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Wojapi Berry Sauce

Wojapi Berry Sauce

Wojapi Berry Sauce is a traditional Native American condiment made from fresh or frozen berries simmered to a vibrant, sweet, and tangy sauce. Perfectly balancing natural sweetness with a bright lemon finish, this versatile sauce complements breakfast dishes like pancakes and waffles, as well as savory meats like chicken and pork. Easy to prepare in under 30 minutes with simple pantry ingredients, Wojapi invites you to enjoy authentic flavors and creative variations in your kitchen.

Ingredients

Scale

Berries

  • 1 cup fresh or frozen chokecherries, blueberries, or blackberries

Liquid

  • 1/4 cup water
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

Sweetener

  • 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup

Thickener

  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch or arrowroot powder
  • 2 tablespoons cold water (for slurry)

Instructions

  1. Prepare Your Berries: Wash fresh berries thoroughly or measure out frozen berries to ensure a clean base for making the sauce.
  2. Simmer the Berries: Place the berries in a saucepan with 1/4 cup water and gently simmer over medium heat to break down the fruit and release its juices. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
  3. Sweeten the Sauce: Once the berries have softened, stir in 2 tablespoons of honey or maple syrup to add natural sweetness.
  4. Thicken the Sauce: In a small bowl, mix 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 2 tablespoons cold water to create a slurry. Slowly pour this into the simmering berry mixture while stirring continuously until the sauce thickens to your preferred consistency.
  5. Finish with Lemon Juice: Add 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice to brighten the flavors and balance the sweetness. Taste and adjust as needed, then remove the sauce from heat.

Notes

  • Use fresh berries for the best flavor and color; frozen berries also work well.
  • Simmer the sauce gently to preserve the natural berry taste and avoid burning.
  • Adjust sweetness gradually; you can always add more sweetener but cannot remove it once added.
  • Do not over-thicken; the sauce will thicken further as it cools, and it should pour easily.
  • For a smooth sauce, strain it through a fine sieve before serving.

Nutrition

Keywords: Wojapi, Native American sauce, berry sauce, chokecherry sauce, easy berry condiment, gluten-free sauce, traditional sauce