Tired of the same old tomato sauce? Craving a vibrant, smoky flavor that will elevate your everyday meals? Then look no further! This roasted poblano sauce recipe is your answer. It's a delicious, healthy, and surprisingly easy recipe perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions. Get ready to experience the magic of homemade cooking with this incredibly versatile sauce. This recipe provides a quick dinner idea and is one of the best recipes for adding a healthy twist to your meals.
Ingredients:
- 3 large poblano peppers
- 1 large onion, roughly chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 cup vegetable broth
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
Roasting the Poblanos:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Place the poblano peppers directly on the oven rack. Roast for 20-25 minutes, turning occasionally, until the skins are blackened and blistered.
- Transfer the peppers to a bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let them steam for 10-15 minutes. This will make peeling much easier.
- Once cool enough to handle, peel off the blackened skin and remove the stems and seeds. Roughly chop the peppers.
Making the Sauce:
- Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Don't let it brown.
- Stir in the roasted poblanos, diced tomatoes (undrained), vegetable broth, cumin, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper (if using).
- Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for at least 20 minutes, or up to an hour for a richer flavor. The longer it simmers, the more the flavors meld together.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed – some tomatoes are saltier than others.
Serving Suggestions:
This versatile sauce is fantastic with so many dishes! Use it as:
- A base for enchiladas
- A topping for tacos or burritos
- A flavorful addition to chili
- A delicious dipping sauce for tortilla chips
- A vibrant sauce for your favorite pasta dishes
Tips and Variations:
- For a smoother sauce: Blend the cooked sauce using an immersion blender or regular blender until it reaches your desired consistency.
- Add some heat: Increase the amount of cayenne pepper or add a chopped jalapeño pepper along with the onions for extra spice.
- Boost the flavor: Add a tablespoon of your favorite adobo sauce for a deeper, more complex flavor.
- Make it vegetarian/vegan: This recipe is naturally vegetarian. Ensure your vegetable broth is vegan-friendly if needed.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This will vary depending on the specific ingredients used and serving size. This is an estimate assuming a 4-serving recipe:
- Calories: Approximately 150-200
- Protein: 3-5g
- Fat: 8-10g
- Carbohydrates: 15-20g
- Fiber: 4-6g
Enjoy your homemade roasted poblano sauce! This easy recipe will quickly become a staple in your cooking repertoire. It’s a delicious and healthy addition to your collection of quick dinner ideas and definitely one of the best recipes you'll learn this year. Let me know how it turns out in the comments below!