Name: African Pepper Sauce Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: African
Ingredients: 10 hot peppers (habaneros, scotch bonnet peppers, Thai chili, etc.); 1 medium onion; 4 cloves garlic; 1-3 Roma tomatoes (adjust the amount to taste); 2 tablespoons (20g) bouillon powder (or Maggi); 2 basil leaves; 2 tablespoons (7-8g) parsley; salt (to taste); ½-1 cup (118-236ml) vegetable oil

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Introduction

African Pepper Sauce is a bold and flavorful condiment that brings heat and depth to any meal. Made with fresh hot peppers, tomatoes, and aromatic herbs, it’s perfect for spicing up grilled meats, rice dishes, or even sandwiches.

A small white ceramic bowl filled with thick, textured red sauce that looks rich and slightly chunky. The sauce has a deep orange-red color with hints of oil on the surface. Around the bowl are bright red and orange bell peppers placed on a white marbled surface. The scene is well lit, showing the sauce’s vibrant and fresh look. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

10 hot peppers (habaneros, scotch bonnet peppers, Thai chili, etc.)
1 medium onion
4 cloves garlic
2 tablespoons (20g) bouillon powder (or Maggi)
2 basil leaves
2 tablespoons (7-8g) parsley
1-3 Roma tomatoes (adjust the amount to taste)
½-1 cup (118-236ml) vegetable oil
Salt (to taste)

Instructions

Step 1: Coarsely chop the tomatoes and onion, and remove the stems from the peppers. In a food processor, combine the tomatoes, onion, garlic, peppers, parsley, basil, and bouillon powder. Add enough vegetable oil to create a thickish puree and blend until smooth.
Step 2: Pour the pepper mixture into a small saucepan. Bring it to a boil over medium heat, then reduce the heat and let it simmer gently for about 15 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
Step 3: Taste and adjust salt as needed. Allow the sauce to cool, then transfer it to a container with a tight lid or a mason jar.
Step 4: Store the sauce in the refrigerator for up to a week. To extend its shelf life, make sure the sauce is fully covered with oil before sealing.

Tips & Variations

Use milder peppers if you prefer less heat, or blend different varieties for a unique flavor.
Add a splash of lemon or lime juice for a tangy twist.
For a smoky flavor, roast the tomatoes and peppers before blending.

Storage

Store African Pepper Sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. To keep it fresh longer, cover the sauce completely with vegetable oil before sealing. Reheat gently on the stove or serve at room temperature.

How to Serve

The image shows a white bowl filled with a thick, bright red sauce that has a slightly coarse texture. A silver spoon rests inside the bowl, partially submerged in the sauce. Around the bowl, there are three small, orange chili peppers and a couple of garlic cloves placed on a white marbled surface. The bright colors of the sauce and peppers stand out clearly against the clean white background, giving a fresh and spicy look to the dish. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried?

Yes, fresh basil and parsley give a vibrant flavor and are recommended for this recipe. If using dried herbs, reduce the quantity by about half as they are more concentrated.

Is this sauce very spicy?

The heat level depends on the type and amount of peppers used. You can adjust the number of peppers or choose milder varieties to suit your heat tolerance.