Addiction-Worthy Chipotle Ketchup Sauce is a Breeze to Make

admin March 10, 2024

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Homemade chipotle ketchup sauce is surprisingly simple to make and allows you the freedom and control to adapt the recipe to your own taste preferences. At its core, this ketchup recipe only requires fresh ingredients like tomatoes, vinegar, garlic, and of course, chipotles. Beginning with whole tomatoes is key for maximum flavor, but you can also start with canned crushed tomatoes for a quicker process. Bring the tomatoes, vinegar, and other seasonings to a boil before blending everything together to achieve a nice smooth consistency.

The chipotles are what elevate this ketchup from ordinary to extraordinary by contributing their trademark smoky, spicy flavor in a balanced yet still bold manner. Adjust the amount of chipotles to suit your own spice tolerance – some prefer it on the milder side, while others want an all-out fiery assault on the taste buds. Once blended to your liking, transfer the ketchup to jars and store in the refrigerator for weeks, where it can be incorporated into other sauces or enjoyed on its own as a stand-out condiment. Whether using it as a dip for fries and topping tacos, sandwiches and more, this ketchup will become your new favorite way to take ordinary meals to an exceptional new level.

Contents

Chipotle Ketchup Sauce
Addiction-Worthy Chipotle Ketchup Sauce is a Breeze to Make
- Ingredients
- Directions

Chipotle Ketchup Sauce

Making your own chipotle ketchup is a cinch with this simple recipe. All you’ll need are a few basic pantry items – tomatoes, vinegar, garlic and of course chipotles. For the best flavor, start by pureeing whole tomatoes in a food processor or with an immersion blender. Then it’s as easy as adding the remaining ingredients and giving it all a few pulses to blend into a smooth, thick sauce. You can adjust the amounts to suit your preferred heat level – whether you like it on the milder side or with an incendiary kick. Once blended to your taste, transfer the thick, luscious condiment to sterilized bottles or jars for long-term storage in the fridge.

With just minutes of active work, you’ll satisfy those chipotle cravings without artificial additives. Then get creative by using it as more than just ketchup – try elevating dishes like chili, meatloaf or eggs for applause-worthy results. Your kitchen and taste buds will thank you! So grab your mixer or processor and get cooking – making your own signature spicy sauce has never been easier.

What is Chipotle Ketchup?

While ketchup made solely from tomatoes and vinegar can seem a bit lackluster, chipotle ketchup lends an extra layer of depth and interest. With just a small amount of smoked chipotle peppers added to the mix, it takes the condiment to another level. The tangy sweetness of tomatoes gets a nice lift from the heat and flavors imparted by chipotles.

This marriage results in a ketchup that stand out from the table. Made by pureeing chipotle peppers from adobo sauce into a sweet tomato base with vinegar and seasonings, it brings an unexpected sophisticated twist to an everyday condiment. And having control over the spice level means you can dial the heat up or down depending on your own desire. While store-bought versions are fine alternatives, making your own allows you to personalize it in countless ways to really make it your own.

Ingredients You Need

Ingredient	Amount	Purpose
Diced sweet onion	1 medium	Adds sweetness and depth of flavor
Olive oil	1 tbsp	Helps sauté the onions
Can of whole tomatoes	1 (28-oz) can	Provides tomato flavor and acidity
Apple cider vinegar	1/2 cup	Adds tanginess and balance to the sweetness
Brown sugar	1/4 cup	Helps balance the acidity and adds subtle sweetness
Molasses	1 tsp	Contributes complexity and depth of flavor
Chipotle chiles in adobo sauce	3	Provides the distinct smoky, fiery heat signature
Ground cinnamon	1/2 tsp	Adds warmth and richness
Ground cloves	1/2 tsp	Lends a sweet spice note
Celery seeds	1 tsp	Offers herbal flavor and texture
Kosher salt	1 tsp	Enhances and brings out the flavors

How To Make Chipotle Ketchup Sauce

In a medium-sized pot over medium-low heat, sauté the diced onion in olive oil until browned. Add the can of whole tomatoes with their juices and crush them with a spoon directly in the pot. Stir in the apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, molasses, minced chipotle chilies, cinnamon, cloves, and celery seeds. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for about 1 hour, stirring occasionally.

