Sweet & Sour Fruit Dipping Sauce

Tamarind dipping sauce is one of two traditional sauces served with Indian samosas. Though tamarind paste can be difficult to find in supermarkets, this recipe virtually duplicates the flavor with two grocery staples: prune butter and apple butter. The sauce can be prepared up to three days in advance, and refrigerated, covered.

• 3/4 cup hot water
• 1/4 cup prune butter
• 1/4 cup apple butter
• 1/4 cup cider vinegar
• 1/4 cup raisins
• 1 Tbs. dark brown sugar
• 2 tsp. freshly grated ginger
• 1 tsp. ground ginger
• 1 tsp. toasted and ground cumin seeds
• 1 tsp. minced fresh mint leaves
• 1/2 tsp. cayenne
• Pinch kosher salt

Combine all ingredients in a bowl and beat with a whisk until blended.