Garlic and Achiote Fermented Hot Sauce

Ingredients

• 2 garlic cloves
• 1 pound fresh red chiles (such as cayenne, Fresno, or Holland), coarsely chopped
• 3 tablespoons kosher salt
• 3 tablespoons sugar
• 1 cup olive oil
• 3 tablespoons achiote (annatto) seeds
• 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
• 3/4 cup distilled white vinegar
• A 1-pint glass jar; a layer of cheesecloth
• Achiote seeds can be found in specialty stores, in the spice section of some supermarkets, and online.

Directions

1. Pulse garlic in a food processor until finely chopped. Add chiles, salt, and sugar and pulse until chile pieces are no bigger than 1/2". Transfer mixture to jar and press down so chiles are slightly submerged in their own liquid. Cover with cheesecloth and fasten with kitchen twine or a rubber band. Let sit in a cool place away from direct sunlight at least 2 days and up to 5 days. The liquid will develop a slightly sour smell and there should be small bubbles scattered throughout. The longer you let it ferment, the more active it will become, but don’t go longer than 5 days.
2. Heat oil, achiote seeds, and paprika in a small saucepan over medium-high. As soon as small bubbles appear around the edges of the pan (2–3 minutes), let cook another 30 seconds; let cool. Strain oil through a fine-mesh sieve into a heatproof bowl; discard solids.
3. Blend achiote oil, vinegar, and two-thirds of chile mixture in a blender until smooth. Transfer to an airtight container and stir in remaining chile mixture.
4. Hot sauce can be made 2 weeks ahead; cover and chill.