Chili Pineapple Sauce

This sweet, spicy, and tangy sauce is a perfect balance of heat from chili peppers and sweetness from fresh pineapple. It works wonderfully as a dipping sauce, glaze for grilled meats, or a topping for tacos, chicken, or even shrimp!

Ingredients:

• 1 cup fresh pineapple, finely chopped (or pineapple chunks from a can, drained)
• 1-2 tbsp chili flakes or finely chopped fresh chili (adjust to your heat preference)
• 2 tbsp honey or brown sugar (optional, for extra sweetness)
• 2 tbsp rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tsp grated ginger (optional, for extra flavor)
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• ¼ tsp ground cumin (optional)
• Salt to taste
• ½ cup water (or pineapple juice for a more intense pineapple flavor)

Instructions:

1. Cook the Pineapple:

• In a small saucepan, combine the chopped pineapple, chili flakes (or fresh chili), and water (or pineapple juice).
• Bring to a simmer over medium heat and cook for 8-10 minutes, until the pineapple has softened and released its juices.

2. Add the Flavors:

• Stir in the honey or brown sugar (if using), soy sauce, rice vinegar, grated ginger (if using), garlic, and cumin.
• Let the mixture simmer for another 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens and the flavors have melded together.

3. Blend the Sauce (Optional):

• If you prefer a smooth sauce, use an immersion blender to blend the mixture directly in the pan. Alternatively, transfer the mixture to a blender and pulse until smooth. For a chunkier sauce, skip this step.

4. Adjust Seasonings:

• Taste the sauce and adjust the salt, sugar, or chili levels to your liking. You can add more honey for sweetness or more chili for heat.

5. Cool and Serve:

• Let the sauce cool slightly before serving, or refrigerate it for later use. It can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week.

Uses:

• As a Dip: Serve with crispy fried foods like chicken tenders, egg rolls, or spring rolls.
• As a Glaze: Brush over grilled meats such as chicken, pork, or shrimp during the last few minutes of grilling.
• Topping for Tacos: Use it as a zesty topping for fish tacos, chicken, or carnitas.
• As a Stir Fry Sauce: Add to stir-fries for a sweet and spicy kick.

Enjoy this vibrant, flavorful sauce that perfectly balances sweet and spicy in every bite!