Tex-Mex Hot Sauce

Tex-Mex Hot Sauce Recipe - Spicy and Flavorful Hot Sauce from the USA

Region / culture: USA | Preparation time: 10 minutes | Cooking time: 5 minutes | Servings: 8

Introduction

Tex-Mex Hot Sauce is a spicy and flavorful condiment that adds a kick to any dish. This versatile sauce can be used as a topping, marinade, or dipping sauce for a variety of dishes.

History

Tex-Mex Hot Sauce is a popular condiment in Tex-Mex cuisine, which combines elements of Mexican and American Southwestern cooking. This spicy sauce is known for its bold flavors and fiery heat, making it a favorite among those who enjoy a little extra kick in their food.

Ingredients

1 (6 oz (170 g)) can of tomato paste (or no salt added tomato paste)
3 cups of water
3 tbsp of vinegar
3 tbsp of finely minced canned jalapenos, sliced
1 tbsp of chili powder
1 tbsp of dried onion flakes
2 tsp of salt (or salt substitute)
2 tsp of cornstarch
1 tsp of cayenne pepper
1 tsp of sugar
0.25 tsp of onion powder
1 dash of garlic powder

How to prepare

In a medium saucepan, combine the tomato paste and water. Whisk until smooth.
Add the remaining ingredients and stir until well combined.
Place the saucepan over medium-high heat and bring the mixture to a boil.
Continue to cook for approximately 3 minutes, stirring frequently.
Remove the saucepan from the heat.
Once the sauce has cooled down, taste a sample and contact your local Fire Department if necessary.
If the sauce is not spicy enough for your liking, consider adding jalapenos, cayenne pepper, or ground red pepper.
Transfer the sauce to a sealed container and refrigerate until cooled sufficiently.

Variations

Add roasted garlic for a deeper flavor.
Use fresh jalapenos or other hot peppers for a spicier sauce.
Substitute honey or agave nectar for the sugar for a different sweetness.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Adjust the level of spiciness by adding more or less jalapenos, cayenne pepper, or other hot peppers.

- For a smoother texture, blend the sauce in a blender or food processor before serving.

- Store the hot sauce in a sealed container in the refrigerator to keep it fresh for longer.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Tex-Mex Hot Sauce as a topping for tacos, burritos, nachos, or grilled meats. It also makes a great dipping sauce for chips or vegetables.

Cooking Techniques

Simmer the sauce over low heat for a longer period of time to develop the flavors.

- Use a whisk to ensure the sauce is smooth and well combined.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use fresh tomatoes instead of tomato paste for a different texture.

- Substitute apple cider vinegar for a different flavor profile.

Make Ahead Tips

Tex-Mex Hot Sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to a week. The flavors will continue to develop over time.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Tex-Mex Hot Sauce in a small bowl or jar with a spoon for easy serving. Garnish with fresh cilantro or sliced jalapenos for a pop of color.

Pairing Recommendations

Tex-Mex Hot Sauce pairs well with dishes like tacos, enchiladas, fajitas, and grilled meats. It also complements dishes with bold flavors like chili or spicy stir-fries.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store Tex-Mex Hot Sauce in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to a week. Reheat gently in a saucepan over low heat before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Tex-Mex Hot Sauce contains approximately 20 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Tex-Mex Hot Sauce contains approximately 5 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Tex-Mex Hot Sauce is low in fat, with less than 1 gram of fat per serving.

Proteins

This hot sauce contains minimal protein, with less than 1 gram per serving.

Vitamins and minerals

Tex-Mex Hot Sauce is a good source of vitamin C, thanks to the tomatoes and jalapenos used in the recipe. It also contains small amounts of vitamin A and iron.

Alergens

This hot sauce may contain traces of sulfites from the vinegar used in the recipe. It is also not suitable for those with allergies to tomatoes or peppers.

Summary

Tex-Mex Hot Sauce is a low-calorie condiment that adds flavor and heat to your favorite dishes. It is a good source of vitamin C and is low in fat and carbohydrates.

Summary

Tex-Mex Hot Sauce is a spicy and flavorful condiment that adds a kick to any dish. With a blend of tomatoes, jalapenos, and spices, this hot sauce is perfect for adding heat and flavor to your favorite Tex-Mex dishes.

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of discovering this recipe for the first time is a happy one. It was many years ago, back when I was just a young girl living in Texas. My family had a tradition of hosting a big barbecue every summer, and one year, my Aunt Maria brought along a batch of her homemade Tex-Mex hot sauce.

I had never tasted anything like it before. The sauce was spicy, tangy, and full of flavor. It was the perfect accompaniment to the grilled meats and fresh vegetables we were serving. I asked Aunt Maria for the recipe, and she was happy to share it with me.

Aunt Maria explained that the key to the sauce was using a combination of fresh ingredients and spices. She showed me how to roast the tomatoes, onions, and peppers to bring out their natural sweetness and smokiness. She also taught me how to balance the heat of the jalapenos with the acidity of the vinegar and the sweetness of the sugar.

I watched Aunt Maria carefully as she measured out each ingredient and stirred them together in a big pot. The kitchen was filled with the wonderful aroma of the cooking sauce, and I couldn't wait to taste the finished product.

When the sauce was done, Aunt Maria poured it into a mason jar and handed it to me with a smile. I took a spoonful and savored the complex flavors on my tongue. It was perfection.

From that day on, I was hooked on making my own Tex-Mex hot sauce. I experimented with different combinations of ingredients, adjusting the levels of heat and sweetness to suit my taste. I even started growing my own peppers in the backyard, just so I could have a fresh supply for my sauce.

Over the years, I shared the recipe with friends and family members who all raved about it. They would often ask me to make a batch for them to take home, and I happily obliged. My Tex-Mex hot sauce became a staple at our family barbecues and gatherings.

As time went on, I continued to refine the recipe, adding new twists and variations to keep it interesting. I started using different types of peppers, like habaneros and serranos, to give the sauce an extra kick. I also experimented with adding ingredients like cumin, garlic, and cilantro to deepen the flavor profile.

One day, I was hosting a dinner party for some friends, and I decided to serve my Tex-Mex hot sauce with a batch of homemade tortilla chips. The guests couldn't get enough of it, and they begged me to bottle and sell it so they could enjoy it at home.

Inspired by their enthusiasm, I started a small business selling my Tex-Mex hot sauce at local farmers' markets and food festivals. The response was overwhelming, and soon I was shipping jars of my sauce all over the country.

I never could have imagined that a simple recipe from my Aunt Maria would turn into a thriving business. But I am grateful for the opportunity to share my love of cooking and Tex-Mex flavors with others.

To this day, whenever I make a batch of my hot sauce, I think back to that summer day when Aunt Maria first introduced me to the recipe. It brings a smile to my face and warms my heart, knowing that a simple jar of sauce can bring so much joy to others.

And so, I continue to cook, create, and share my Tex-Mex hot sauce with anyone who will listen. It is a labor of love, a tradition passed down through generations, and a reminder of the power of good food to bring people together.