Mexican Sauce
Mexican Sauce offers a flavorful blend of tomatoes, chili powder, and vegetables, perfect for enhancing rice, pasta, or meats. Its rich, mildly spicy profile suits those who enjoy bold, homemade condiments that add depth to a variety of dishes.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook onion, green pepper, and garlic slowly in butter until soft, stirring often.
- Add flour, salt, and chili powder; stir until smooth.
- Add meat stock and tomatoes.
- Cook until thick and smooth.
- Strain, if desired.
- Can be used over rice, spaghetti, noodles, or various meats.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a pinch of cumin or smoked paprika to the sauce. If you want a spicier kick, use a hotter chili powder or add diced jalapeños. You can also substitute vegetable stock for a vegetarian version. This sauce works well for Mexican recipes like enchiladas or over grilled meats.
Serving Suggestions
This Mexican sauce is versatile and can be served over rice, spaghetti, or noodles. It also pairs excellently with various meats, making it a great addition to dishes like Chilies Rellenos Bake or Mexican Enchiladas. Consider garnishing with fresh cilantro or a squeeze of lime for added freshness.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. If the sauce thickens too much, add a splash of water or stock to loosen it up.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Mexican Sauce contains roughly 312 calories, with 4g protein, 6g carbohydrates, and 30g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (31% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1763mg per serving (77% of the Daily Value).
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 make this sauce ahead of time?
Yes, this Mexican sauce can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just reheat it on the stovetop with a little added liquid if it thickens. It's perfect for meal prep and can enhance several dishes throughout the week.
What can I use instead of meat stock?
If you're looking for a vegetarian option, vegetable stock is an excellent substitute for meat stock. It will still provide a rich flavor to the sauce. Additionally, you can use water with a bit of added seasoning if stock is unavailable.
How can I thicken the sauce if it's too runny?
If your sauce turns out too runny, you can thicken it by simmering it longer to reduce the liquid. Alternatively, mix a teaspoon of cornstarch with a tablespoon of cold water to create a slurry, then stir it into the sauce and cook until thickened.
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).