Once the sauce has reduced and thickened, carefully puree it directly in the pot using an immersion or regular blender until smooth. The thickness can be adjusted by adding more tomatoes or simmering further until the desired consistency is reached. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.

Transfer the mixture to clean jars and allow cooling before storing in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. The flavors will continue to blend during storage.

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Quick Chipotle Ketchup Recipe

This table describes the main ingredients for an easy, alternative chipotle ketchup recipe that can be prepared in a short amount of time. The featured ingredients are:

Ingredient	Description
Chipotle Peppers	These smoked jalapeños lend intense smoky, earthy and slightly fiery flavor. Used whole or minced, they take the ketchup to another level.
Adobo Sauce	The thick, rich sauce the peppers are packed in contains savory, complex flavors. Pureeing the peppers in this unctuous texture fully extracts the signature spice.
Tomato Base	Vine-ripened tomatoes form the foundation, contributing bright acidity and sweet-tartness. Their tang balances the richness. The amount can be tailored for just the right balanced condiment.

Instructions

This simplified version comes together in just a few minutes. In a bowl or small food processor, blend the entire can of chipotle peppers in adobo sauce until smooth.
Transfer to another bowl and combine with your favorite ketchup or homemade tomato sauce base. You can also add a splash of vinegar or other seasonings like cinnamon for extra depth.
That’s it – your chipotle ketchup is ready to serve! Store any extra in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. For fastest results, immediately enjoy this peppery new condiment.

This quick recipe provides an easy option for those wanting chipotle ketchup but lacking time or certain ingredients. The simplified process sacrifices some complexity of flavor profile for sheer convenience.

For those with more preferences and flexible circumstances, fully cooking the tomato sauce allows further customization. Additional seasonings can tweak the recipe to personal taste. Pureeing the mixture ensures a luxurious texture.

Both choices result in a unique condiment. This quick variation satisfies a hankering when true from-scratch cooking isn’t possible. Feel free to adjust methods to fit individual needs and preferences. The bold flavors of chipotle are the real star, however it’s prepared.

Smoky Chipotle Ketchup Recipe

For those seeking a true smoky chipotle ketchup experience, try this Smoky Chipotle Ketchup Recipe. Puree 6 dried chipotle peppers that have been rehydrated in boiling water along with 2 cloves of garlic and 1/2 cup of cider vinegar in a blender until smooth.

Transfer to a saucepan and add one 28 ounce can of crushed tomatoes, 1/2 cup of brown sugar, 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce, 1 teaspoon of dried oregano, 1/2 teaspoon of cumin and 1/4 teaspoon of cinnamon.

Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes until thickened. Allow to cool before transferring to sterile jars or bottles. The smoked peppers take this ketchup recipe to a new level of flavor that compliments almost any meal.

How To Use Chipotle Ketchup?

The possibilities for using this spicy ketchup are endless. Classics like french fries, sweet potato fries, hamburgers and hot dogs get an instant upgrade. It also adds punch to scrambled eggs, fried eggs and breakfast burritos.

For lunchtime, consider tomato soup, grilled cheese or grilled cheese sticks. As an appetizer, slather it on potato skins or use as a dipping sauce for fritters, corn or cauliflower spears.

During game day, serve with soft pretzels or use in stuffed meatloaf renditions. It brings extra zest to chili too! Feel free to tweak recipes or spiciness levels to suit any occasion.

The bold flavors transform ordinary dishes. Get creative with your own possibilities – there’s no wrong way to enjoy this versatile ketchup!

Versatile Culinary Delight

By making your own chipotle ketchup from scratch, you have full control over what goes into it. Avoid excessive sugar, salt and unnecessary additives found in store-bought varieties.

