HACK- MY SON AND HIS MAMA’s HOMEMADE CHILI ÁRBOL PIQUE (HOT SAUCE)!

You learn new things almost every day. However, when you learn something from your own children, it’s simply priceless. Well, I was visiting my son, his adorable wife and loving children and at dinner he asked us to try his hot sauce. My husband was sold from the get go, I was sold shortly after for just one reason, it was real hot! However, the flavor was amazing and of course, super healthy.
 
So, I came home and followed my baby’s instructions and BOOM, we have PIQUE (fresh homemade hot sauce) at home. I also added a couple of extra ingredients for my taste, smile.
 
Category:  Homemade Hot Sauce
Approx. Prep and Cook Time:   under 30 Minutes
Approximate Cost: $2.65 - Where can you purchase hot sauce @ this price? @ Home
Difficulty Level:  Easy
Allergens, Other:  Gluten Free   __√__   Vegetarian __√__ 
Servings: over 20
 
INGREDIENTS
½ c. dried Chili Árbol, tops off, slice in half, seed removed and discard (.75)
2 c. water
1 small tomato, chopped (.25)
½ onion, chopped (Mama used a Shallot) (.50)
4 large garlic cloves, chopped (.15)
1 tsp. Paprika (.10
½ c. chopped cilantro (.20)
¼ c. chopped basil (Mama added this) (.20)
2 tbsp. apple cider vinegar (Mama added this) (.15)
1 tbsp. Angie’s Basting olive oil (or olive oil) .35
Salt to taste (optional) (Neither one of us added any salt and it is not missing at all)
 
DIRECTIONS

1. Cut the Chile tops, slice in half and remove the seeds. (you can use less for a mild sauce)
2. Place in a saucepan, add 2 cups of water, bring to a boil. Remove from stove immediately and allow to soak in the water for 30 minutes. Then remove and do not discard the water.
3.  Meanwhile, in a skillet, over medium heat, add 1 tbsp. of olive oil and sauté the onion, garlic and tomato until golden brown.
4. Reduce the heat and add the chili peppers, apple cider vinegar, paprika, chopped cilantro, basil and let simmer for a couple of minutes.
5. Allow to cool down a bit and then pour everything into a blender and blend until desired texture; smooth or chunky. (you can also strain it in a sieve if you prefer)
6. When the hot sauce is cool completely, pour it into a clean glass bottle with lid and store in the refrigerator for about 3 to 4 weeks, (if it last that long, smile)

 
My Link: Angie’s Basting Olive Oil:  www.angieslifehacks.com/cuisine/the-flavor-series-recipe-2-angies-basting-olive-oil