Homemade Ranchero Sauce Recipe
Before diving into our scrumptious homemade ranchero sauce recipe, let’s have some fun imagining all the delightful dishes you can enjoy it with. Picture this: a plate of cheesy nachos topped with a generous drizzle of ranchero sauce.
Equipment
- Skillet
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- This helps in sautéing the onions releasing their sweetness.
- ½ large white onion finely diced
- An essential base for any good sauce.
- 3 ripe Roma tomatoes chopped
- These provide the primary flavor and texture.
- 1 fresh jalapeño minced
- For a beautiful hint of heat.
- 1 chipotle chili in adobo sauce finely chopped
- This smoky beauty is what elevates the sauce’s flavor.
- 1 teaspoon freshly minced garlic about 2 cloves
- An aromatic touch that enhances everything.
- ½ teaspoon sweet paprika
- Adds depth and an undercurrent of sweetness.
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano leaves
- Bringing in herbal notes that complement the tomatoes.
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin
- Contributes warmth and an earthy tone.
- ½ teaspoon light brown sugar
- Balances out acidity and enhances sweetness.
- ½ cup low-sodium chicken stock or plain water
- This helps achieve the desired sauce consistency.
- ¼ cup freshly chopped cilantro
- For freshness and vibrant color.
- 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice about 1 lime
- Brightens up the sauce with a zesty finish.
Instructions
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
- In a medium skillet, heat the extra virgin olive oil over medium heat. Once it's hot, throw in the finely diced onion. Sauté the onion for about 3-5 minutes, or until it becomes translucent. At this point, it’s okay if the onions start to brown slightly; it adds a richer flavor.
Step 2: Add Garlic, Jalapeño, and Chipotle
- Once the onions are just right, add the minced garlic and sauté for another minute until fragrant. Then toss in the minced jalapeño and the chopped chipotle chili in adobo sauce. Stir well to combine all the flavors. You can really start to smell the smoky goodness coming together nicely!
Step 3: Introduce Tomatoes
- Next, add the chopped Roma tomatoes. Stir everything together and let it simmer for about 5 minutes. The tomatoes will break down and release their juices, which adds to the sauce's volume.
Step 4: Spice It Up
- Sprinkle in the sweet paprika, dried oregano, ground cumin, and light brown sugar. Mix everything so that the spices get evenly distributed. This step is where the magic happens; the scent of the spices will start to mingle with the tomatoes.
Step 5: Add Liquid
- Pour in the low-sodium chicken stock (or water). Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Allow it to cook for about 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally. This helps to meld all the flavors beautifully.
Step 6: Final Touches
- Once the sauce has thickened, remove it from heat. Stir in the freshly chopped cilantro and lime juice. This addition will brighten the overall flavor and provide that fresh taste, making it irresistible!
Notes
Here are some handy tips to get the most out of your ranchero sauce:
Use Fresh Ingredients: The fresher the tomatoes and herbs, the better the flavor. Don’t settle for canned tomatoes if you can find ripe ones.
Adjust the Heat: If you're not fond of spice, use less jalapeño. You could even omit the chipotle and just stick with the sweetness of the tomatoes.
Simmer Longer for Depth: Letting the sauce simmer for longer will enhance the flavors even more. The longer it cooks, the richer it gets.
Blend for Smoothness: If you prefer a smoother sauce, you can blend it after cooking. Just let it cool slightly, then use a blender or immersion blender to achieve the desired consistency.
Make It Ahead of Time: This sauce can be made in advance and actually tastes better after the flavors meld overnight in the fridge.
Nutrition
Calories: 40kcalCarbohydrates: 6gProtein: 1gFat: 2gSodium: 150mgFiber: 1gSugar: 2g
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!