SOUTH-OF-THE-BORDER ESSENTIALS: AMAZING TACO SAUCE

South-of-the-Border Essentials: Amazing Taco Sauce image

This sauce starts out mild, and you can increase the heat by the addition of some cayenne pepper, red-pepper flakes, or more white pepper... mild, medium, hot, thick, thin... up to you. It is great on tacos and is a killer when used as a sauce for Mexican pizzas. So, you ready... Let's get into the kitchen.

Provided by Andy Anderson !

Time 30m

Number Of Ingredients 20

Ingredients

PLAN/PURCHASE
DRY INGREDIENTS
1 Tbsp dehydrated minced onions, ground to a powder
2 tsp ground cumin
1/2 tsp ancho chili powder
1/2 tsp salt, kosher variety, fine grind
1/8 tsp white pepper, freshly ground
1/8 tsp mustard powder, i prefer coleman's
WET INGREDIENTS
6 oz tomato sauce
4 oz filtered water
2 Tbsp apple-cider vinegar
1 tsp tamari sauce, or liquid aminos
1 tsp worcestershire sauce
1 tsp orange juice
1 tsp lime juice, freshly squeezed
OPTIONAL ITEMS
1 - 2 dash(es) liquid smoke, for depth
1 - 2 pinch cayenne pepper, or red-pepper flakes, for more heat
1 - 2 Tbsp cornstarch, or arrowroot powder, to thicken

Steps:

1. PREP/PREPARE
2. By nature, this is a thin sauce, but if you want it a bit thicker, add the optional arrowroot or cornstarch with the other dry ingredients, and add when directed by the recipe. I would with just 1 tablespoon, and add the other, if needed.
3. If you like Worcestershire, but do like the fact that it has anchovies in it, then check out my anchovy-free version: https://www.justapinch.com/recipes/sauce-spread/other-sauce-spread/diy-essentials-homemade-worcestershire-sauce.html?r=1
4. You will be using 6 ounces of tomato sauce, and the smallest can of tomato sauce is 8 ounces. I you do not have an immediate use for it, do not forget that you can freeze it. I use an old plastic ice tray, freeze the sauce in one or two-ounce portions, then put the cubes in a Ziploc freezer bag. It will last five-to-seven days in the fridge, and three-to-months, if frozen. Easy/Peasy.
5. Use restraint with the liquid smoke (if using). One, maybe two drops is all you are going to need. I would add it in at the end, while it is simmering... one drop then taste.
6. Gather your ingredients (mise en place).
7. Grind up the dehydrated onions.
8. Add the ground onions and other spices to a bowl and mix to combine.
9. If you are using the arrowroot or cornstarch, add it now, with the other dry spices.
10. Add the wet ingredients to a saucepan, over medium heat.
11. Bring up to a slow simmer.
12. Add the dry ingredients and whisk to combine.
13. Simmer for 10 - 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, then remove from the heat and allow to cool.
14. While it is simmering, taste for "proper" seasoning.
15. When cool, store in the refrigerator in a glass jar with a tight-fitting lid.
16. It will last about 4 - 6 weeks.
17. PLATE/PRESENT
18. Use as you would any other yummy taco sauce. Enjoy.
19. Keep the faith, and keep cooking.