SAUCE CHIEN
One of the French West Indies best kept secrets . 
The Sauce Chien (dog sauce) is a famous French creole hot sauce; one of the French West Indies best kept secrets. It’s a fragrant and fiery habanero sauce with a unique method to keep the sauce light and fresh. But why the name, ‘dog sauce’? About a century ago, a manufacterer introduced a brand of knife called the Chien which was used as an all rounder knife that chopped everything. And this sauce involves lots of fine chopping of fresh ingredients. Works with anything grilled and also makes a great sauce to fire up vegetables.
INGREDIENTS
3 spring onions (finely diced)
1 tbsp finely chopped shallot (optional)
1 habenero chilli pepper (or Scotch Bonnet)
2 mild long red or green peppers (optional)
3 tbsp chopped parsley
2 to 3 limes (juiced)
1 or 2 tsp lime zest
200 ml (7 fl oz) water
3 tbsp oil
2 garlic cloves
notes
Season well with salt and pepper and adjust the amount of brine mixed with the garlic oil. For a tomato version, add one small tomato seeded and dried. Pair with grilled fish or meat, seafood or charred vegetables.
PROCEDURE
Chop the garlic and mix into the oil. Let sit to infuse.
Chop the chilli and mix with the spring onion, parsley and lime zest in a bowl.
Juice the limes into a saucepan with the water. Add a pinch of salt and bring the liquid to a simmer on medium heat. Mix the liquid into the bowl with the chilli and other ingredients, season to taste and allow to sit for 5 minutes.
Scoop out the herbs along with 5 tablespoons of the liquid and transfer to a seperate bowl and add the garlic infused oil. Leave to macerate for 2 hours before eating.
" Wow, Great recipe! The people of the Yucatan have a sauce that is almost identical to sauce chien. In fact, they call it Xni Pec. In Mayan it means "dog's nose" because it is hot enough to make your nose run."Brian Hudson
"This reminds me a lot of a Thai dipping sauce called Nam Jim which I like to make at my fish and chip shop. It’s ace on a bit of haddock instead of salt and vinegar."Dave Coates
"I've been a fan of your Chanel for years!! but now you're a god! I haven't had this sauce in years so thanks for reminding me of it ."Alexander Reeves Hamilton