Now that I’ve got it, what do I do with it? Ever ask yourself that question? I did right after I made this mango hot sauce. Perhaps a better question would be, when mangoes go on sale, why choose mango hot sauce over mango cupcakes? Some things will forever remain a mystery.
On Thursday, we will celebrate all things love-related when Valentine’s Day arrives. Yesterday in beer class, I learned chili peppers are considered aphrodisiacs. So there is one – if not distant – connection.
In addition, today marks the start of the Chinese New Year, and Tuesday is Mardi Gras. It is not often we have the opportunity to celebrate three glorious occasions in just one week. Why celebrate with a toast of champagne when you can celebrate with a splash of hot sauce? Grasping at straws here…
The write-up that accompanied the original recipe suggested considering this more so as a condiment than as a hot sauce, which I can see as it is not too terribly hot. Suggestions included, “a dipping sauce for raw oysters, or an add-in for meatloaf, beef stew or bread stuffing.” Note, oysters are also considered an aphrodisiac. I’m on to something here.
As for myself, I have been topping off my scrambled eggs with a dash or two. Given that suggestion is less than glamorous, I found a Serious Eats list of 25 Things to Do with Hot Sauce. My favorites from the list included adding hot sauce to punch up the flavor in tartar sauce, mayonnaise or chutney.
I also liked their ideas to add a few splashes into melted butter and then pouring it over popcorn or stirring a bit into a simple syrup to toss over a fruit salad. Going the simple syrup route also brings to mind spicing up a mango – or other – margarita. (An assortment of margarita and other drink recipes are available via my 5 o’clock board on Pinterest.)
One of the more unusual suggestions was to, “put a few drops into birdseed to keep out squirrels.” What? Am I to believe birds like seeds seasoned with hot sauce? If the squirrels do not like it, why would the birds like it? So confused.
A better suggestion mentioned with the original recipe was to present mango hot sauce as a hostess gift. And in the week ahead, why not give a bottle to your Valentine? I mean, who would want chocolates when hot sauce is an option? Please do not answer. Just leave me to my delusions.
If you like the idea of homemade hot sauce but are not so sure about sweet, sweet mangoes, check out the Etsy How-Tuesday article and video about how to Make Your Own Hot Sauce. Until next time, enjoy!
- 1 large mango, peeled and cubed
- ⅓ cup water
- 2 tablespoons cider vinegar
- 3 garlic cloves, peeled and minced
- ½ Scotch bonnet or habanero pepper, minced
- ½ teaspoon turmeric
- ½ teaspoon ground dry mustard
- ½ teaspoon sugar
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- Combine all ingredients in a small saucepan over low heat.
- Cover and allow to simmer for 30 minutes.
- After the mixture simmers, pour it into a food processor or blender and puree until smooth.
- Allow the hot sauce to cool to room temperature, then store in a bottle with a tight seal.
- Keep refrigerated.
With the sweet/spicy in this, I could see myself putting it all over EVERYTHING. So the question really is…what WOULDN’T I put it on…,
Love your comment! It made me laugh.