HeartHealthy Scorpion Pepper BBQ Sauce

Flavorful and spicy, this heart-healthy Scorpion Pepper BBQ Sauce pairs perfectly with grilled meats and vegetables. It's low in sodium and cholesterol, making it a delicious and guilt-free addition to your cookouts.

Ingredients

• 2 scorpion peppers, seeds and stems removed
• 1 red bell pepper, seeds and stems removed
• 1 small onion, diced
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 cup low-sodium ketchup
• 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
• 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon salt (optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
2. Place the scorpion peppers and red bell pepper on the grill grates. Grill until the peppers have charred skin and are slightly softened, turning occasionally. Remove from the grill and let cool.
3. Once cooled, remove the skin from the peppers and roughly chop them.
4. In a medium saucepan, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, and sauté until the onion is translucent.
5. Add the chopped peppers, ketchup, apple cider vinegar, maple syrup, Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, cumin, black pepper, and salt (if using) to the saucepan. Stir well to combine.
6. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has thickened slightly.
7. Remove from heat and let the sauce cool completely. Once cooled, transfer the sauce to a blender or food processor and blend until smooth.
8. Pour the Scorpion Pepper BBQ Sauce into a jar or airtight container, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld together.
9. Serve the BBQ sauce alongside grilled meats or vegetables. Enjoy!

Flavor Profile

This heart-healthy Scorpion Pepper BBQ Sauce strikes a balance between spicy and tangy. The scorpion peppers provide a fiery kick, while the combination of ketchup, apple cider vinegar, and maple syrup adds a touch of sweetness and tanginess. The additional spices like smoked paprika and cumin enhance the smoky and savory flavors of the sauce.