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Taco Time Hot Sauce Recipe

Taco Time Hot Sauce Recipe

Taco time hot sauce is a spicy and flavorful condiment that originated in the Taco Time fast-food restaurant chain in the United States. It has become popular due to its unique flavour profile, including a blend of roasted peppers, vegetables, herbs, spices, and vinegar.
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Author: Lori Walker, MS, RD
Course: sauce
Cuisine: American
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 5 people
Calories: 39kcal

Equipment

  • wooden spoon or spatula
  • Measuring spoons and cups.
  • glass jar or bottle
  • electric blender
  • strainer

Ingredients

  • 1/4 cup Water: Achieve the perfect consistency by incorporating precisely measured water ensuring that your dish strikes the ideal balance between the vibrant crunch of vegetables and the flavorful seasonings.
  • 1 tbsp Fresh Cilantro Chopped: Infuse a burst of herbal freshness with a tablespoon of freshly chopped cilantro, creating a vibrant and aromatic note that lifts the flavors of your dish.
  • 1/2 cup Distilled White Vinegar: Introduce a tangy punch with the measured addition of half a cup of distilled white vinegar creating a lively acidity that brightens the overall flavor profile and preserves the freshness of the vegetables.
  • 1/4 tsp Chili Powder: Ignite the taste buds with a measured dose of chili powder imparting a controlled heat that adds a spicy kick without overwhelming the delicate balance of flavors.
  • Salt to Taste: Fine-tune the seasoning with a personalized touch of salt, ensuring every element in your dish is perfectly seasoned and harmonizing with the other ingredients.
  • Freshly Ground Black Pepper to Taste: Add a touch of freshly ground black pepper to your liking, infusing a subtle warmth that enhances the overall savoriness of the dish without overpowering the palate.
  • 1/2 cup Dried Arbol Peppers: Introduce a fiery flair with precisely measured dried arbol peppers each one adding a bold and intense heat that elevates the spice level and brings a touch of smokiness to your creation.
  • 1/2 Stalk Medium Celery: Incorporate the crisp and refreshing crunch of half a stalk of medium celery adding a layer of texture that complements the shredded carrots and balances the overall mouthfeel.
  • 1/4 tsp Freshly Ground Cumin Powder: Elevate the aromatic profile with a hint of freshly ground cumin powder adding a warm and earthy undertone that complements the sweetness of the carrots and the savory notes of the onion.
  • 1/2 cup Shredded Carrots: Begin your culinary journey with the vibrant addition of half a cup of shredded carrots contributing a burst of natural sweetness and a delightful crunch that adds texture and color to your dish.
  • 3/4 Diced Red Bell Pepper: Introduce a pop of color and a sweet juicy crunch with three-quarters of a diced red bell pepper, enhancing both the visual appeal and the overall flavor complexity.
  • 1/2 cup Minced White Onion: Establish a savory foundation with precisely measured minced white onion infusing a mellow, aromatic base that forms the backbone of your flavorful creation.

Instructions

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F and arrange your arbol peppers on a baking sheet. Roast for 15 minutes then remove from heat and allow to cool before handling.
  • In a food processor or blender, blend the roasted arbol peppers until smooth.
  • In a pan over medium heat, sauté bell pepper, celery, carrot and onion for 5 minutes until softened.
  • Add the arbol pepper puree to the cooked vegetables and stir to combine.
  • Incorporate cilantro, cumin powder, chilli powder, salt & pepper into the pan and blend together.
  • Pour over water and vinegar to the pan then bring to a gentle simmer. Simmer for 10 minutes, stirring intermittently.
  • Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning if necessary before taking off heat and allowing to cool.
  • Serve immediately or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.

Notes

• Try adding some other spices like garlic or oregano to the mix for an extra punch of flavor.
• Use chipotle peppers instead of arbol peppers if you want a smokier flavor.
• You can also add a tablespoon of sugar or honey to balance out the heat.
• Keep in mind that the flavor of tacos time hot sauce will intensify as it sits, so if you want a milder flavor, use fewer peppers.
Keyword: Taco Time Hot Sauce, Taco time hot sauce copycat recipe