Chile Pepper Water

Hawaiian chiles are difficult to find, even in Hawaii. There are no commercial growing operations and the ones grown in back yards are often eaten by birds. Substitute fresh piquins, bird’s eye, or the small Thai prik kee nu chiles.

• 2 cups water

• 1/4 cup whole fresh red Hawaiian chiles, stems removed

• 1 teaspoon kosher salt

• 4 cloves garlic, peeled

In a pot, bring the water to a boil. Remove from the heat and add the rest of the ingredients. Transfer to a blender and puree until smooth. Pour the sauce into a bottle and store in the refrigerator.

Yield: 2 cups

Heat Scale: Hot