If you are a fan of spicy and distinctive flavors, this spicy sauce recipe is the perfect choice to add a special touch to your dishes. It is easy to prepare and combines simple ingredients like carrots, green and red peppers, giving you a blend of tanginess and heat that will enhance the taste of your food wonderfully. The addition of garlic and onion with olive oil gives it a rich flavor, while yogurt and lemon juice add a touch of softness and balance. With this recipe, you can prepare a delicious spicy sauce suitable for various dishes in just a few minutes.

Ingredients: 
1- 2 carrots 
2- 2 green peppers 
3- 2 red peppers 
4- 1 onion 
5- 3 garlic cloves 
6- 2 tablespoons olive oil 
7- 1 yogurt 
8- ½ cup lemon juice 
9- A pinch of salt

Preparation Steps:

1. In any baking tray, add red peppers, green peppers, carrots, onions, and garlic, then sprinkle with salt and olive oil.
2. Bake in the oven until fully cooked.
3. Once the vegetables have cooled, place them in a food processor, add ½ cup of lemon juice, and blend well.
4. Add yogurt and blend again thoroughly.
5. Transfer to any dish and serve.

Note:

Spicy sauce is ideal for fans of hot flavors but may not be suitable for people sensitive to chili peppers or those with stomach issues such as ulcers or acidity.

Health Benefits of Ingredients:

• Carrots: Rich in vitamin A and antioxidants, they help improve eye health and boost the immune system.
• Green and red peppers: High in vitamin C, promoting skin health and strengthening the immune system. They also contain antioxidants that fight inflammation.
• Onions: Contain sulfur compounds that support heart health and strengthen immunity, with antibacterial properties.
• Garlic: A powerhouse for general health, supporting heart health, reducing blood cholesterol levels, and exhibiting antibacterial and antifungal properties.
• Olive oil: Contains healthy unsaturated fats and omega-3 fatty acids that improve heart health and reduce inflammation.
• Yogurt: A great source of probiotics, promoting gut health and improving bacterial balance in the intestines.
• Lemon juice: Rich in vitamin C, supporting the immune system, enhancing skin health, and acting as an antioxidant.
• Salt: In moderate amounts, it helps maintain fluid balance in the body and supports cellular functions.

Combining these ingredients in one sauce not only enhances flavor but also contributes to overall health support.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):

Can this recipe be adjusted to be less spicy?
Yes, this recipe can easily be adjusted to suit those who prefer milder flavors. You can reduce the amount of red chili peppers or replace them with sweet peppers. Removing the seeds from the peppers before cooking also helps reduce the heat. Additionally, increasing the amount of yogurt or lemon juice can create a more balanced flavor.

Can this sauce be stored?
Absolutely. It’s best to store the sauce in an airtight glass container in the refrigerator, where it can stay fresh for up to 5 days. If you’d like to store it for a longer period, you can freeze it in small containers or ice cube trays. It can be used directly after thawing at room temperature or in the microwave.

What’s the alternative method if an oven isn’t available?
If you don’t have access to an oven, you can use a non-stick pan over medium heat with a small amount of oil. Sauté the vegetables until they soften and slightly change color. This method yields results very similar to roasting and speeds up the preparation process.

What’s the approximate preparation time for this sauce?
Preparing the ingredients takes about 10 minutes, and baking in the oven takes around 20 to 25 minutes at 180°C (356°F). After cooling and blending, the sauce will be ready in just 5 minutes. In total, the whole preparation process takes no more than 40 minutes.

How can the sauce flavor be customized to personal taste?
For a tangier flavor, simply increase the amount of lemon juice. For a smoky touch, you can add a dash of smoked paprika or roast the ingredients over charcoal before blending. You can also add a bit of ground cumin or coriander for a Middle Eastern or Arabic-inspired twist.

Is this sauce suitable for special diets like keto or vegan?
Yes, the sauce is suitable for vegans, as all the ingredients are plant-based, except for the yogurt—which can easily be replaced with plant-based yogurt like coconut or almond yogurt for a strict vegan option. For keto, it’s best to use full-fat unsweetened yogurt and reduce the amount of carrots, as they contain some carbohydrates.

Can other ingredients be used to enhance the nutritional value?
Of course! You can add a bit of ground flaxseed or chia seeds after preparing the sauce to boost fiber and omega-3 content. You can also incorporate a small amount of cooked spinach or kale to enhance its nutritional profile without significantly altering the flavor.

What can this sauce be used for? And is it suitable for salads or snacks?
Yes, this sauce is very versatile and can be used in many ways. It works great as a dressing for spicy salads or as a dip for tortilla chips and fries. It adds a flavorful kick to sandwiches, burgers, and shawarma. It also pairs wonderfully with grilled meats like kofta and chicken, and can be served on the side with rice or couscous. Additionally, it can be used as an extra ingredient in pasta dishes or appetizers for a delicious spicy twist.

Can other ingredients be added to change the sauce’s flavor?
Yes, feel free to get creative! You can add a hint of fresh or ground ginger, a bit of honey to balance out the heat with sweetness, or even a teaspoon of soy sauce for a unique Asian-inspired flavor.

Nutritional Value and Calories:

• 2 Carrots:
  • Calories: 50
  • Carbohydrates: 12g
  • Proteins: 1g
  • Fats: 0g
• 2 Green Peppers:
  • Calories: 48
  • Carbohydrates: 11g
  • Proteins: 2g
  • Fats: 0g
• 2 Red Peppers:
  • Calories: 50
  • Carbohydrates: 12g
  • Proteins: 2g
  • Fats: 0g
• 1 Medium Onion:
  • Calories: 44
  • Carbohydrates: 10g
  • Proteins: 1g
  • Fats: 0g
• 3 Garlic Cloves:
  • Calories: 13
  • Carbohydrates: 3g
  • Proteins: 1g
  • Fats: 0g
• 2 Tablespoons of Olive Oil:
  • Calories: 240
  • Carbohydrates: 0g
  • Proteins: 0g
  • Fats: 28g
• 1 Cup Yogurt:
  • Calories: 149
  • Carbohydrates: 11.4g
  • Proteins: 8.5g
  • Fats: 8g
• ½ Cup Lemon Juice:
  • Calories: 31
  • Carbohydrates: 10g
  • Proteins: 0.5g
  • Fats: 0g
• Pinch of Salt:
  • Calories: 0
  • Carbohydrates: 0g
  • Proteins: 0g
  • Fats: 0g

Total Nutritional Values:

• Calories: 625
• Carbohydrates: 69.4g
• Proteins: 16.5g
• Fats: 36g

These values provide an overview of the nutritional content and calorie count of the mentioned ingredients.