Introduction
If you’re looking to add a burst of flavor to your meals, this homemade Ranchero Sauce is the perfect addition. With its zesty and spicy profile, it’s ideal for enhancing breakfast dishes like huevos rancheros, delighting in enchiladas, or simply serving as a dip with tortilla chips. This easy recipe showcases fresh ingredients that come together to create a vibrant sauce that will elevate your culinary adventures.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
1 tablespoon avocado oil
½ medium white onion, diced
4 roma tomatoes, chopped
1 jalapeño pepper, diced (adjust to taste)
1 chipotle pepper from a can of chipotles in adobo sauce, chopped
2 garlic cloves, chopped
½ teaspoon dried oregano
½ teaspoon sea salt
½ cup vegetable broth
¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro
2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
½ teaspoon cane sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time
10 minutes
Total Time
25 minutes
Yield
Approximately 2 cups of Ranchero Sauce
Enjoy making this vibrant Ranchero Sauce that complements a variety of dishes and adds a delightful kick to your meals!
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Sauté the Vegetables
In a small saucepan over medium heat, warm the avocado oil. Add the diced onion, chopped tomatoes, jalapeño, chipotle pepper, garlic, dried oregano, and sea salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes soften and break down, approximately 10 minutes.
Add Broth
Pour in the vegetable broth and let it simmer for an additional minute. Remove the saucepan from heat.
Incorporate Cilantro and Lime
Stir in the chopped fresh cilantro and fresh lime juice.
Blend the Sauce
Transfer the mixture to a deep bowl or large jar. Using an immersion blender, blend until the sauce is nearly smooth but retains some texture, with visible flecks of cilantro. Alternatively, you can use a standard blender or food processor for this step.
Adjust Seasoning
Taste the sauce. If it has a sharp acidity, add the optional cane sugar to balance the flavors.
Storage
Allow the sauce to cool to room temperature. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.
Notes
Flavor Adjustments
Feel free to adjust the amount of jalapeño and chipotle pepper based on your spice preference.
Consistency
For a smoother sauce, blend longer until you reach your desired consistency.
Serving Suggestions
This sauce pairs well with dishes like huevos rancheros, enchiladas, and tortilla chips.
Cook techniques
Sautéing
Sautéing involves cooking food quickly in a small amount of oil or fat over medium to high heat. For the Ranchero Sauce, sauté the onions, tomatoes, jalapeño, chipotle pepper, garlic, oregano, and salt to enhance their flavors and achieve a soft, cohesive mixture.
Simmering
Simmering is the technique of cooking food gently in liquid just below boiling. After adding the vegetable broth, allow the mixture to simmer briefly, which helps to meld the flavors without overcooking the ingredients.
Blending
Blending transforms the chunky mixture into a smoother sauce while retaining some texture. Use an immersion blender, standard blender, or food processor to blend the ingredients until they reach the desired consistency.
Tasting and Adjusting
Always taste your sauce as you cook. You may find it necessary to adjust seasoning or add a sweetener like cane sugar to balance acidity, ensuring the flavors are well-rounded.
Storing
Proper storage involves cooling the sauce completely before transferring it to an airtight container. This helps maintain freshness and allows for convenient use within a week.
FAQ
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of Roma tomatoes?
Yes, you can use any variety of fresh tomatoes. Just ensure that they are ripe for the best flavor.
How spicy is this Ranchero Sauce?
The spiciness can be adjusted by varying the amount of jalapeño and chipotle pepper used. Start with smaller amounts if you’re sensitive to heat.
Can I freeze Ranchero Sauce?
Yes, you can freeze the sauce in an airtight container for up to three months. Make sure to leave some space at the top for expansion.
What can I serve with Ranchero Sauce?
Ranchero Sauce is versatile and can be served with huevos rancheros, enchiladas, tacos, or even as a dip for tortilla chips.
Is there a substitute for avocado oil?
Yes, you can use other neutral oils, such as olive oil or vegetable oil, if avocado oil is not available.
Conclusion
This homemade Ranchero Sauce is a fantastic addition to various dishes, bringing a burst of flavor and spice that elevates any meal. Perfect for breakfast or as a zesty topping, its fresh ingredients and simple preparation make it a must-try for any home cook. Enjoy experimenting with this sauce in your favorite recipes!
Huevos Rancheros
Serve this Ranchero Sauce over fried eggs and corn tortillas for a classic brunch dish that’s both filling and flavorful.
Enchiladas
Use the sauce as a filling or topping for enchiladas, adding layers of taste to this Mexican favorite.
Tostadas
Spread the sauce over crispy tostadas and top with your choice of beans, avocado, and shredded lettuce for a delightful snack or light meal.
Grilled Chicken or Fish
Marinate chicken or fish in the Ranchero Sauce before grilling for a smoky and spicy flavor infusion.
Chili
Incorporate this sauce into your chili recipe for an added kick and depth of flavor that will impress your guests.
Quesadillas
Drizzle the sauce over quesadillas right before serving to add a vibrant taste that compliments the melted cheese beautifully.
Vegetable Stir-Fry
Use this sauce as a stir-fry sauce for vegetables, offering a unique twist to your typical vegetable medley.
