Hello Fresh Tex Mex Paste Recipe
This Hello Fresh Tex Mex paste recipe recreates the smoky, spicy, and slightly sweet condiment from their meal kits. Made with fire-roasted tomatoes, chipotle peppers, and warm spices, it’s a versatile flavor booster. Easy to whip up, it’s perfect for tacos, marinades, or dips.
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!