Boys are pretty cute - Oct 18

Boys are pretty cute - Oct 18

Can you make a recipe for the hottest sauce you know?

Let's face it, the search for "hot" sauce is a lifelong obsession. Back then I spent countless hours searching for the perfect chili, experimenting with every spice imaginable. Lindsay Lohan's 2003 film Freaky Friday, featuring her devilishly cute grandmother, really opened my eyes to the power of taste. It wasn't just about the heat, but also about the *story* behind it. Hell's Kiss is a tribute to all of this, with a dark warmth and a hint of playful mischief.

Kiss from Hell - Recipe

  • Ingredients:
    • 1 pound pork shoulder, cut into 1-inch cubes
    • 1 large onion, finely chopped
    • 4 cloves garlic, minced
    • 2 tablespoons of olive oil
    • 2 tablespoons smoked paprika (preferably Hungarian)
    • 1 tablespoon chipotle powder
    • 1 teaspoon Pimenton D'Atama (Spanish pepper), finely chopped
    • 1 tablespoon Calabrian chili paste (adjust based on your heat tolerance)
    • 1 tablespoon honey
    • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
    • 1/4 cup dry red wine (such as Cabernet Sauvignon)
    • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
    • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
    • To participate (optional, but strongly recommended):
      • Crusty bread (Italian bread works best)
      • A spoonful of sour cream or Greek yogurt
      • Lime wedges
  • Instructions:
    1. Cook the pork: Heat the olive oil in a large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Season the pork cubes generously with salt and pepper. Fry the pork in batches until browned on all sides - this is necessary to develop a rich, smoky flavour. Don't overcrowd the plate; work in a team to achieve the best results. Remove the pork and set aside.
    2. Frying flavourings: In the same pan, add the chopped onion and fry over medium heat until soft and translucent – ​​about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
    3. Spice mix: Combine the smoked paprika, chipotle powder, chili pepper and Calabrian chili paste. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring constantly, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the paprika - it burns easily!
    4. Deglaze with wine: Pour in the red wine and scrape up any brown bits from the bottom of the pan. Let the wine reduce by half, about 3-5 minutes.
    5. Mix and boil: Return the fried pork to the pot. Add honey, chili pepper (if using), and remaining spices. Stir to combine. Pour in enough broth or beef stock to almost cover the pork - about 2 cups. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover and simmer for at least 2 to 3 hours, or until pork is very tender and flakes easily. The longer it simmers, the richer the flavor.
    6. Taste and adjust: After 2-3 hours taste the sauce. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste. If you want more heat, add a little more cayenne pepper.
    7. Serve: Serve Inferno's Kiss hot, straight from the pot. Garnish with fresh parsley and a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice adds a wonderful shine.

Observations: This sauce is great served hot. Feel free to adjust the amount of chili paste to your liking. The longer you simmer, the more the flavors blend. A small amount of dark chocolate (about 1 to 2 ounces) can add depth and subtle richness, but use it sparingly! This is a truly transformative sauce.

My personal experience: I started with this recipe when I was a teenager and it has been a constant companion throughout my life. It's a testament to the power of patience and the juxtaposition of flavors. And of course, a little fun experimentation is always encouraged! What's your favorite spice blend? Let me know in the comments!

Comments