Spicy ranchero sauce is a vibrant and flavorful addition to many Mexican dishes, from tacos and burritos to enchiladas and eggs. This sauce brings together the rich taste of tomatoes, peppers, and spices, creating a zesty topping that elevates any meal. Making authentic spicy ranchero sauce at home is surprisingly easy and allows you to customize the heat level to suit your taste. Follow this guide to whip up a delicious batch of ranchero sauce that will impress your family and friends.
Ingredients You Will Need
To make a rich and spicy ranchero sauce, gather the following ingredients:
- 4 medium tomatoes (or one 14-ounce can of diced tomatoes)
- 2-3 fresh jalapeño peppers (or more for added heat)
- 1 small onion (white or yellow)
- 2-3 cloves of garlic
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Fresh cilantro (for garnish, optional)
- Lime wedges (for serving, optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions
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Prepare the Vegetables
Start by prepping your vegetables. If using fresh tomatoes, you can blanch them in boiling water for a minute to make peeling easier. Once peeled, roughly chop the tomatoes. For the jalapeños, remove the stems and seeds for a milder sauce or keep some seeds if you prefer extra heat. Dice the onion and mince the garlic.
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Sauté the Base
In a medium saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the diced onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until it becomes translucent. Next, add the minced garlic and diced jalapeños, cooking for an additional 2 minutes until fragrant.
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Cook the Tomatoes
Add the chopped tomatoes (or canned tomatoes) to the pan. Stir well to combine all the ingredients. Cook the mixture for about 10-15 minutes, allowing the tomatoes to break down and create a thick sauce. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
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Season the Sauce
Once the tomatoes have softened, add the ground cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Stir well and taste. Adjust the seasoning as needed, adding more salt or chili powder to suit your preferences.
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Blend for a Smooth Texture (Optional)
For a smoother sauce, you can use an immersion blender to blend the mixture directly in the pan, or transfer it to a countertop blender. Blend until you reach your desired consistency. If you prefer a chunkier sauce, you can skip this step.
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Final Touches
After blending, return the sauce to the heat for a few more minutes to meld the flavors. If desired, add chopped fresh cilantro at this stage for added freshness.
Serving Suggestions
Your homemade spicy ranchero sauce is now ready to be served! Use it as a topping for scrambled eggs, enchiladas, or tacos. You can also serve it as a dip with tortilla chips or drizzled over grilled meats and vegetables. For an extra zing, serve with lime wedges on the side.
Storage Tips
Store any leftover ranchero sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. You can also freeze the sauce for longer storage, making it a convenient option for meal prep. Just thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before using.
Conclusion
Making authentic spicy ranchero sauce at home is not only easy but also allows you to control the ingredients and heat level to your liking. With its bold flavors and versatility, this sauce is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. So, gather your ingredients and get ready to add some spice to your meals with this delicious homemade ranchero sauce.
