Ranchero Sauce

Growing up, one of the fondest memories I have is of Saturday mornings filled with the aroma of fresh Ranchero Sauce simmering on the stove. It was a family tradition to enjoy a hearty breakfast, and this sauce was always the star of the show. Made from fresh tomatoes, jalapeños, and a hint of spice, it brought a burst of flavor to our plates. Whether slathered on warm tortillas or drizzled over eggs, that sauce never failed to add a special touch to our meal.

As I grew older and began to explore cooking on my own, I realized that my love for this sauce only deepened. I experimented with different ingredients, but I always returned to the simplicity of the traditional recipe. There’s something magical about a few fresh ingredients coming together to create a sauce that can elevate any dish. The warmth of the avocado oil, the sweetness of onions, and the brightness of fresh cilantro all play a role in making this sauce not just a condiment, but an experience.

Now, when I whip up a batch of Ranchero Sauce, it’s not just about the flavor; it’s about memories. I can still hear the laughter and chatter of my family around the table as we enjoyed our breakfast. It’s a reminder of home and the simple pleasures that come from sharing a meal with those you love.

This sauce is versatile and can be used in various dishes beyond breakfast. Think enchiladas, tacos, or even as a dip for your favorite chips. What’s wonderful is that it’s so easy to make at home, and trust me, it’s worth every minute. So let’s gather our ingredients, roll up our sleeves, and embark on this flavorful journey together!

Essential Ingredients for Ranchero Sauce

Every ingredient in this Ranchero Sauce serves a purpose, harmonizing beautifully to create a rich and zesty flavor. From the freshness of the tomatoes to the warmth brought by the jalapeño, each element plays a crucial role in achieving the perfect balance. Let’s explore these ingredients that come together to make this sauce truly exceptional.

• 1 tablespoon avocado oil – A heart-healthy oil that adds richness and depth to the sauce.
• ½ medium white onion, diced – This provides a sweet and savory base flavor that complements the other ingredients.
• 4 roma tomatoes, chopped – Fresh and juicy, these bring acidity and sweetness to the sauce.
• 1 jalapeño pepper, diced – Adds a kick of heat; adjust based on your spice preference.
• 1 chipotle pepper from a can of chipotles in adobo sauce, chopped – Introduces smokiness and depth to the flavor profile.
• 2 garlic cloves, chopped – A classic flavor enhancer that adds aromatic goodness.
• ½ teaspoon dried oregano – Imparts a warm, earthy note that balances the sauce.
• ½ teaspoon sea salt – Essential for enhancing the flavors of the other ingredients.
• ½ cup vegetable broth – Provides moisture and a savory base for the sauce.
• ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro – Brightens the sauce with freshness and a hint of herbaceousness.
• 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice – Adds acidity and brightness, balancing the flavors beautifully.
• ½ teaspoon cane sugar, optional – A touch of sweetness to counterbalance the acidity, if needed.

Making Ranchero Sauce

Making Ranchero Sauce is a delightful experience that brings the flavors of home straight to your kitchen. With just a few simple steps, you’ll have a vibrant, flavorful sauce ready to elevate your meals. Let’s dive into the process!

1. Start by heating 1 tablespoon of avocado oil in a small saucepan over medium heat. This oil is perfect for sautéing as it has a high smoke point and adds a lovely richness to the sauce. Once the oil is shimmering, you’re ready for the next step.
2. Next, add in the ½ medium white onion, diced. Sauté the onion for about 3 to 4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it becomes translucent and fragrant. The aroma will fill your kitchen, making you crave the final product!
3. Now, it’s time to introduce the star of the show. Add the 4 roma tomatoes, chopped, along with the 1 jalapeño pepper, diced, and 1 chipotle pepper from a can of chipotles in adobo sauce, chopped. Stir these ingredients well, ensuring that the onions are coated in the mixture.
4. Continue cooking for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. You’ll notice the tomatoes begin to soften and break down, releasing their juices and forming a beautiful sauce. Keep an eye on it; we want everything to cook evenly.
5. Once the tomatoes are softened, it’s time to add the flavor. Stir in 2 garlic cloves, chopped, ½ teaspoon of dried oregano, and ½ teaspoon of sea salt. These ingredients will enhance the sauce and infuse it with aromatic goodness that’s irresistible.
6. After that, pour in ½ cup of vegetable broth. This will add moisture to the mixture and help create the perfect sauce consistency. Allow it to simmer for an additional minute, letting all the flavors meld together.
7. Now, remove the saucepan from the heat and add in ¼ cup of chopped fresh cilantro and 2 tablespoons of fresh lime juice. These ingredients will brighten up the sauce and add a fresh twist that’s essential for Ranchero Sauce.
8. To achieve a smooth texture, transfer the sauce to a deep bowl or large jar. Use an immersion blender to blend the sauce until it is nearly smooth but still retains some texture. You want a few flecks of cilantro visible for that rustic look.
9. Taste the sauce to ensure it’s balanced. If it’s too sharp, add ½ teaspoon of cane sugar to balance the flavors perfectly. This is entirely optional but can make a world of difference depending on your tomatoes.
10. Finally, allow the sauce to cool to room temperature before storing it in an airtight container in the fridge. It will last for up to a week, ready to be used in huevos rancheros, enchiladas, or any other dish you love!

Tips and Tricks about Ranchero Sauce

To ensure your Ranchero Sauce turns out perfectly every time, here are some handy tips and tricks that I’ve learned over the years. These will help you to master this delightful recipe.

