RecipesBarbadosBajan Pepper Sauce

Bajan Pepper Sauce

A fiery and flavorful condiment, this Bajan pepper sauce is a staple in Barbadian households, perfect for adding a zesty kick to any dish.

Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time20 minutes
Total Time35 minutes
Servings12
DifficultyEasy
Bajan Pepper Sauce - Barbados traditional dish

🧂 Ingredients

  • 16 Scotch bonnet peppers(stems removed, roughly chopped)
  • 1 medium White onion(chopped)
  • 2 cloves Garlic
  • 1 tbsp Turmeric(freshly chopped or ground)
  • 2 tbsp Cilantro(chopped (optional))
  • 0.75 tbsp Prepared yellow mustard
  • 0.75 cup White vinegar
  • 0.75 tsp Sea salt(or to taste)
  • 0.25 cup Water(or as needed for consistency)

👨‍🍳 Instructions

  1. 1

    Combine the chopped Scotch bonnet peppers, chopped white onion, garlic cloves, chopped turmeric, chopped cilantro (if using), prepared mustard, white vinegar, and sea salt in a blender.

    💡 Tip: Wear gloves when handling Scotch bonnet peppers to avoid skin irritation.
  2. 2

    Blend the ingredients until smooth. Add water gradually, if needed, to reach your desired consistency.

    💡 Tip: Start with less water and add more as needed to avoid making the sauce too thin.
  3. 3

    Pour the blended mixture into a saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium heat, then reduce heat and simmer for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.

    💡 Tip: Cooking the sauce helps to meld the flavors and preserve it.
  4. 4

    If you prefer a raw sauce, you can skip the simmering step and proceed to bottling. However, cooking enhances shelf life and flavor.

    💡 Tip: Raw pepper sauces have a fresher, brighter flavor but a shorter shelf life.
  5. 5

    Allow the sauce to cool completely. Pour into sterilized bottles or jars.

    💡 Tip: Sterilizing bottles prevents spoilage.
  6. 6

    Store in the refrigerator. The sauce will keep for several months.

💡 Pro Tips

  • For a less spicy sauce, remove the seeds and membranes from the Scotch bonnet peppers before chopping.
  • You can substitute habanero peppers for Scotch bonnet peppers if they are not available.
  • Adjust the amount of vinegar and salt to your personal preference.

🔄 Variations

  • Add a pinch of brown sugar or honey for a touch of sweetness.
  • Include other spices like black pepper or a dash of curry powder for added complexity.

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