Tweak recipes to your taste – less or more chipotle heat, balance of spice and acid, natural or no sweetener. Its versatility knows no bounds. Whether dining solo or cooking for crowds, this bold condiment enhances everything from tacos to taquitos.

Your creativity and a few simple kitchen tools are all that’s needed to craft this flavor-packed addition to your culinary repertoire. Enjoy the freedom and satisfaction of crafting the perfect chipotle ketchup with wholesome ingredients.

Storage

For longest freshness, store the leftover chipotle ketchup in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Properly sealed, it will maintain a vibrant flavor for around 1 week.

As with any homemade concoction, bacteria growth is the main spoilage concern over time. Refrigeration helps slow such changes considerably. But even within a few days, the bold tastes will brighten up numerous dishes. Consider batching extra for convenient weeknight creations!

Variations

Here are suggestions for variations on the chipotle ketchup

Mayo

For a spicy chipotle dipping sauce, drop some of the prepared ketchup into your favorite store-bought mayonnaise in a blender and blend briefly. A super easy new condiment!

Other spicy ingredients:

Add extra heat with peppers of varying Scoville scale numbers for different flavor profiles. Try habanero, serrano or arbol for some ideas.

Jalapeño juice

Stir in a splash of tangy jalapeño juice from a jar of sliced jalapeños for zip.

Herbs and spices

Don’t limit your ketchup to just chipotles. Experiment with varying combinations of common herbs and spices like fresh garlic, onion powder, smoked paprika or whatever you have on hand.

Sweeten it up:

For those who prefer a sweeter sauce, stir in a little honey or maple syrup to take the flavors in a whole new direction.

Kid-Friendly Tomato Ketchup

For little palates not quite ready for the full adult version, tone down the spices to create a lighter kid’s recipe. Start with the base directions but use only half the amount of chipotles.

Clearly label bottles or jars so you do not catch kids off guard by the spicy components. As they get older, gradually introduce more zip. No need to modify their favorites, just serve the milder rendition alongside the standard recipe for adults.

With a simple mark on containers, everyone leaves the table satisfied. This lets even little foodies join in the fun of homemade specialty ketchup!

Passata versus tinned tomatoes: What’s the contrast?

Ingredient	Passata	Tinned Tomatoes
Texture	ultra-smooth tomato puree, sieved to remove skins and seeds	Chunky tomatoes are peeled, roughly chopped or crushed, retaining some pulp and juice
Flavor	Intense, concentrated tomato essence	Milder taste with addition of tomato juice in can
Uses	Best for sauces requiring a velvety texture	Versatile option for dishes where some texture is preferable

Passata is an ultra-pureed tomato product, providing a richly concentrated flavor. Tinned tomatoes maintain a lighter, fresher profile thanks to inclusion of tomato juice. Choosing depends on the texture and intensity of flavor needed in different recipes.

Passata Versus Tomato Puree

Ingredient	Passata	Tomato Puree
Source	Made from uncooked tomatoes, strained	Tomatoes are cooked down and strained to make a concentrated paste
Texture	Smooth, thick but pourable	Very thick and paste-like
Flavor	Fresh tomato flavor	Deeper, more complex tomato flavor
Uses	As a base for lighter sauces	Adds intense boost of flavor when added in smaller amounts to dishes

While both provide a potent tomato hit, passata maintains a fresher quality due to its raw state. Tomato puree is cooked down further for a richer yet thicker consistency, best used sparingly to enrich sauces, stews and more.

Sterilizing Jars or Bottles

For extended freshness, sterilize containers before filling to help preserve homemade ketchup. Place clean jars and lids in a preheated oven at 160°C/325°F for 30 minutes, or run through the dishwasher cycle on its hottest setting to remove any bacteria.

Leave both hot until ready for filling. Working with sterilized bottles helps food last longer by preventing unwanted microbes from developing during storage.

