Acadian Sauce(American)

Prep: 10 min Cook: 20 min Serves: 6 Cuisine: American

A flavorful, spicy tomato-based sauce with green peppers, garlic, and herbs, perfect for enhancing seafood, chicken, or rice dishes with bold American Creole-inspired flavors.

Be the first to rate this recipe

Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup chopped green pepper
  • 2 cloves crushed garlic
  • 1 cup chopped onion
  • 1/2 cup minced celery
  • 1 (16 oz.) can undrained tomatoes
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons Tabasco sauce
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
  • salt
  • 1 to 2 tablespoons butter

Instructions

  1. Chop the tomatoes and set aside, reserving the liquid from the can.
  2. Sauté all remaining vegetables in butter until tender.
  3. Add herbs and spices, and cook for 1 more minute.
  4. Add the chopped tomatoes and reserved liquid from the can.
  5. Cook for about 10 minutes more.
  6. Discard the bay leaf before serving.

Tips & Substitutions

For a richer flavor, consider adding a splash of red wine or a tablespoon of sugar to balance the acidity of the tomatoes. If you're short on time, pre-chopped vegetables can be a convenient substitution. Feel free to experiment by incorporating other vegetables, like zucchini or mushrooms, to enhance the sauce further. This recipe is versatile and can easily be adjusted to fit your taste preferences.

Serving Suggestions

Acadian Sauce makes a delightful accompaniment to grilled fish, chicken, or pasta. It pairs beautifully with Pumpkin Bread Muffins as a side for a comforting meal. For a complete dinner, serve it alongside a fresh green salad or crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce. It can also be used as a base for a savory stew.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftover Acadian Sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. If you prefer, you can also microwave it in short intervals, checking frequently to avoid overheating.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Acadian Sauce(American) contains roughly 169 calories, with 3g protein, 24g carbohydrates, and 8g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (44% of the Daily Value) and iron (25% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1712mg per serving (74% of the Daily Value).

169 kcal 8% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 3.5g 7% DV
Total Fat 7.6g 10% DV
Carbs 24.2g 9% DV
Fiber 4.7g 17% DV
Sugar 5.5g 11% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 1712mg 74% DV
Potassium 490mg 10% DV
Cholesterol 3.8mg 1% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 77.8mcg 9% DV
Vitamin C 39.7mg 44% DV
Calcium 129.2mg 10% DV
Iron 4.6mg 25% DV
Diet fit Under 400 cal
Contains Milk

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?

Yes, you can substitute fresh tomatoes for canned. Use about 2-3 cups of chopped fresh tomatoes, and make sure to add some liquid, like vegetable broth, to achieve the right consistency. Just remember to peel and seed the tomatoes for a smoother sauce.

Is this sauce spicy?

The heat level primarily depends on the amount of Tabasco sauce you use. If you prefer a milder sauce, start with 1 teaspoon of Tabasco and adjust to your taste. You can also omit it altogether for a non-spicy version, and still enjoy a rich, flavorful sauce.

Can I freeze Acadian Sauce?

Absolutely! You can freeze Acadian Sauce for up to 3 months. Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. When ready to use, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stovetop until warmed through.

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

American recipes → Vegetarian recipes → Dairy recipes → All recipes →