Quick Picante Sauce
A quick and zesty pico de gallo-style sauce with jalapenos, onions, and stewed tomatoes, perfect for topping chips or crackers at casual gatherings or parties.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Remove seeds and veins from jalapeno peppers.
- Place peppers, onions, and stewed tomatoes in a food processor and chop to desired consistency.
- In a large container, combine the tomato mixture and Italian dressing.
- Serve with chips or crackers.
Tips & Substitutions
For a milder sauce, remove all seeds and veins from the jalapeno peppers. If you want to add some sweetness, consider including a chopped bell pepper or a pinch of sugar. If you don’t have Italian dressing, you can substitute with a homemade vinaigrette made from olive oil, vinegar, and herbs. This quick picante sauce is versatile and can be adjusted to suit your heat preference.
Serving Suggestions
This quick picante sauce pairs beautifully with chips or crackers for a fantastic snack. It can also be served as a topping for tacos or burritos, enhancing dishes like Diver Dan'S "Trauma" Chili. For a complete meal, consider serving with a side of guacamole (Avocado Dip) and fresh salsa for a delicious Mexican-inspired spread.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover picante sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. The flavors will meld and improve over time. To reheat, simply warm it gently on the stove or in the microwave until heated through. Be careful not to overheat, as it can lose its fresh flavor.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Quick Picante Sauce contains roughly 328 calories, with 3g protein, 28g carbohydrates, and 23g fat. It is a good source of vitamin C (11% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1195mg per serving (52% 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 picante sauce ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the picante sauce a day ahead. In fact, letting it sit overnight in the refrigerator allows the flavors to develop further. Just give it a good stir before serving.
What can I use instead of jalapeno peppers?
If you want a milder flavor, consider using green bell peppers or poblano peppers instead of jalapenos. For more heat, try serrano peppers. Adjust based on your spice tolerance and preference.
How can I thicken my picante sauce?
If you find your picante sauce too thin, add a small amount of tomato paste or cook it on the stove for a few minutes to reduce it. You can also blend in a few extra vegetables to help thicken the mixture without affecting the flavor.
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).