Fill each jar, wipe the rim, apply a sterilized lid and secure with a jam funnel to aid in removing air bubbles. Once sealed, return anything not filled to the oven or dishwasher for another 30 minutes of heat sterilizing before trying the process again. Taking these simple steps adds protection for homemade ketchup creations!

Conclusion:

With just a few basic pantry ingredients and a handful of fresh spices, anyone can create their own uniquely flavored chipotle ketchup. This popular condiment adds bold smoky flavor to livened up classics and inspires new recipe combinations. Whether enjoying the richness of a homemade version or simplifying to the quick stove top method, chipotle heat takes everyday meals to the next level. Most importantly, making ketchup from scratch allows full control over what goes into each delicious serving. Now get out there and start customizing this versatile culinary staple to personal taste.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is chipotle ketchup made of?

Chipotle ketchup is made from tomatoes, vinegar, sugar and spices like garlic and onion. The key ingredient is smoked chipotle peppers, which add a smoky, spicy heat.

What is chipotle sauce made of?

Traditional chipotle sauce uses chipotle peppers that have been smoked and dried, then rehydrated in adobo sauce. Adobo sauce contains ingredients like tomatoes, onions, garlic and various spices. Chipotle sauce blends the smoky chipotle peppers into a tomato-based sauce.

Where is chipotle sauce used?

Chipotle sauce is commonly used as a condiment, adding a smoky heat to tacos, burritos, nachos and other Mexican dishes. It’s also popular as a BBQ or cooking sauce to infuse meats and vegetables with flavor.

What is closest to chipotle sauce?

Heinz Chipotle Tabasco sauce comes close to the flavor of chipotle sauce but contains additional vinegar for extra zing. Homemade versions using chipotle peppers blended into a tomato sauce base are most authentic.

What are the ingredients in Heinz chipotle sauce?

Heinz Chipotle sauce contains distilled vinegar, red peppers, chipotle pepper, salt, and garlic. The primary flavors come from smoked chipotle peppers blended into a vinegar base.

What’s the difference between homemade chipotle ketchup and Heinz Chipotle Ketchup?

While Heinz Chipotle Ketchup provides convenience, homemade allows full flavor control. Heinz balances smoked chilies, tomato paste, vinegar and seasonings for robust flavor upfront. However, its consistency lacks an artisanal recipe’s complexity. By adjusting peppers, herbs and other components, homemade ketchup can be tailored spicier, sweeter or anywhere between preferences. Experimenting leads to discovering new combinations beyond grocery shelves. So for a truly customized smoky-hot condiment with high quality ingredients, craft chipotle ketchup from scratch.

What does chipotle ketchup taste like?

Chipotle ketchup has a smoky, aromatic flavor with notes of chocolate and tobacco from the smoked chipotle peppers. It adds a mild heat along with deep rich tomato flavors. The smokiness stands out compared to regular ketchup.

Is chipotle in adobo sauce the same as chipotle sauce?

No, chipotle peppers in adobo sauce refers to the pickled smoked peppers packed in a tomato-based sauce. Chipotle sauce blends the peppers into a thicker, spreadable condiment texture but uses the same smoked chipotle flavor base.

What flavors are in chipotle sauce?

The primary flavors in chipotle sauce come from smoked dried chipotle chiles. Secondary flavors include roasted garlic, sweet tomato, herbs and a subtle vinegar tang. Together these create the signature smoky, warm heat and complex flavor of chipotle sauce.

Is chipotle ketchup spicy?

While chipotle ketchup does add a nice warmth from the smoked peppers, the level of heat can vary depending on the recipe and individual tolerance for spice. Traditional chipotle peppers register between 2,500-5,000 on the Scoville scale, meaning they carry some heat but aren’t as hot as some chillies. You can adjust homemade versions to be more or less spicy as desired too.
Generally, chipotle ketchup has a subtle backdrop of smoke and tingle of spice rather than overwhelming fiery heat. The smokiness stands out more than the intense peppery burn. For those seeking a milder option, reducing or omitting some of the chipotles produces a ketchup that is moderately spicy at most.