Description
This bold and smoky Hello Fresh Tex Mex paste recipe is the perfect DIY copycat. It’s made with simple pantry ingredients like chipotle peppers, fire-roasted tomatoes, tomato paste, and spices. Use it to elevate tacos, rice bowls, or grilled meats. Easy to freeze, store, and meal-prep!
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- ½ yellow onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- ½ tsp chili powder
- ½ tsp ground cumin
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- ¼ tsp oregano
- 1 chipotle pepper in adobo + 1 tsp adobo sauce
- ½ cup fire-roasted diced tomatoes
- 1 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tbsp honey (or maple syrup for vegan)
- ½ tsp salt (or to taste)
Instructions
- In a skillet over medium heat, add olive oil and sauté the onions for 3–5 minutes until translucent.
- Add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Stir in tomato paste, spices, and cook for 1–2 minutes to bloom flavors.
- Add chipotle pepper, diced tomatoes, cocoa powder, vinegar, honey, and salt. Stir to combine.
- Simmer on low heat for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened.
- Blend using an immersion blender or regular blender until smooth.
- Cool and transfer to an airtight jar. Store in the fridge up to 1 week or freeze in cubes.
Notes
- Use more chipotle for extra heat
- Freeze in ice cube trays for portion control
- Add a squeeze of lime for a citrusy twist
- For a smoky boost, add ¼ tsp liquid smoke
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Sauces & Condiments
- Method: Sauté + Blend
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tbsp serving
- Calories: 45 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 160 mg
- Fat: 2.5 g
- Saturated Fat: 0.4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 5 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 1 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
Keywords: hello fresh tex mex paste recipe, tex mex paste, hello fresh copycat, taco sauce, tex mex condiment