

A North African favorite, harissa is a pepper-based paste made with roasted red peppers, garlic, olive oil, and spices like cumin and coriander.

Basic Instructions:

1. Roast 4 red bell peppers until charred, then peel and deseed them.
2. Toast 1 teaspoon each of cumin, coriander, and caraway seeds in a dry pan, then grind into a powder.
3. Blend the roasted peppers with 2-3 garlic cloves, 2 tablespoons of olive oil, the ground spices, and a pinch of salt.
4. Add 1 tablespoon of lemon juice for brightness. Adjust consistency with more olive oil if needed.
5. Store in a jar in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.

Flavor Boost: Roast the peppers yourself for a homemade touch.

Why Make Your Own Condiments?

Creating your own pepper-based condiments allows you to tailor the heat, flavor, and ingredients to your liking. Plus, homemade versions are free from artificial preservatives and packed with freshness. Not to mention, they make excellent gifts for spice-loving friends and family.

With these homemade pepper condiments, your culinary creations are bound to pack a punch. Get creative, experiment with different pepper varieties, and let your taste buds guide you to your perfect spicy masterpiece.