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Ranchero Sauce

Ranchero Sauce

The ultimate comfort food for any occasion, Ranchero Sauce is rich, creamy, and bursting with flavor. Perfect as a dip or a sauce, it’s an easy weeknight dinner solution that brings a taste of Mexico to your table. Make it tonight and experience the deliciousness!
Prep Time 3 minutes
Cook Time 14 minutes
Total Time 17 minutes
Servings: 3 cups
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Mexican
Calories: 150

Ingredients
  

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 shallots, peeled and chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 15 ounces tomato sauce (1 can)
  • 12 ounces roasted piquillo peppers or roasted red peppers (1 jar)
  • 4.5 ounces chopped green chiles (1 can)
  • 1 cup chicken stock
  • 1 tablespoon ground cumin
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • 1/4 teaspoon liquid smoke
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream

Equipment

  • Saucepan
  • Skillet
  • Baking Sheet
  • Chef's Knife
  • Blender
  • Peeler
  • Frying Pan
  • Wooden Spoon

Method
 

  1. Start by placing a sauté pan over medium heat and adding the olive oil along with the shallots. Sauté the shallots for about 2 minutes until they become translucent and fragrant.
  2. Next, add the garlic and continue to sauté for another 1 to 2 minutes. You want to be cautious not to burn the garlic; it should become fragrant and slightly golden.
  3. Now, drain the roasted piquillo peppers and add them to the pan. This is where the magic begins as their sweetness melds with the savory elements.
  4. Carefully add all remaining ingredients to the sauté pan, except for the heavy cream. Stir well to combine everything.
  5. Now, let it simmer for about 10 minutes. During this time, the sauce will thicken slightly, and the flavors will deepen beautifully.
  6. Once the time is up, remove the pan from heat. This is a crucial step as it allows the sauce to cool slightly before blending.
  7. Using an immersion blender (or a regular blender if you don’t have one), puree the sauce until it’s smooth and creamy. This is where all those lovely flavors come together in harmony.
  8. Finally, stir in the heavy cream. This adds a luscious texture and balances the flavors perfectly. Don’t forget to salt to taste!

Notes

  • Tip 1: Keep your Ranchero Sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. It can also be stored in the freezer for longer preservation.
  • Tip 2: You can freeze this sauce for up to three months. Just make sure to leave some space in the container for expansion.
  • Tip 3: This sauce pairs incredibly well with grilled chicken or fish. It also works beautifully as a dip with tortilla chips.
  • Tip 4: If you enjoy more heat, consider adding fresh jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce.
  • Tip 5: Feel free to add your twist! Adding herbs like cilantro or spices such as chili powder can elevate the flavor.