If you’ve ever tried a Hello Fresh meal kit and fallen in love with their Tex Mex paste, you’re not alone. This smoky, spicy, and slightly sweet condiment brings a burst of flavor to tacos, ench enchiladas, and more. With this homemade version, you can recreate that magic in your kitchen using simple ingredients.
No need to subscribe to a meal kit—just grab some pantry staples and a few spices. This recipe is easy to follow and lets you enjoy that bold Tex Mex taste anytime. Let’s get started and bring some Southwestern flair to your table!
Why People Love This Hello Fresh Tex Mex Paste
The Hello Fresh Tex Mex paste has a special charm that hooks everyone who tries it. It’s a perfect mix of smoky chipotle peppers, tangy tomatoes, and warm spices that wake up your taste buds. People can’t get enough of how it transforms simple dishes into something exciting.
It’s not just the flavor—it’s the versatility too. Whether you’re spicing up ground beef or adding depth to a soup, this paste delivers every time. Fans say it’s like a shortcut to restaurant-quality meals at home.
Plus, there’s a little nostalgia in every bite. It blends classic Mexican vibes with a Texas twist, making it feel both familiar and fresh.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To whip up this Tex Mex paste, you’ll need a mix of fresh and pantry items. Most are easy to find at your local store. Here’s the lineup:
- 1 medium white onion, roughly chopped
- 4 garlic cloves, peeled
- 1 (14.5 oz) can fire-roasted diced tomatoes
- 2-3 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce (adjust for spice)
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon cocoa powder
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- ½ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
These ingredients create a rich, bold paste. Feel free to tweak the spice level to suit your taste.
Kitchen Tools Required
You don’t need anything fancy to make this paste—just some basic kitchen gear. Gather these tools before you start. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Blender or food processor
- Medium saucepan
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Cutting board and knife
- Measuring spoons and cups
- Small bowl for mixing spices
- Airtight container for storage
With these on hand, you’ll be ready to cook up a storm. Keep it simple and let the ingredients shine.
Step-by-Step Recipe Instructions
Step 1: Prep the Onion and Garlic
Peel and roughly chop the onion into chunks. Peel the garlic cloves and set them aside. This quick prep gets them ready for blending.
Step 2: Blend the Base Ingredients
In a blender or food processor, combine the onion, garlic, fire-roasted tomatoes, and chipotle peppers. Blend until smooth, about 30-45 seconds. You want a thick, even puree.
Step 3: Heat the Oil
Pour the olive oil into a medium saucepan and warm it over medium heat. Let it heat for about 1 minute until it shimmers. This sets the stage for cooking the paste.
Step 4: Cook the Puree
Add the blended mixture to the saucepan with the hot oil. Stir it occasionally and let it cook for 5-7 minutes. It’ll thicken slightly and smell amazing.
Step 5: Add the Tomato Paste
Stir in the tomato paste until it’s fully mixed into the puree. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, stirring often. This boosts the rich tomato flavor.
Step 6: Mix in the Spices
In a small bowl, combine chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, coriander, and cocoa powder. Add this spice mix to the saucepan and stir well. Let it cook for 2 minutes to toast the spices.
Step 7: Season and Simmer
Stir in the rice vinegar, sugar, and salt. Lower the heat to a simmer and cook for 10-15 minutes, stirring now and then. The paste will thicken and the flavors will meld together.
Step 8: Cool and Store
Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the paste cool to room temperature. Transfer it to an airtight container once cooled. It’s ready to use or store!
Tips for the Best Results
- Use fire-roasted tomatoes for that smoky depth—regular diced tomatoes work but won’t pack the same punch.
- Adjust the chipotle peppers—2 for mild, 3 for a kick, or more if you love heat.
- Toast the spices in the pan for a minute before adding liquids to unlock their full flavor.
- Simmer low and slow to let the paste thicken naturally without burning.
- Taste as you go and tweak the salt or sugar to balance the flavors.
These pointers help you nail that Hello Fresh taste. It’s all about building layers of flavor.
Nutritional Information
Here’s the breakdown per serving (about 2 tablespoons), based on 10 servings total. It’s a small amount with big taste!
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 45 kcal |
| Total Fat | 2g |
| Saturated Fat | 0.3g |
| Cholesterol | 0mg |
| Sodium | 180mg |
| Carbohydrates | 7g |
| Sugars | 4g |
| Protein | 1g |
This paste adds flavor without piling on calories. Perfect for guilt-free indulgence!
