If you like chamoy or sour/spicy-ish mexican candy, this Easy Homemade Chamoy is going to blow you mind! It is so easy to make, you need very few ingredients, and tastes amazing! After trying this recipe, I swear you will never want to go back to the store-bought version again.
Homemade Chamoy is a true gem in the kitchen, especially if you're a fan of sweet, sour, and spicy flavors. This delightful sauce or paste has won the hearts of many, and the best part is that you can easily and affordably make it at home.
What ingredients do you need to make Homemade Chamoy?
The charm of homemade Chamoy lies in its simplicity and versatility. Here's a list of the essential ingredients you'll need to prepare this delicious sweet and tangy sauce:
- Dried apricots
- Dried cranberries
- Hibiscus flowers washed with water
- Water
- Sugar or your preferred sweetener
- Chili powder (we recommend Tajín)
- Lemon juice
- Salt
How to make Homemade Chamoy?
Now, let's get into action and learn how to prepare this incredible sauce:
- In a small pot, place the dried apricots, dried cranberries, and hibiscus flowers washed with water.
- Add 3 cups of water and bring the mixture to medium heat.
- Let it simmer for 10 minutes until the fruits are soft and well hydrated.
- Remove it from the heat and transfer the mixture to a blender.
- Add the desired amount of sugar or your preferred sweetener, chili powder, lemon juice, and salt.
- Blend again until you achieve a smooth and homogeneous paste.
- Your homemade Chamoy is ready! Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator to cool and allow the flavors to meld even more.
Tips for making Homemade Chamoy:
Now that you've mastered the basic recipe, here are some key tips to ensure your Chamoy is a resounding success:
- Experiment with the amount of chili powder and lemon juice to adjust the level of spiciness and acidity to your preference.
- If you want to reduce the sugar content, try alternative sweeteners like monk fruit, erythritol, xylitol, coconut sugar, or agave nectar. Be sure to calculate the right amount and taste-test frequently to achieve your desired sweetness level.
- Store your Chamoy in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain its freshness and flavor.
- Use it as a condiment for fresh fruits, candies, beverages, shaved ice, or any other dish you want to enhance with its unique flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I substitute dried apricots or dried cranberries in this homemade Chamoy?
Of course! You can use any dried fruit that you like, but I recommend that you use any of these: dried apricots, dried cranberries/blueberries, dried mango, dried strawberries, dried pineapple or dried apple. This is to keep the fruity flavor and not change the original taste that much. Or you can even use only one type of dried fruit, for example: only dried apricots + hibiscus flower, or only dried cranberries + hibiscus flower; if that's the case, use 2 cups of dried fruit + 1 cup of hibiscus flower.
Can I use a sweetener instead of sugar to make this homemade Chamoy?
Of course! If you wish to reduce the sugar content in your homemade Chamoy, you can use alternative sweeteners. Be sure to calculate the appropriate amount and taste-test regularly to achieve your desired level of sweetness. Options like monk fruit, erythritol, xylitol, coconut sugar, or agave nectar are more neutral alternatives. Avoid using stevia in large quantities, as its distinctive taste could overpower the other flavors.
What can I enjoy this Chamoy with?
Chamoy is a sweet and tangy sauce with a hint of spiciness that pairs perfectly with a variety of foods. If you're new to this, you'll be delighted to know that in Mexico, it's common to enjoy Chamoy with fresh fruits, candies, refreshing beverages, and shaved ice. Its unique flavor complements sweetness and acidity, so you can combine it with mangoes, pineapples, cucumbers, apples, or even potato chips. The possibilities are endless!
How long does homemade Chamoy last in the refrigerator?
Your homemade Chamoy will stay fresh for approximately 3-4 months in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Can I freeze homemade Chamoy?
Yes, you can freeze Chamoy in individual portions in resealable bags to enjoy it later. Make sure to thaw it properly before using.
Is Chamoy spicy?
It depends on the type of chili powder you use. If you choose to use Tajín, it won't be spicy. However, remember that you can always adjust the amount of chili to control the level of spiciness.
Easy Homemade Chamoy
INGREDIENTS
- 1 cup dried apricots
- 1 cup dried cranberries
- 1 cup dried hibiscus flower, rinsed
- 3 cups of water
- ½ cup of sugar, or the sweetener of your choice
- ¼ cup + 2 tablespoon chili powder, I used Tajin powder
- ¼ cup lime juice
- 1 teaspoon salt
INSTRUCTIONS
- In a small saucepan add the apricots, cranberries, hibiscus and water.
- Bring to medium heat and let it simmer for 10 minutes.
- Remove from heat and transfer to a blender. Add the sugar, chili powder, lime juice, and salt. Blend again until you get a smooth paste.
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge.
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