Caribbean Spicy Dipping Sauce
This Caribbean pepper is famous for being the hottest chile pepper in the world. They come in a variety of shapes and colors(yellow, orange,green, red,chocolate). Not only are they extremely hot, but they also have a unique,distinctively fruity flavor.
It is the key ingredient in the popular Jamaican Jerk sauce. The habanero is also widely used in many different types of hot sauces. The popularity of this chile pepper continues to grow and is becoming easier to find on the grocery shelf.
Ingredients:
1 small onion, minced
3 scallions, minced
1/3 cup minced red bell pepper
2 garlic cloves, minced
1-2 habanero chiles, seeded and minced
1 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. dried thyme, crumbled
7/8 cup water
2 Tbsp. white wine vinegar
1/4 cup fresh lime juice
2 Tbsp. vegetable oil
2 Tbsp. chopped fresh cilantro, plus sprigs for garnish
Instructions:
In a heatproof bowl combine the onion, scallions, bell pepper, garlic, chiles, salt and thyme. In a small saucepan bring the water and vinegar to a boil. Pour the vinegar mixture over the vegetables and let the mixture cool. Stir in the lime juice and oil. The sauce may be made 2 days in advance and kept covered and chilled. Let the sauce come to room temperature, stir in the chopped cilantro and garnish the sauce with cilantro sprigs.
Makes about 2 cups.