Green Chile Tequila Sauce

FOR TRADITIONAL BARBECUE, CONTEMPORARY SMOKED FOOD, & GRILLED DISHES

The idea here is based on New Mexico’s beloved green chile sauce, but we kick it up an extra notch with tequila. The sauce is meant to accompany grilled steaks, barbecued brisket, or most any other cut of beef or bison.

Green Chile-Tequila Sauce is a zesty and versatile condiment that brings together the smoky flavors of New Mexican green chiles with the unique essence of tequila. This sauce originates from the American Southwest and captures the essence of the region’s culinary traditions.

The process of making this sauce involves sautéing aromatic ingredients like onions and garlic to create a flavorful base. The addition of tequila not only adds a distinctive depth to the sauce but also brings out the natural flavors of the chiles. The roasted mild to medium-hot New Mexican green chiles form the heart of this sauce, providing a rich and vibrant taste with a touch of heat.

With the incorporation of chicken or beef stock, the sauce achieves a harmonious balance of flavors and a silky consistency. The sauce is then gently simmered, allowing all the ingredients to meld together, resulting in a smooth and pourable texture.

The Green Chile-Tequila Sauce is incredibly versatile in its applications. Its tangy and mildly spicy profile makes it an excellent accompaniment to various dishes. It can be drizzled over grilled meats, used as a dipping sauce for appetizers, or even added to sandwiches and wraps for an extra burst of flavor. This sauce not only enhances the taste of your dishes but also adds a touch of Southwestern flair that can elevate your culinary creations to a new level. Whether you’re looking to add a hint of spice to your meal or seeking a unique sauce to complement your favorite dishes, the Green Chile-Tequila Sauce is a delicious and distinctive option to consider.

MAKES: ABOUT 2½ CUPS

INGREDIENTS:

• • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • ½ medium onion, finely chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
  • ⅓ cup tequila
  • 1 cup chicken or beef stock
  • 2 cups chopped roasted mild to medium-hot New Mexican green chiles, fresh or thawed frozen
  • ½ teaspoon kosher salt or coarse sea salt, or more to taste

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. 1. Sauté Aromatics: Warm the oil in a heavy saucepan over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté until the onion is soft and translucent, which should take about 7 minutes.
   2. Add Flour: Stir in the all-purpose flour and continue cooking for another 1 or 2 minutes. This will help thicken the sauce.
   3. Deglaze with Tequila: Pour in the tequila, making sure to scrape up any flavorful bits from the bottom of the pan. This step adds a depth of flavor to the sauce.
   4. Add Stock: Immediately begin pouring in the chicken or beef stock, stirring as you go. The mixture should start to come together.
   5. Incorporate Chiles: Mix in the chopped roasted New Mexican green chiles. These chiles will provide the sauce with a mild to medium-hot flavor profile, depending on your choice.
   6. Season: Add the kosher salt or coarse sea salt to the sauce, adjusting the amount to taste.
   7. Simmer: Bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to a low simmer. Allow the sauce to cook until it’s thickened but still very pourable. This usually takes about 15 minutes.
   8. Serve or Store: You can serve the sauce warm at the table or refrigerate it in a covered container for later use. The sauce can be stored for up to 1 week in the refrigerator. If reheating, make sure to warm it before serving to bring back its flavors.