Cranberry Chipotle Sauce
Cranberry Chipotle Sauce is a sweet, tangy, and smoky condiment made with cranberries, chipotle peppers, sugar, and spices. Perfect for holiday meals, it adds a bold twist to turkey, pork, or sandwiches. The sauce balances heat and sweetness for a unique and flavorful accompaniment.
Equipment
- Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Knife and cutting board
- Blender or immersion blender (optional)
- A serving bowl or an airtight container for storage
Ingredients
- 12 oz 1 bag fresh or frozen cranberries
- 2 –3 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce adjust to taste
- 1 tablespoon adobo sauce from the chipotle can
- ¾ cup orange juice
- ⅓ cup brown sugar adjust to taste
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin
- Pinch of salt
- Fresh cilantro chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the orange juice and brown sugar. Stir until the sugar dissolves completely.
- Add the cranberries to the saucepan. If using frozen cranberries, there's no need to thaw them beforehand. Stir to combine.
- Finely chop the chipotle peppers and add them to the saucepan along with the adobo sauce. Stir in the red pepper flakes, cinnamon, cumin, and a pinch of salt. Mix well to ensure all ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer for about 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally. The cranberries will begin to pop and break down, creating a thick, chunky sauce.
- For a smoother consistency, use an immersion blender directly in the saucepan or transfer the mixture to a blender. Blend until you reach your desired texture.
- Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning if necessary. If you prefer a sweeter sauce, add a bit of browner sugar. For more heat, incorporate additional chipotle peppers or adobo sauce.
- Transfer the sauce to a serving bowl and let it cool slightly. Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro before serving.