south-of-the-border essentials: mild taco sauce

How To Make south-of-the-border essentials: mild taco sauce

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  Step 1
  PREP/PREPARE
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  Step 2
  This is a smooth, thin taco sauce, and when making it, I play with the chili powder and vinegar until I like what I taste. I usually add a bit more vinegar than the recipe calls for, and sometimes a drop or two of lime juice. If you enjoy a spicier sauce, you could add a touch of cayenne or white pepper. You might desire a slightly thicker sauce. In that case, you could add a bit of cornstarch or arrowroot powder just before you bring it to the boil. It will not change the flavor, but will give it more body. Note: If you are going to use a thickener, whisk it in with the water and tomato sauce in step 5.
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  Step 3
  When researching this recipe, I went out to the internet and looked at a lot of folks’ ideas on what a simple, mild taco sauce would contain, and most of them were over the top. Here is one that claimed it was a copycat recipe for Taco Bell mild sauce: Ridiculous Mild Sauce Recipe 1 cup cold water 1 (8 ounce) can tomato sauce 4 teaspoons arrowroot or 4 teaspoons cornstarch 2 tablespoons white vinegar 1 tablespoon ground cumin 1 tablespoon dried onion flakes 1 teaspoon Lawry's Seasoned Salt (use this brand only) 1 teaspoon lime juice 1 teaspoon orange juice 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce 1⁄2 teaspoon dried chipotle powder 1⁄2 teaspoon plain new mexico chile powder 1⁄2 teaspoon A.1. Original Sauce (use this brand only) 1⁄4 teaspoon white pepper 1 -2 drops liquid smoke (measure into a spoon first) YOU HAVE GOT TO BE KIDDING ME… If you look at the ingredients on the packet for Taco Bell mild sauce the three main ingredients are: Water Tomato Puree Vinegar It follows with, Less Than 2% Salt Chili Pepper Spices The rest of the items mentioned are basically preservatives, and I will not be using any of those. So, in my research, I realized that I was overthinking the ingredients, and began cutting back, finally winding up with what you see in my recipe list. Just a few basic ingredients that pack a lot of flavors.
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  Step 4
  Gather your Ingredients (mise en place).
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  Step 5
  In a small saucepan whisk together the water and tomato sauce.
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  Step 6
  Set the heat to medium high, and bring up to a boil.
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  Step 7
  Add the other ingredients, and quickly lower to a simmer.
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  Step 8
  Simmer for 4 – 5 minutes, then remove from heat.
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  Step 9
  If you are adding the lemon juice (to taste), add it after talking the sauce off the heat.
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  Step 10
  Store in the fridge until needed (shake well before serving).
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  Step 11
  PLATE/PRESENT
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  Step 12
  Serve on your favorite Mexican dishes. Enjoy.
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  Step 13
  Keep the faith, and keep cooking.
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  Step 14
  Namaste’
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