Roasted Scorpion Pepper BBQ Sauce

This roasted version of Scorpion Pepper BBQ Sauce delivers a punch of flavor without the need for grilling. It's heart-healthy, low in sodium, and perfect for adding some heat to your BBQ dishes.

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 tomato sauce
• 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 oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Place the scorpion peppers and red bell pepper on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Drizzle a little olive oil over the peppers.
3. Roast the peppers in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the peppers are softened and slightly charred. Remove from the oven and let cool.
4. Once cooled, remove the skin from the peppers and roughly chop them.
5. 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.
6. Add the chopped roasted peppers, tomato sauce, apple cider vinegar, maple syrup, Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, cumin, black pepper, and salt (if using) to the saucepan. Stir well to combine.
7. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has thickened slightly.
8. Remove from heat and let the sauce cool slightly. Transfer the sauce to a blender or food processor and blend until smooth.
9. Pour the Roasted Scorpion Pepper BBQ Sauce into a jar or airtight container, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld together.
10. Serve the BBQ sauce alongside grilled meats or vegetables. Enjoy!

Flavor Profile

This roasted version of Scorpion Pepper BBQ Sauce brings together the smoky and fiery flavors without grilling the peppers. The roasted scorpion peppers and red bell pepper add depth and a smoky element to the sauce. The combination of tomato sauce, apple cider vinegar, and maple syrup provides a tangy and slightly sweet balance. The spices like smoked paprika and cumin contribute to the smoky and robust flavor profile of the sauce.