New Mexico Chili Sauce

New Mexico Chili Sauce is a flavorful, tomato-based Southwestern sauce that serves as a versatile companion in the world of Southwestern cuisine. Its rich and tangy profile makes it the perfect salsa for Black Bean Burritos, a delightful accompaniment to scrambled eggs or omelets, and a foundational sauce for dishes like Chilaquiles. This recipe yields approximately 3 cups of this delectable sauce, ready to infuse your dishes with the authentic flavors of the Southwest.

Yields 3 cups 

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 teaspoon olive oil
• 1 medium onion, roughly chopped
• 5 New Mexico chilies, seeded, soaked, and puréed
• 1 (28-ounce) jar roasted-garlic-flavored marinara sauce
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Sauté Onion: Heat the olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add the roughly chopped onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until it becomes translucent, which typically takes about 5 minutes. This initial step infuses the sauce with a savory base of cooked onions.
2. Add Chili Purée: After the onions have turned translucent, add the New Mexico chili purée. Cook for an additional 3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together and develop a rich Southwestern aroma.
3. Incorporate Marinara Sauce and Spices: Pour in the entire jar of roasted-garlic-flavored marinara sauce. Then, add the ground cumin and dried oregano to the saucepan. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
4. Simmer: Reduce the heat and let the sauce simmer for approximately 10 minutes. This simmering process allows the flavors to intensify and harmonize.
5. Blend Until Smooth: After simmering, transfer the sauce to a blender. Blend it until it reaches a smooth and uniform consistency. Be cautious when blending hot liquids, as steam can build up inside the blender. To avoid splatters, blend in batches if necessary and use a kitchen towel to cover the lid.

USES:

New Mexico Chili Sauce is a versatile and flavorful condiment that can elevate a variety of Southwestern and Mexican dishes. Here are some delicious ways to use your homemade sauce:

• Black Bean Burritos: As mentioned in the introduction, this sauce is the ultimate salsa for Black Bean Burritos. Drizzle it over burritos filled with black beans, rice, cheese, and your favorite toppings for a burst of flavor.
• Breakfast Burritos: Add a spoonful of New Mexico Chili Sauce to breakfast burritos filled with scrambled eggs, cheese, and sautéed vegetables. It adds a zesty kick to your morning meal.
• Scrambled Eggs and Omelets: Use the sauce as a condiment for scrambled eggs or as a filling for omelets. It pairs well with ingredients like cheese, bell peppers, onions, and bacon.
• Chilaquiles: This sauce serves as the base for Chilaquiles, a traditional Mexican dish made with tortilla chips smothered in sauce and topped with cheese, sour cream, and avocado. Simply pour it over the chips and bake until bubbly.
• Enchiladas: Use the sauce as an enchilada sauce. Roll up corn tortillas filled with your choice of protein (such as chicken, beef, or beans), top with the sauce, and bake until the enchiladas are hot and bubbly.
• Taco Sauce: Drizzle New Mexico Chili Sauce over your tacos for an authentic Southwestern flavor. It complements both meat and vegetarian taco fillings.
• Baked Chicken: Use the sauce as a glaze for baked chicken breasts or thighs. Baste the chicken with the sauce and bake until fully cooked for a zesty and flavorful dish.
• Rice Bowls: Top rice bowls with New Mexico Chili Sauce for a burst of flavor. Include ingredients like grilled chicken, sautéed vegetables, and avocado for a hearty meal.
• Burgers: Spread the sauce on burgers instead of traditional ketchup or mayo. It adds a Southwestern twist to your burgers.
• Dipping Sauce: Serve the sauce as a dipping sauce for tortilla chips or fresh vegetable sticks. It’s a delicious and spicy alternative to traditional salsa.
• Pasta Sauce: Mix the sauce into pasta for a Southwestern-inspired pasta dish. It pairs well with penne or spaghetti and is especially tasty with sautéed vegetables and grilled chicken.
• Nachos: Create loaded nachos by pouring New Mexico Chili Sauce over a pile of tortilla chips, then adding melted cheese, jalapeños, sour cream, and guacamole.
• Grilled Vegetables: Use the sauce as a marinade or glaze for grilled vegetables. It adds a smoky and tangy flavor to the veggies.
• Dressing: Transform the sauce into a salad dressing by thinning it out with a bit of olive oil and vinegar. Drizzle it over Southwestern-style salads with mixed greens, avocado, black beans, and corn.
• Soup: Add a spoonful of the sauce to Southwestern-inspired soups like tortilla soup or black bean soup for an extra layer of flavor.

Now that you’ve created your New Mexico Chili Sauce, you can enjoy its rich and tangy flavors in various Southwestern dishes. Whether you choose to drizzle it over Black Bean Burritos, use it to spice up your morning eggs, or incorporate it into Chilaquiles, this sauce will bring the vibrant and authentic taste of Southwestern cuisine to your table.