Chipotle Sauce

Name: Chipotle Sauce
Yield: makes 4 cups
Ingredients: 3 tablespoons peanut oil; 1 small white onion, cut into 1/4-inch dice; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 8 ounces dried chipotle chiles, stemmed and rehydrated (page 152); 1/4 cup plus 1 tablespoon packed dark brown sugar; 2 teaspoons kosher salt; 1 cup tomato paste; 1/2 cup distilled white vinegar; 2 teaspoons dried Mexican oregano, toasted (page 161); 1 bay leaf, ground

January 26, 2012

Why make this versatile sauce yourself instead of buying it already prepared? You’ll get a smokier, more interesting result that’s free of additives and excess amounts of salt and vinegar of the commercial versions. It’s also a great base for other ingredients—tomatillos would be a flavorful addition. Use it in marinades, soups, as part of other sauces, or as a spicy table condiment at a taco party.

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