Southwestern Chili Sauce
A flavorful Southwestern chili sauce with smoky chili powder, garlic, and a smooth consistency, perfect for dipping, topping, or adding a spicy kick to dishes.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Make a paste of chili powder and a little cold water; add to salted boiling water with the fat; stir to blend, then simmer to the consistency of tomato sauce for 15 to 20 minutes.
- Add garlic clove pressed into the sauce.
- For a thicker sauce, add more chili powder.
Tips & Substitutions
For a balanced flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of cumin or smoked paprika to enhance the depth of the sauce. You can substitute the shortening with olive oil for a healthier option. If you prefer a milder sauce, reduce the amount of chili powder or use a milder variety. This sauce is versatile and can be incorporated in various Mexican recipes.
Serving Suggestions
This Southwestern Chili Sauce is perfect for drizzling over tacos, enchiladas, or burritos. It pairs beautifully with Homemade Taco Seasoning for an added kick. Consider serving it alongside chips or as a dipping sauce for grilled meats. It can also serve as a flavorful base for soups or stews.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. To reheat, gently warm the sauce on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water if it thickens too much. You can also microwave it in short intervals, stirring in between, until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Southwestern Chili Sauce contains roughly 1490 calories, with 27g protein, 136g carbohydrates, and 94g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (57% of the Daily Value), protein (55% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (32% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 3000mg per serving (130% 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 spicier?
Yes, to increase the heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or diced jalapeños while simmering. Taste as you go to achieve your desired level of spiciness. You can also experiment with different types of chili powder for varying heat levels.
Is this sauce suitable for vegans?
Absolutely! This Southwestern Chili Sauce is naturally vegan as it contains no animal products. The shortening can be replaced with a plant-based fat like coconut oil or olive oil to keep it vegan-friendly.
How can I thicken the sauce if it's too thin?
If your sauce is too thin, simply simmer it for a longer period to reduce it and intensify the flavors. Alternatively, you can mix in additional chili powder or a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons of water) to thicken it quickly.
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).