Kenyan Pili Pili Hot Sauce

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Merkato Market

📍 Where this dish comes from: Addis Ababa, Ethiopia · Merkato Market
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Kenyan Pili Pili Hot Sauce, plated and ready to serve

Pili pili is the condiment Kenyans reach for on grilled meat, stews, and pretty much everything else — a simple blend of fresh chilies, garlic, and vinegar that keeps well and only gets better after a day or two in the fridge. Adjust the number of chilies to taste; it keeps up to 2 weeks refrigerated, and the heat mellows slightly over the first few days.

What You’ll Need

Ingredients for Kenyan Pili Pili Hot Sauce

Kenyan Pili Pili Hot Sauce

Kenya's all-purpose hot sauce, at home on nearly every grilled dish.
Print Recipe
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: East African
Servings: 12 tbsp

Ingredients

  • 8–10 fresh red chilies stemmed
  • 4 cloves garlic
  • 1/4 cup vinegar
  • 2 tbsp oil
  • Salt to taste

Instructions

  • Combine chilies, garlic, vinegar, and oil in a blender.
  • Blend until smooth, adding a splash of water if needed to reach a pourable consistency.
  • Season with salt and transfer to a jar.
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Cooking Kenyan Pili Pili Hot Sauce in the kitchen

Health Benefits

  • Fresh chilies are a source of vitamin C and capsaicin.
  • Garlic and vinegar add flavor with virtually no carbs.
  • No sugar, unlike most bottled hot sauces.
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