Imagine a sauce that dances between sweet, smoky, and spicy - a culinary masterpiece that will transform your ordinary grilling experience into an extraordinary flavor adventure! Our Cherry Chipotle BBQ Sauce is not just a condiment; it's a game-changing recipe that combines the luscious sweetness of ripe cherries with the bold, fiery kick of chipotle peppers. Whether you're a backyard grill master or a home cooking enthusiast, this sauce will elevate your dishes from good to mind-blowingly delicious in just 40 minutes!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 2 cups
Ingredients
- 1 cup pitted cherries
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon chipotle in adobo sauce
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by preparing your ingredients. Pit the cherries if they are not already pitted, and measure out the ketchup, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, chipotle in adobo sauce, and Worcestershire sauce.
- In a medium saucepan, combine the pitted cherries, ketchup, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, chipotle in adobo sauce, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir well to ensure all ingredients are evenly mixed.
- Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
- Once the sauce begins to simmer, reduce the heat to low and let it cook for about 25 minutes. This will allow the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken. Stir occasionally during this time.
- After 25 minutes, remove the saucepan from heat. Allow the sauce to cool slightly before blending for a smoother texture. If you prefer a chunkier sauce, you can skip this step.
- Transfer the sauce to a blender or use an immersion blender to puree the mixture until smooth. Be cautious when blending hot liquids; you may want to let it cool a bit more or blend in batches.
- Once blended, taste the sauce and season with salt and pepper to your liking. If you prefer a sweeter sauce, you can add more brown sugar at this stage.
- Let the sauce cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.
- This Cherry Chipotle BBQ Sauce is perfect for grilling or as a dipping sauce. Enjoy it with your favorite meats, vegetables, or as a flavorful addition to sandwiches!
Tips
- Cherry Selection: Use fresh, ripe cherries for the best flavor. If fresh aren't available, high-quality frozen cherries work great too.
- Chipotle Heat Control: Adjust the amount of chipotle in adobo sauce to match your spice tolerance. Start with less, and you can always add more.
- Blending Technique: When blending hot sauce, remove the center cap from the blender lid and cover with a kitchen towel to allow steam to escape and prevent pressure build-up.
- Storage Tip: The sauce actually gets better after a day or two in the refrigerator, as the flavors continue to meld and develop.
- Versatility Hack: Use this sauce not just for grilling, but as a glaze for roasted meats, a dipping sauce for appetizers, or even as a unique sandwich spread.
- Make Ahead: This sauce can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to two weeks, making meal prep a breeze.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 45kcal
Carbohydrates: 11g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
