03-07-2025
7 easy homemade chilli sauces to add flavour and spice to meals
Whether you're a fan of mild heat or love your food fiery, chilli sauces offer incredible range and flavor. Making them at home allows you to control the spice level, ingredients, and freshness. Here are 7 distinct types of chilli sauces you can whip up in your kitchen.1. CLASSIC RED CHILLI GARLIC SAUCEThis is a staple in many Asian kitchens. Blend soaked dried red chillies with garlic, vinegar, salt, and a bit of sugar. Simmer until thick. This sauce adds bold flavor to stir-fries, noodles, and dried red chillies5 garlic cloves2 tbsp vinegar1 tsp sugarSalt to taste2. GREEN CHILLI CORIANDER SAUCEFresh and zesty, this green sauce combines green chillies, coriander leaves, lemon juice, and a dash of cumin. Great as a dip for snacks or as a spread in green chillies1 cup fresh corianderJuice of 1 lemon tsp cuminSalt to taste3. SWEET CHILLI SAUCEA Thai-inspired sauce that balances sweet, sour, and spicy flavors. Made with fresh red chillies, garlic, vinegar, and sugar. It's perfect for spring rolls, nuggets, or red chillies3 garlic cloves cup sugar cup vinegar1 tbsp cornflour (for thickness)4. SMOKY ROASTED CHILLI SAUCEThis sauce brings depth through roasted red chillies and tomatoes. Add garlic, onions, and smoked paprika for a BBQ-style condiment. Ideal for grilled veggies, meats, or red chillies (roasted)2 tomatoes (roasted)1 onion3 garlic cloves tsp smoked paprika5. FERMENTED CHILLI SAUCE (HOT SAUCE STYLE)If you want complex flavor, ferment chopped chillies and garlic in salt water for 5–7 days. Blend and strain for a tangy, probiotic-rich hot cup red chillies (chopped)4 garlic cloves1.5 tsp salt1.5 cups water6. HARISSA (NORTH AFRICAN STYLE)A thick, spiced red chilli paste made with cumin, coriander, and olive oil. Harissa adds warmth and depth to pasta, couscous, or dried red chillies1 tsp cumin1 tsp coriander2 tbsp olive oil3 garlic cloves7. MINT CHILLI SAUCEA cooling yet spicy sauce that blends green chillies with mint and lemon. Pairs well with Indian snacks like samosas, pakoras, or green chillies cup mint leavesJuice of lemonSalt and a pinch of sugarChilli sauces are easy to customise, store, and use in countless ways. Whether you prefer them tangy, sweet, smoky, or fiery, these homemade versions offer fresh, preservative-free options that can elevate any dish. With just a blender and a few pantry staples, your kitchen can become a hot sauce haven.- Ends
