Our Story

Mama Lil's History

From a Mother’s Kitchen to Northwest Icon

Before Mama Lil’s Peppers landed on burgers, pizzas, and Costco shelves, they were packed in reused jars in a Seattle kitchen, a gift of flavor from one loving mother to her son.

In the early 1990s, Howard Lev turned a simple recipe from his mom, Lilian, into something extraordinary. What began as small batches of Hungarian goathorn peppers pickled in oil, grown in Washington’s Yakima Valley, soon became the Northwest’s favorite secret ingredient.

Howard’s journey wasn’t exactly by the book. Born in Ohio, he traveled west by hopping freight trains, working odd jobs, and chasing creative dreams. But no matter where life took him, a jar of Mama Lil’s was always within reach. In Seattle, while juggling cab shifts and screenplays, Howard started sharing jars with friends. The response? "Where can I get more?"

Even Hollywood took notice - but not for Howard’s script. A producer called, hooked on the peppers instead.

From that moment on, it wasn’t about film. It was about flavor.

Peppatunities Are Endless

Mama Lil’s was never about mass production. It was about heart, heritage, and homegrown heat. Inspired by old-world flavors passed down from a Serbian friend of Mama Lil’s (who got it from a Slovenian who learned it in Italy), our recipe carries the soul of immigrant kitchens, where food is love and every meal tells a story.

We’ve grown from church kitchens to restaurants like Pagliacci Pizza and national shelves, but we’ve never changed the essentials: fresh Yakima Valley peppers, premium oil, bold labels designed by Seattle artist Julie Paschkis - and the same recipe Mama Lil used decades ago.

The Legacy Lives On

Howard’s memoir, A Pepper for Your Thoughts, chronicles the wild ride of building Mama Lil’s - full of wins, wipeouts, and wisdom for dreamers everywhere. The book’s as spicy and heartfelt as the peppers themselves, and a reminder that great things start small…and get better with oil.

We still make Mama Lil’s in Washington, still use local farms, and still believe the best food is made with family, friends, and a little fire.

So whether you found us on a pizza, in a sandwich, or in a jar at Costco - welcome to the Mama Lil’s family.

From our kitchen to yours - thanks for making us part of your story.