Serving Suggestions
- Stir into ground beef or turkey for killer tacos or burritos.
- Spread over chicken or pork as a marinade before grilling.
- Mix with sour cream for a zesty dip with tortilla chips.
- Add a spoonful to chili or soup for extra smoky spice.
- Drizzle over roasted veggies like sweet potatoes or zucchini.
These ideas make every meal pop with Tex Mex flair. Get creative and enjoy!
Storing Your Tex Mex Paste
Keep the paste fresh by storing it in an airtight container in the fridge. It’ll stay good for up to 2 weeks. For longer storage, freeze it in ice cube trays for easy portions—up to 3 months.
Thaw frozen cubes in the fridge overnight before using. A quick stir brings it back to life.
Why This Recipe Works
This homemade version captures the essence of Hello Fresh’s Tex Mex paste with its bold, balanced flavors. The fire-roasted tomatoes and chipotle peppers create a smoky backbone, while spices like cumin and paprika add warmth. Cocoa powder sneaks in a subtle richness that ties it all together.
It’s simple enough for beginners but delivers complex taste. You control the heat and salt, making it your own. Plus, it’s cheaper than a meal kit and just as delicious.
Summary
This Hello Fresh Tex Mex paste recipe is your ticket to bold, smoky, and spicy flavor at home. With pantry staples like tomatoes, chipotle peppers, and spices, you can whip up a batch in under an hour. It’s perfect for tacos, marinades, or anything needing a Southwestern kick.
Store it in the fridge or freezer, and you’ve got a go-to condiment ready anytime. Skip the subscription and enjoy this versatile paste whenever you crave it.
FAQ
Can I make this paste less spicy?
Yes, use just 1 chipotle pepper and skip extra chili powder. It’ll still be flavorful with milder heat.
What if I don’t have rice vinegar?
Swap it with apple cider vinegar or white vinegar. The taste will shift slightly but still work well.
How do I use this in a Hello Fresh recipe?
Replace the packet with 2-3 tablespoons of this paste in any Tex Mex dish. Adjust to taste.
Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely, just double all ingredients and use a larger saucepan. It freezes great for later.
Is this paste gluten-free?
Yes, all ingredients listed are naturally gluten-free. Double-check your brands to be sure.
Hello Fresh Tex Mex Paste Recipe
Equipment
- Blender or food processor
- Medium Saucepan
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Cutting Board and Knife
- Measuring Spoons and Cups
- Small bowl for mixing spices
- Airtight container for storage
Ingredients
- 1 medium white onion roughly chopped
- 4 garlic cloves peeled
- 1 14.5 oz can fire-roasted diced tomatoes
- 2-3 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce adjust for spice
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon cocoa powder
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- ½ teaspoon salt or to taste
Instructions
Step 1: Prep the Onion and Garlic
- Peel and roughly chop the onion into chunks. Peel the garlic cloves and set them aside. This quick prep gets them ready for blending.
Step 2: Blend the Base Ingredients
- In a blender or food processor, combine the onion, garlic, fire-roasted tomatoes, and chipotle peppers. Blend until smooth, about 30-45 seconds. You want a thick, even puree.
Step 3: Heat the Oil
- Pour the olive oil into a medium saucepan and warm it over medium heat. Let it heat for about 1 minute until it shimmers. This sets the stage for cooking the paste.
Step 4: Cook the Puree
- Add the blended mixture to the saucepan with the hot oil. Stir it occasionally and let it cook for 5-7 minutes. It’ll thicken slightly and smell amazing.
Step 5: Add the Tomato Paste
- Stir in the tomato paste until it’s fully mixed into the puree. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, stirring often. This boosts the rich tomato flavor.
Step 6: Mix in the Spices
- In a small bowl, combine chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, coriander, and cocoa powder. Add this spice mix to the saucepan and stir well. Let it cook for 2 minutes to toast the spices.
Step 7: Season and Simmer
- Stir in the rice vinegar, sugar, and salt. Lower the heat to a simmer and cook for 10-15 minutes, stirring now and then. The paste will thicken and the flavors will meld together.
Step 8: Cool and Store
- Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the paste cool to room temperature. Transfer it to an airtight container once cooled. It’s ready to use or store!
