Zesty Mango Habanero Hot Sauce

If you love hot sauce and mangoes, this is a must-try. The color is vibrant, the flavor is a delicate balance of spicy, sweet, and tart, and it’s so versatile and delicious on just about everything (plantains anyone?). Plus, it comes together in 25 minutes with just 8 simple ingredients. Let’s make hot sauce!

Origins of Mango Hot Sauce

Hot sauce is enjoyed around the world, and many different variations exist. But the common ingredient in them all? Chili peppers — which have been around for more than 6,000 years in Mexico and Central and South America. But who came up with the genius idea of combining sweet mangoes with spicy peppers? Our search didn’t result in a clear answer, but mango in hot sauce seems to be common in the Caribbean, particularly in Jamaica and Belize. The following is an oil-free, wonderfully spicy version adapted from the talented chef and author Bryant Terry.

How to Make Mango Habanero Hot Sauce

This hot sauce begins with sautéing onion and cumin seeds in water until the onions are tender and the seeds fragrant. Next come the garlic and habaneros for mega flavor and heat, plus all of their health perks! Capsaicin is the compound in habaneros (and other chili peppers) that makes them HOT! It’s been shown to be a pain reliever, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, promoter of beneficial gut microbes, and more. One study even found those who consumed spicy foods 6-7 days per week had a 14% lower risk of death. Give mama some peppers! But capsaicin is irritating to the skin and eyes, so wear kitchen gloves or wash your hands thoroughly and avoid touching your face after chopping hot peppers. Once we’ve gotten the pepper chopping out of the way, we’re ready for the remaining ingredients: lime juice and zest, sweet mango to balance the heat, salt and vinegar for hot sauce classics, and water to help it blend. Blend it all up and you’ve got hot sauce! You can give it a taste (careful, it’s spicy!) and balance the heat with a little maple syrup, if needed. Keep in mind it will also mellow out a bit after a day or two. When using a ripe, sweet mango, we find it doesn’t need the maple syrup. We hope you LOVE this mango habanero hot sauce! It’s:VibrantZestySpicyCitrusyVersatile& Delicious! It’s the perfect condiment for Spicy Black Eyed Pea Nourish Bowls, Roasted Plantain & Black Bean Vegan Bowls, Jamaican Jerk Grilled Eggplant, Grilled Fish Tacos, and beyond!