The picante sauce recipe brings together the robust flavors of chipotle, tomatoes, jalapeños, and a blend of aromatic spices to create a zesty and smoky herbal sauce. The chipotle chiles add a subtle smokiness to the sauce, imparting a depth of flavor that surprises and delights the taste buds. These chiles are cold-smoked red jalapeños, and if you have access to them or can make them at home, it further elevates the sauce’s smoky profile.
INGREDIENTS:
- 6 dried chipotle chiles, stemmed
- 4 ripe tomatoes, stemmed
- 6 fresh red jalapeño chiles, stemmed
- 1 small yellow onion, peeled and quartered
- 3 medium garlic cloves, peeled
- 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro leaves
- 1 cup water
- ¾ cup cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground allspice
- Freshly ground black pepper
PREPARATION:
- Soften the chipotles by soaking them in a pot of hot water for 20 minutes or so. Drain, and remove the seeds if you want a milder sauce.
- Combine the softened chipotles in a blender with the tomatoes, jalapeños, onion, garlic, and cilantro, and pulse until finely chopped.
- Add the water, vinegar, cayenne, salt, allspice, and black pepper to the chipotle mixture and purée until just smooth, about 1 minute, being careful not to over-blend.
- Pour the mixture into a saucepan and bring to a boil, then lower the heat and simmer uncovered for 10 minutes.
- Remove from the heat and let cool before bottling. Refrigerated, the sauce will keep for up to 6 weeks.
YIELD: 4 cups
SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS:
- Soaking the chipotles helps to soften them and enhance their flavor. Removing the seeds from the chipotles can reduce the sauce’s heat level if desired.
- Be cautious not to over-blend the mixture to maintain some texture and avoid a completely smooth consistency.
TIPS:
- Adjust the spiciness of the sauce by varying the number of chipotle and jalapeño chiles used. More chiles will result in a hotter sauce.
- For long-term storage, refer to the instructions on page 51 for proper preservation techniques.
When properly refrigerated, the picante sauce can be stored for up to 6 weeks, ensuring you have a flavorful and versatile condiment on hand whenever needed.
When using the picante sauce, feel free to adjust the spiciness to your preference by adding more or fewer chipotle and jalapeño chiles. Remember that the heat level can vary based on the intensity of the chiles used, so it’s always a good idea to taste and adjust as needed.
The picante sauce’s rich and smoky flavors make it an excellent companion for various dishes. Whether you use it as a dipping sauce, marinade, or topping, its bold taste and aromatic profile are sure to enhance your culinary creations. From tacos and grilled meats to roasted vegetables and even eggs, the picante sauce adds a delightful kick and complexity to your meals.
In summary, the picante sauce recipe offers a delightful combination of smoky chipotle, zesty jalapeños, and aromatic spices. With its customizable heat level and versatile nature, this sauce is a fantastic addition to any spice lover’s repertoire. Enjoy the bold flavors and add a touch of excitement to your dishes with this homemade picante sauce!
