Skip to main content

Roman Sambal

Image may contain Food Jam and Relish
Matt Duckor

This is a sambal-style hot sauce named after its creator, senior associate food editor Alison Roman.

Recipe information

  • Yield

    Makes about 1 cup

Ingredients

½ pound red red Fresno chiles or red jalapeños
1 garlic clove
1 tablespoon kosher salt
¼ cup white distilled vinegar
¼ cup fresh lime juice
2 teaspoons sugar
Special equipment: cheesecloth

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Pulse chiles, garlic, and salt in a food processor to a fine paste. Transfer to a glass jar; cover with cheesecloth and secure with a rubber band. Let sit at room temperature at least 1 day and up to 2 days to ferment (read: develop flavor—the longer it sits, the better).

    Step 2

    Transfer chile mixture to a blender; add lime juice, vinegar, and sugar and purée until smooth. Transfer to a clean jar, cover with cheesecloth, and let sit at room temperature at least 1 day and up to 2 days to ferment more. Chill until cold.

  2. Do ahead

    Step 3

    Sambal can be made 1 month ahead. Keep chilled.

Read More
Like lemony risotto and tandoori-style cauliflower.
A warmly spiced Ashkenazi charoset, perfect for your Passover seder—or spooned over yogurt the next morning.
Biscuits and gravy, but make it spring.
This broiled hot honey salmon recipe results in sweet, spicy, glossy fish coated in a homemade hot honey glaze for an easy weeknight dinner or make-ahead lunch.
Turn humble onions into this thrifty yet luxe pasta dinner.
Keep this easy frittata recipe on hand for quick breakfasts, impressive brunches, and fridge clean-out meals.
Use this simple vinaigrette to dress a plate of greens, some steamed potatoes, or anything else that strikes your fancy.
Like airy lemon chiffon cake and a Cadbury egg–inspired tart.