Are you ready to elevate your burrito game? Forget bland, watery sauces – this red wet burrito sauce recipe is a flavor bomb that will transform your ordinary burritos into an unforgettable fiesta! It’s incredibly easy to make, bursting with fresh tomato flavor, and perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a fun weekend gathering. This recipe provides a delicious, healthy, and homemade alternative to store-bought sauces. Get ready to experience the best burrito sauce you've ever tasted!
Ingredients:
- 28 ounces canned crushed tomatoes
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1-2 jalapeños, seeded and minced (adjust to your spice preference)
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- ½ teaspoon oregano
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- ½ cup chicken broth or water
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
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Sauté the Aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes, until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and jalapeños and cook for another minute, until fragrant. This step builds the flavor base of your sauce.
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Bloom the Spices: Add the chili powder, cumin, oregano, and cayenne pepper (if using) to the saucepan. Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly, to toast the spices and release their aromas. This simple step significantly enhances the depth of flavor.
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Simmer the Sauce: Pour in the crushed tomatoes, chicken broth (or water), and tomato paste. Stir well to combine all the ingredients. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low.
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Reduce and Refine: Simmer the sauce uncovered for at least 20 minutes, or up to 45 minutes for a richer, thicker consistency. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and sugar as needed. The longer it simmers, the more the flavors will meld.
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Serve and Enjoy: Once the sauce has reached your desired consistency and flavor, remove it from the heat. Stir in the fresh cilantro before serving. This vibrant green adds a beautiful touch and a refreshing element to the rich sauce. Serve it generously over your favorite burritos, tacos, or even as a dipping sauce for tortilla chips.
Cooking Tips for a Perfect Sauce:
- Spice it Up: Feel free to adjust the amount of jalapeños and cayenne pepper to control the level of spiciness. For a milder sauce, remove the seeds and membranes from the jalapeños.
- Thicker Sauce: If you prefer a thicker sauce, simmer it uncovered for a longer period, or you can briefly simmer it after removing the lid, stirring frequently.
- Fresh Ingredients: Using fresh ingredients whenever possible will significantly improve the taste of your sauce.
- Make it Ahead: This sauce tastes even better the next day! Make a big batch and store it in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Variations:
- Smoky Flavor: Add a chipotle pepper in adobo sauce for a smoky kick.
- Vegetarian/Vegan: This recipe is already vegetarian. To make it vegan, ensure your chicken broth is vegetable broth.
- Different Herbs: Experiment with different herbs like thyme or cilantro for unique flavor profiles.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This will vary depending on the specific ingredients and serving size. For a more precise calculation, use a nutrition calculator with your exact ingredients. However, generally, this sauce is relatively low in calories and fat, and a good source of vitamins and antioxidants from the tomatoes.
This red wet burrito sauce is incredibly versatile, adaptable to your preferences, and sure to become a staple in your recipe repertoire. So ditch the store-bought stuff and experience the joy of creating delicious, homemade food. Your taste buds (and your family) will thank you!