Mexican red sauce
Mexican red sauce – an explosion of flavors for your dishes
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 20 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4-6
Introduction
Mexican red sauce is a versatile dish, full of flavor, with a palette of aromas that will delight your taste buds. Often used as a base for various dishes, this sauce is perfect for tacos, enchiladas, or even as a side for grilled meats. Each ingredient contributes to its complexity, and its story intertwines with the rich culinary tradition of an entire continent.
Start exploring this simple yet savory recipe and discover how you can transform your everyday meals into an unforgettable culinary experience.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 onions, finely chopped
- 3 cloves of garlic, finely chopped
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder (or more, to taste)
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 can diced tomatoes (about 400g)
- 300 ml clear chicken broth (or vegetable broth for a vegetarian version)
- 2 tablespoons peanut butter
- 1 tablespoon chopped oregano
- Salt, to taste
- Hot pepper, if you like spicy food
A bit of history
Red sauces are essential in Mexican cuisine, with deep roots in the gastronomic traditions of the region. They are often used to add moisture and flavor to dishes, and the combination of tomatoes with spices like cumin and oregano creates a perfect balance. Each family has its own version of the sauce, often passed down from generation to generation, each adding a personal touch.
Instructions
1. Preparing the ingredients: Start by finely chopping the onions and garlic. Make sure the bell pepper is diced small to integrate well into the sauce. These are essential steps to achieve a smooth and tasty sauce.
2. Heating the oil: In a large skillet, pour in the 2 tablespoons of olive oil and heat it over medium heat. Olive oil not only provides a pleasant flavor but also helps caramelize the vegetables.
3. Sautéing the onions: Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until it becomes translucent. This will form the flavorful base of your sauce.
4. Adding the garlic and spices: Once the onion is sautéed, add the garlic and sauté for 1 minute. Then, add the chili powder, cumin, cinnamon, and oregano. These spices will bring a deep and complex flavor to the sauce.
5. Including the peppers: Add the diced bell pepper and continue to sauté the mixture for another 2-3 minutes until the pepper becomes slightly soft.
6. Tomatoes and broth: Add the can of diced tomatoes and the chicken broth to the skillet. Mix the ingredients well and bring the sauce to a boil. This will add moisture and allow the flavors to combine.
7. Boiling the sauce: Let the sauce boil for 2 minutes, then reduce the heat to low. Add the peanut butter, stirring to incorporate it fully. The peanut butter will add a creamy texture and a hint of sweetness, balancing the spiciness of the sauce.
8. Adjusting the consistency: If the sauce becomes too thick, you can add water or chicken broth, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach the desired consistency. Let the sauce simmer on low heat for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
9. Adjusting the taste: Finally, adjust the sauce with salt to taste. If you like spicy food, you can also add some fresh or dried hot peppers for an extra kick.
Serving and suggestions
Mexican red sauce is wonderful served warm alongside tacos, enchiladas, or grilled meats. You can also use it as a base for a savory chili con carne. An interesting idea is to serve it with tortilla chips as an appetizer.
Vegetarian option: You can replace the chicken broth with vegetable broth to make the sauce completely vegetarian. Also, the peanut butter can be replaced with tahini for a nut-free allergen-friendly version.
Nutritional information
This sauce is a healthy option, rich in vitamins and antioxidants due to the tomatoes. Additionally, chili and cumin have anti-inflammatory properties, and peanut butter adds a source of healthy protein. A serving of sauce contains approximately 90 calories, but this number can vary depending on the amount of oil and peanut butter used.
Frequently asked questions
- Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned? Absolutely! Make sure to peel and chop them well before adding them to the sauce.
- Can I make the sauce a day in advance? Yes, the sauce keeps very well in the refrigerator. Gently reheat it before serving and adjust the consistency with a bit of water or broth.
- How can I customize the sauce? Add vegetables like carrots or zucchini to enrich its texture and boost its nutritional value. You can also experiment with different fresh herbs like basil or parsley.
Conclusion
This Mexican red sauce is a quick and simple recipe that can transform any meal into a culinary adventure. Whether you use it to accompany a main dish or as a base for other preparations, its enriched flavors will bring a touch of warmth and joy to every bite. So put on your apron and enjoy this delicious recipe!
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons olive oil, 2 onions, finely chopped, 3 cloves of garlic, finely chopped, 1 bell pepper, diced, 1/2 teaspoon chili powder, 1 teaspoon ground cumin, 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon, 1 can of diced tomatoes, 300 ml clear chicken broth, 2 tablespoons peanut butter, 1 tablespoon chopped oregano, salt to taste, hot pepper, if you like it spicy.
