Sweet Coffee Cascabel Sauce

FOR TRADITIONAL BARBECUE, CONTEMPORARY SMOKED FOOD, & GRILLED DISHES 

Cascabel is a small, round, fruity dried chile that blends well with this sauce’s sweet tones. You can substitute ground New Mexican red chile, though, if it’s easier to find.

Sweet Coffee-Cascabel Sauce is a delectable and unique sauce that brings together the rich flavors of brewed coffee, the smoky heat of ground dried cascabel chile, and a touch of sweetness from light brown sugar and corn syrup. This sauce offers a delightful balance of sweet and spicy notes, making it a versatile and enticing addition to a variety of dishes.

The sauce starts by sautéing minced onions in vegetable or sunflower oil, infusing the base with savory undertones. Once the coffee, brown sugar, corn syrup, ground dried cascabel chile, ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt are added, the sauce is simmered until it reduces to a luscious and concentrated consistency. The reduction process enhances the flavors, allowing the coffee to meld harmoniously with the spicy cascabel chile, creating a complex and alluring taste.

The final touch of unsalted butter adds a velvety and luxurious finish to the sauce, rounding out the flavors and giving it a smooth texture. This Sweet Coffee-Cascabel Sauce is a delightful accompaniment to grilled or roasted meats such as pork, beef, or chicken, adding a burst of sophisticated flavor that will impress your dinner guests.

Whether served warm with dinner or stored in the refrigerator for future use, this sauce is a versatile condiment that can elevate a wide range of dishes. Its delightful combination of coffee and cascabel chile brings a unique and memorable taste experience to your culinary creations, making each meal a special occasion. Embrace the bold and distinctive flavors of Sweet Coffee-Cascabel Sauce and take your dishes to a new level of deliciousness.

MAKES: ABOUT 2 CUPS

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 tablespoon vegetable or sunflower oil
• ½ medium onion, minced
• 2 cups brewed coffee
• ¼ cup light brown sugar or turbinado sugar
• 1 tablespoon corn syrup
• 1 to 2 teaspoons ground dried cascabel chile
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• Kosher salt or coarse sea salt
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. In a small saucepan, warm the vegetable or sunflower oil over medium heat. Add the minced onion and cook until it begins to soften, which should take about 5 minutes. This step allows the onion to release its flavor and adds a savory note to the sauce.
2. Stir in the brewed coffee, light brown sugar or turbinado sugar, corn syrup, ground dried cascabel chile, ground cinnamon, and a pinch of kosher salt or coarse sea salt to taste. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook until it reduces by about one-third, which typically takes around 10 minutes. The reduction process concentrates the flavors and creates a luscious sauce with a delightful balance of sweet and spicy notes.
3. Once the sauce has thickened and the flavors have melded together, whisk in the unsalted butter, which adds a rich and velvety finish to the sauce.
4. Serve the sauce warm with your dinner. Its bold and unique flavor will enhance a wide range of dishes, especially those featuring grilled or roasted meats. The sauce pairs exceptionally well with pork, beef, or chicken, adding a sophisticated and tantalizing taste to your meal.
5. If you have any leftover sauce, you can store it in a covered container in the refrigerator for several weeks. Just remember to reheat it before using to maintain its smooth and velvety consistency.