Mexican-style Tomato Sauce

Ingredients

While the original Czech Rajská omáčka is a tomato-based sauce with a milder flavor profile, this Mexican-style Tomato Sauce incorporates traditional Mexican spices and flavors to give it a fiery twist. The addition of spices like cumin, chili powder, and smoked paprika adds depth and complexity to the sauce, making it a perfect fit for Mexican cuisine. We alse have the original recipe for Rajská omáčka, so you can check it out.

• 2 tablespoons (30ml) olive oil 2 tablespoons (30ml) olive oil
• 1 onion, finely chopped 1 onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves of garlic, minced 3 cloves of garlic, minced
• 4 large tomatoes, diced 4 large tomatoes, diced
• 1 teaspoon (5g) cumin powder 1 teaspoon (5g) cumin powder
• 1 teaspoon (5g) chili powder 1 teaspoon (5g) chili powder
• 1 teaspoon (5g) smoked paprika 1 teaspoon (5g) smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon (5g) dried oregano 1 teaspoon (5g) dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon (5g) sugar 1 teaspoon (5g) sugar
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh cilantro, for garnish Fresh cilantro, for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 120 kcal / 502 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 8g, 1g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 12g, 6g
• Protein: 2g
• Fiber: 3g
• Salt: 0.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Heat the olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat.
2. 2.
   Add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté until the onion becomes translucent.
3. 3.
   Add the diced tomatoes and cook until they start to soften.
4. 4.
   Stir in the cumin powder, chili powder, smoked paprika, dried oregano, sugar, salt, and pepper. Mix well to combine.
5. 5.
   Reduce the heat to low and simmer the sauce for about 20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
6. 6.
   Remove from heat and let the sauce cool slightly.
7. 7.
   Transfer the sauce to a blender or use an immersion blender to puree until smooth.
8. 8.
   Return the sauce to the saucepan and simmer for an additional 5 minutes to thicken.
9. 9.
   Adjust the seasoning according to your taste preferences.
10. 10.
    Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Tomatoes — Use ripe and juicy tomatoes for the best flavor. If fresh tomatoes are not available, you can substitute with canned diced tomatoes.
• Cumin powder — Toasting the cumin seeds before grinding them into powder enhances their flavor. Dry roast the seeds in a pan until fragrant, then grind them into a fine powder using a spice grinder or mortar and pestle.

Tips & Tricks

• For a spicier sauce, add a finely chopped jalapeno or serrano pepper while sautéing the onions and garlic.
• If you prefer a smoother texture, strain the sauce through a fine-mesh sieve after blending.
• This sauce can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The flavors will continue to develop over time.

Serving advice

Serve this Mexican-style Tomato Sauce alongside your favorite Mexican dishes such as enchiladas, tacos, or quesadillas. It also makes a delicious dip for tortilla chips or a flavorful topping for grilled meats and vegetables.

Presentation advice

When serving, drizzle the sauce over the dish in an artistic manner or create a decorative pattern using a squeeze bottle. Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves for a pop of color.