Ingredients
- 4 medium-sized oranges (about 400g)
- 2-3 chipotle peppers (dried or canned)
- 2 cloves of garlic
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 cup water
Per serving
Calories: 50 kcal
Proteins: 1 g
Fats: 0.5 g
Carbohydrates: 12 g
Method
-
Prepare the oranges: Cut the oranges in half and squeeze out the juice into a bowl. Set the juice aside. Remove any seeds from the juice.
-
Prepare the chipotle peppers: If you are using dried chipotle peppers, rehydrate them in warm water for about 15 minutes until they soften. If you are using canned chipotle peppers, drain them from the adobo sauce.
-
Blend the sauce: In a blender or food processor, combine the orange juice, chipotle peppers, garlic, olive oil, honey, salt, black pepper, ground cumin, dried oregano, and water. Blend until you have a smooth sauce.
-
Cook the sauce: Pour the sauce into a saucepan and bring it to a simmer over medium heat. Let it cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the flavors meld together and the sauce thickens slightly.
-
Adjust the consistency: If the sauce is too thick, you can add a bit more water to reach your desired consistency. If it’s too thin, let it simmer a bit longer until it thickens up.
-
Taste and adjust seasoning: Taste the sauce and adjust the salt, sweetness (add more honey if desired), or spiciness (add more chipotle peppers) according to your preference.
-
Strain the sauce (optional): If you prefer a smoother sauce without any texture from chipotle seeds, you can strain the sauce through a fine-mesh sieve.
-
Let the sauce cool: Allow the sauce to cool down to room temperature before serving.
Orange chipotle sauce pairs well with various dishes, such as grilled chicken, roasted vegetables, shrimp tacos, fish, or even as a dipping sauce for tortilla chips. It adds a delightful blend of tangy sweetness from the oranges and a smoky kick from the chipotle peppers.
Orange chipotle sauce is a vibrant and flavorful condiment that brings a unique twist to traditional hot sauces. The combination of fresh orange juice and smoky chipotle peppers creates a well-balanced sauce that complements a wide range of dishes. Its sweet and spicy profile makes it a versatile addition to any meal.
Facts about the sauce:
- Chipotle peppers are actually smoked, dried jalapeño peppers, and they are widely used in Mexican cuisine to add smoky heat to various dishes.
- Oranges are a great source of vitamin C and provide a refreshing citrus flavor to the sauce.
- The word “chipotle” comes from the Nahuatl word “chilpoctli,” which means “smoked chili.”
- Mexican cuisine is known for its use of a wide variety of chili peppers, making it one of the most diverse and flavorful cuisines in the world.
- Orange chipotle sauce can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week, allowing you to enjoy its delicious taste over multiple meals.