• Storage: After cooling, store your sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. It’s great to have on hand for quick meals!
• Freezing: Yes, you can freeze Ranchero Sauce! Just make sure to store it in a freezer-safe container, and it will last for up to three months.
• Pairing: This sauce is incredibly versatile. Try it with eggs, over grilled chicken, or as a dip for crispy tortilla chips.
• Adjust to Taste: Don’t hesitate to tweak the spice levels according to your preference. Everyone’s palate is different!
• Batch Cooking: Consider making a double batch to have some on hand for future meals. It’s a time-saver!

Accompaniments for Ranchero Sauce

When serving Ranchero Sauce, the possibilities are endless! Here are some great accompaniments and serving suggestions to make your meals unforgettable.

• Huevos Rancheros: The classic pairing! Serve the sauce over sunny-side-up eggs on warm tortillas for a traditional breakfast.
• Enchiladas: Use this sauce as a base or topping for your favorite enchiladas to add flavor and moisture.
• Tacos: Drizzle this vibrant sauce over your tacos for an extra kick that will impress your guests.
• Grilled Meats: It complements grilled chicken or fish beautifully, adding moisture and depth of flavor.
• Chips and Dip: Use it as a dip for tortilla chips during gatherings or parties. It’s always a hit!
• Storage Options: If you have leftovers, store them in the fridge and use them on various dishes throughout the week, from breakfast to dinner!

FAQ

Conclusion

The Ranchero Sauce is a celebration of flavors that not only enhances your meals but also brings back fond memories of family and tradition. With its simplicity and incredible taste, it’s a recipe that anyone can recreate at home. I encourage you to give it a try; you won’t be disappointed. This sauce is bound to become a staple in your kitchen!

Ranchero Sauce

The ultimate comfort food, Ranchero Sauce bursts with flavor from fresh ingredients. This easy weeknight sauce is perfect for drizzling over your favorite dishes or enjoying as a dip. Make it tonight and elevate your meals!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Course Dinner, Side Dishes

Cuisine Mexican

Servings 5 servings

Calories 80 kcal

Equipment

• Immersion Blender

Ingredients

  

• 1 tablespoon avocado oil
• ½ medium white onion
• 4 roma tomatoes
• 1 jalapeño pepper jalapeño pepper
• 1 chipotle pepper chipotle pepper from a can of chipotles in adobo sauce
• 2 cloves garlic cloves
• ½ teaspoon dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon sea salt
• ½ cup vegetable broth
• ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro
• 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
• ½ teaspoon cane sugar optional

Instructions

 

• Start by heating 1 tablespoon of avocado oil in a small saucepan over medium heat. This oil is perfect for sautéing as it has a high smoke point and adds a lovely richness to the sauce. Once the oil is shimmering, you’re ready for the next step.
• Next, add in the ½ medium white onion, diced. Sauté the onion for about 3 to 4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it becomes translucent and fragrant. The aroma will fill your kitchen, making you crave the final product!
• Now, it’s time to introduce the star of the show. Add the 4 roma tomatoes, chopped, along with the 1 jalapeño pepper, diced, and 1 chipotle pepper from a can of chipotles in adobo sauce, chopped. Stir these ingredients well, ensuring that the onions are coated in the mixture.
• Continue cooking for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. You’ll notice the tomatoes begin to soften and break down, releasing their juices and forming a beautiful sauce. Keep an eye on it; we want everything to cook evenly.
• Once the tomatoes are softened, it’s time to add the flavor. Stir in 2 garlic cloves, chopped, ½ teaspoon of dried oregano, and ½ teaspoon of sea salt. These ingredients will enhance the sauce and infuse it with aromatic goodness that’s irresistible.
• After that, pour in ½ cup of vegetable broth. This will add moisture to the mixture and help create the perfect sauce consistency. Allow it to simmer for an additional minute, letting all the flavors meld together.
• Now, remove the saucepan from the heat and add in ¼ cup of chopped fresh cilantro and 2 tablespoons of fresh lime juice. These ingredients will brighten up the sauce and add a fresh twist that’s essential for Ranchero Sauce.
• To achieve a smooth texture, transfer the sauce to a deep bowl or large jar. Use an immersion blender to blend the sauce until it is nearly smooth but still retains some texture. You want a few flecks of cilantro visible for that rustic look.
• Taste the sauce to ensure it’s balanced. If it’s too sharp, add ½ teaspoon of cane sugar to balance the flavors perfectly. This is entirely optional but can make a world of difference depending on your tomatoes.
• Finally, allow the sauce to cool to room temperature before storing it in an airtight container in the fridge. It will last for up to a week, ready to be used in huevos rancheros, enchiladas, or any other dish you love!

Notes

• Tip 1: Store your sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. It’s great to have on hand for quick meals!
• Tip 2: Yes, you can freeze Ranchero Sauce! Just make sure to store it in a freezer-safe container, and it will last for up to three months.
• Tip 3: This sauce is incredibly versatile. Try it with eggs, over grilled chicken, or as a dip for crispy tortilla chips.
• Tip 4: Don’t hesitate to tweak the spice levels according to your preference. Everyone’s palate is different!
• Tip 5: Consider making a double batch to have some on hand for future meals. It’s a time-saver!

Keyword easy sauce for tacos, homemade Ranchero Sauce, Mexican sauce recipe, Ranchero Sauce

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Meet Penny Porter

I bring the energy to our cooking sessions. I don’t have a “specialty” because I love it all I’m just as happy kneading dough as I am stirring a spicy curry. My favorite part of being on this team is the variety. One day we’re making pasta from scratch, and the next we’re grilling outdoors. I love the fast-paced creative process and am always the first one to grab an apron when a new idea pops up.