Hello Fresh Tex Mex Paste Copycat Recipe: Quick & Flavorful
Short introduction
Tex Mex paste is a delightful blend of spices and flavors that can elevate your meals to the next level. This copycat recipe mimics the well-loved Hello Fresh Tex Mex paste, allowing you to enjoy its zestiness right in your kitchen. It’s perfect for adding to tacos, burritos, or even as a marinade for grilled meats. In no time, you’ll have a batch of homemade paste that brings the festive flavors of Tex-Mex cuisine to your table.
Why you’ll love it
This Tex Mex paste recipe is not only easy to make, but it’s also packed with flavor. The benefits include:
- Healthy Ingredients: No preservatives or artificial flavors, just natural ingredients you can feel good about.
- Versatile Use: Use it in tacos, burritos, or as a base for chili or casseroles.
- Quick to Prepare: Whip this up in about 30 minutes, making it a great weeknight option.
- Customizable Heat: Adjust the spice level to suit your taste by adding more or fewer chipotles.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 small onion, diced fine
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 tablespoon cumin
- 2 teaspoons paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon coriander
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 4 ounces tomato paste
- 1-2 canned chipotles in adobo + 1 tablespoon adobo sauce
- 1 cup fire-roasted tomatoes, drained
- 1 1/2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 1/2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon cocoa powder
- Salt, to taste (see notes)
Substitutions & key variations
If you’re missing an ingredient or looking to tweak the recipe:
- Olive Oil: Use any oil you prefer, such as avocado or canola.
- Onion: Shallots or leeks can be a great substitute if you want a different flavor.
- Honey: Maple syrup can work if you prefer a vegan option.
- Tomato Paste: You can use crushed tomatoes, but it may alter the texture slightly.
- Chipotles: Adjust the number based on your heat preference. For mild, use just one or opt for paprika instead.
Step-by-step
Step 1: Sauté the Base
In a medium-size pot over medium-high heat, add the olive oil and diced onions. Sauté until they become translucent and start to brown, about 3-5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and spices, sautéing for another 30 seconds to bring out their flavors.
Step 2: Add Tomato Paste
Add the tomato paste to the pan, cooking for 2 more minutes. Scrape the bottom of the pan continuously to prevent burning and ensure everything is well combined.
Step 3: Combine Remaining Ingredients
Stir in the rest of the ingredients: canned chipotles, fire-roasted tomatoes, apple cider vinegar, honey, cocoa powder, and a pinch of salt. Mix everything until it’s well combined.
Step 4: Let it Simmer
Lower the heat to medium-low and let the mixture simmer for 10 minutes. This allows all the flavors to meld beautifully.
Step 5: Blend the Paste
Remove the pot from the heat and let cool for 5 minutes. Use an immersion blender to blend the mixture until smooth. If you don’t have an immersion blender, carefully transfer the mixture in small batches to a regular blender or food processor.
Step 6: Store the Paste
Pour the blended paste into a container to cool completely. Once cooled, it can be stored in the fridge or freezer for later use.
Success tips
- Temperature: Ensure your pan is hot enough before adding the oil to achieve a nice sauté without burning.
- Texture: Aim for a smooth consistency when blending. If it’s too thick, add a splash of water.
- Common mistakes: Avoid stirring too vigorously when sautéing onions, as you may break them apart instead of allowing them to soften.
How to serve
Use this Tex Mex paste in various ways. It’s perfect for tacos, nachos, tacos, or enchiladas. You can also marinate meats like chicken or beef for a flavorful grill. For a quick meal, mix it into cooked beans or lentils for a spicy side dish.
Storage & reheating
Store the Tex Mex paste in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. If freezing, place it in freezer bags, removing as much air as possible. When you’re ready to use it, thaw in the fridge overnight or heat it gently on the stovetop.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of fire-roasted? Yes, you can use fresh tomatoes, but roasting them will enhance the flavor.
- Is this paste spicy? The spice level can be adjusted based on the number of chipotles used. Start with one for a milder taste.
- How long will this paste last in the fridge? It can last for up to two weeks when stored in an airtight container.
- Can I multiply the recipe? Absolutely! This recipe is easily scalable. Just multiply the ingredients by the desired amount.
Nutrition notes / equivalents
This paste is a rich source of antioxidants and flavors with no added sugars or preservatives. It’s a healthier alternative to store-bought options.
Conclusion
Making your own Hello Fresh Tex Mex paste at home not only saves you money but also allows you to customize flavors to your liking. Give this recipe a try for your next cooking session, and elevate your meals with this delicious blend.
Links to related recipes
Tex Mex Paste
Ingredients
For the Paste Base
- 1 tablespoon olive oil Can substitute with any preferred oil.
- ½ small onion diced fine Shallots or leeks can be used as substitutes.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Spices
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 tablespoon cumin
- 2 teaspoons paprika
- ½ teaspoon coriander
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
Main Ingredients
- 4 ounces tomato paste Can use crushed tomatoes for a different texture.
- 1-2 canned chipotles in adobo + 1 tablespoon adobo sauce Adjust based on heat preference.
- 1 cup fire-roasted tomatoes, drained Fresh tomatoes can be used if roasted.
- 1 ½ tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 ½ tablespoons honey Maple syrup can be used for a vegan option.
- 1 tablespoon cocoa powder
- Salt, to taste
Instructions
Preparation
- In a medium-size pot over medium-high heat, add the olive oil and diced onions. Sauté until they become translucent and start to brown, about 3-5 minutes.
- Stir in the minced garlic and spices, sautéing for another 30 seconds to bring out their flavors.
Cooking
- Add the tomato paste to the pan, cooking for 2 more minutes. Scrape the bottom of the pan continuously to prevent burning.
- Stir in the rest of the ingredients: canned chipotles, fire-roasted tomatoes, apple cider vinegar, honey, cocoa powder, and a pinch of salt. Mix everything until well combined.
- Lower the heat to medium-low and let the mixture simmer for 10 minutes.
Blending and Storing
- Remove the pot from heat and let cool for 5 minutes.
- Use an immersion blender to blend the mixture until smooth. If using a regular blender, transfer the mixture in small batches.
- Pour the blended paste into a container to cool completely. Once cooled, store in the fridge or freezer for later use.