Easy Chimichanga Sauce(Light)
A flavorful, mild sauce with smoky cinnamon and oregano notes, perfect for drenching chimichangas or enchiladas, adding a rich, homemade touch to your Mexican-inspired meals.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a blender, puree the Mexican-style stewed tomatoes briefly, leaving some texture.
- In a nonreactive saucepan, combine the pureed tomatoes with the bay leaf, ground cinnamon, dried oregano, and canned beef broth.
- Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat.
- Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for 5 minutes.
- Serve the sauce over chimichangas or enchiladas.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a pinch of smoked paprika or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce. If you prefer a vegetarian option, swap the beef broth for vegetable broth. The sauce can also be thickened with a cornstarch slurry if desired, adjusting the consistency to your liking. Pairing the sauce with dishes like Curt'S Nachos makes for a delicious meal.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this chimichanga sauce over crispy chimichangas or enchiladas for a delightful meal. It also pairs well with sides like Ms. Green'S Tex-Mex Rice or a fresh salad. For an extra kick, sprinkle some chopped cilantro or crumbled queso fresco on top before serving.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover chimichanga sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You can also microwave it in short intervals, ensuring it doesn't splatter.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Easy Chimichanga Sauce(Light) contains roughly 382 calories, with 12g protein, 97g carbohydrates, and 7g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (222% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (191% of the Daily Value), and calcium (150% of the Daily Value). It also contributes 53g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 use fresh tomatoes! Just peel and chop about 2 cups of ripe tomatoes, then cook them down for about 10-15 minutes until they soften before blending. This will give your sauce a fresh taste, though it may require additional seasoning.
Is this sauce suitable for freezing?
Absolutely! This chimichanga sauce freezes well. Allow it to cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. It can be stored for up to three months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating for best results.
What can I serve with this sauce besides chimichangas?
This sauce is versatile! It goes well with enchiladas, tacos, or even as a topping for nachos. You can also use it as a dip for tortilla chips, making it a great addition to any Mexican recipes spread or party platter.
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).