Saucy!
Like most chilli heads, I have a wide range or chilli sauces, powders and dried chillies scattered around my kitchen. However, there are some that just never migrate to the back of the fridge or cupboard.
So these are my 5 current go-to sauces which I find myself leaning on time and time again when I need a hit of the hot stuff.
1. Aunt May's Bajan Pepper Sauce
I first came across this a few years ago when a friend gave me their bottle. What a friend. One of those ' hallelujas' moments. I've yet to meet someone who's tried it and not said "MMmmmmm... What's that sauce?"
It's packed full of flavour, a good punch of heat but nothing crazy given the 'Hot' label and comes with that fruity tang that you get a lot with Carribean hot sauces. Also, the bottle and the label got me. I want to go round to Aunt May's house for a some Jug-jug, rice and peas, and a hug!
2. Dragons Blood - Chilli Pepper Pete
This is a sauce that I treat with respect. Too much of a good thing, in this case, will kick you in the proverbials. For a VERY hot sauce, this still retains flavour.
I will admit though I bought this sauce just for the heat, back in the day, but ended up liking it a lot, so it's stuck around.
This may raise a few eyebrows but it's great stuff. Two big flavours blended into a bottle to give that kebab shop lift to any unsuspecting dish. Use it, abuse it, you won't regret it.
Add to some chips with mayo after a few beers. Takes me straight back to Sammy's on Prince of Wales Road, Norwich in my youth!
4. Encona Original Hot Pepper Sauce
Available in most supermarkets, this should be in everyone's fridge. This never runs out in my house as there is always a second bottle standing by - it's been that way since the late 90's.
This really is the definition of my go-to sauce. Great on everything, anytime, any place. For the baked bean lover, add some of this with a good twist of black pepper for the best hot beans on toast.
Last but not least, where would a sauce list be without Sriracha? There are many varieties out there, but this one is my favourite. It's at the hotter end of the Sriracha scale and packs just the right amount of heat to balance out the saltiness. It always reminds me of my Asian travels and I especially love it as it comes in a 740ml bottle so it lasts.
This Sriracha lends itself to kick-starting your day liberally squirted over fried eggs on toast. For something a little different, replace the ketchup in your bacon sandwich with this. Granted you need to be into your salt to appreciate it but if that's not an issue for you, give it a bash. Game changer!
