Make Horseradish Sauce
Horseradish is a condiment that comes from ground horseradish root. Also called horseradish sauce, this zesty concoction goes great on crackers, sandwiches, meats, cheeses and just about any food that you want to give a little extra kick. The level of heat from horseradish varies depending on how it was prepared. For this reason, if you are a connoisseur of this sauce but prefer a certain degree of heat, you might want to consider learning how to make horseradish yourself so you can adjust the recipe to suit your taste. There are few ingredients and the steps are simple, but the prepared horseradish will last for months.
Steps
- Purchase several horseradish roots from your garden or from your local grocery store or farmers market.
- They are best if they are around 8 to 10 inches in length (20.32 to 25.4 cm).
- Wash the horseradish root thoroughly with warm water and remove the tops with a knife.
- Remove the outer layer of the horseradish root with a vegetable peeler.
- Chop your horseradish root with a large knife into fine pieces.
- You can also use a blender if you prefer. If you choose this method for chopping your horseradish, be sure to add a small amount of cold water, and cut the horseradish roots in a few pieces before starting to grind the mixture.
- Decide how long to wait until you add the vinegar, depending on how mild or hot you want your prepared horseradish to be.
- Add the vinegar.
- This does not have to be an exact amount because it is simply to control the heat-producing properties of the horseradish root.
- Stir the mixture of chopped horseradish and vinegar.
- Drain the liquid from your prepared horseradish and add salt to taste, if desired.
- Put your horseradish sauce into an airtight container and store it your refrigerator.
Tips
- Horseradish roots have oils that produce enzymes when crushed. This is what gives horseradish sauce its kick, and is neutralized when vinegar is added to the mixture. The heat level can be adjusted to taste depending on when you add the vinegar. The longer you wait, the hotter the horseradish sauce will be.
- Store horseradish in a tightly closed container for up to 6 weeks. You can also store it in the freezer for up to 8 months.
- For a quick and delicious cocktail sauce, simply add chili sauce to your prepared horseradish.
- Vary your recipe for horseradish by adding heavy cream to give it a creamy consistency.
- Use dormant horseradish roots for the best flavor when making horseradish sauce. If the roots appear green or have buds, put them in the refrigerator for at least two weeks prior to making horseradish.
- Experiment with your new condiment. Horseradish sauce goes great with many dishes.
Warnings
- When learning how to make horseradish, remember to ventilate your kitchen by opening a window. The smell when chopping the roots can be very strong.
- Do not touch your face or eyes when chopping horseradish, as this can cause a burning sensation.
Things You'll Need
- Horseradish roots
- Vinegar
- Knife
- Blender
- Salt
- Vegetable peeler
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