Spicy Chipotle Tomato Sauce Recipe – Easy Blender or Stovetop

Last Updated on 4 months by Neha Deshmukh

Spicy Chipotle Tomato Sauce Recipe – Easy Blender Or Stovetop

Hey everyone! I’m so excited to share this recipe with you. It’s for a spicy chipotle tomato sauce that’s seriously a game-changer. I first stumbled upon a similar sauce at a little taqueria on a trip a few years back, and I’ve been trying to recreate it ever since. This version is so close – and honestly, maybe even better! It’s incredibly versatile, and you can make it in a blender or on the stovetop. Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This chipotle tomato sauce is a flavor bomb! It’s smoky, spicy, and just a little bit sweet. It’s perfect for drizzling over tacos, enchiladas, or even just dipping your favorite tortilla chips. Plus, it’s surprisingly easy to make, especially if you have a high-speed blender. Seriously, this sauce will elevate any Mexican-inspired meal.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up a batch of this deliciousness:

• 1 tablespoon oil
• 1 red onion, roughly chopped
• 4 garlic cloves
• 14 oz can fire roasted tomatoes
• 2 chipotle chili in adobo sauce
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1.5 teaspoons kosher salt
• 0.5 cup low sodium broth

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk ingredients for a sec! Getting these right makes all the difference.

• Chipotle Chilies in Adobo Sauce: These are the stars of the show! They bring the smoky heat. You can find them in a can in most supermarkets (usually in the Mexican food aisle). The adobo sauce adds a lovely sweetness and depth of flavor. Feel free to use more or less depending on your spice preference.
• Fire Roasted Tomatoes: Don’t skip these! They add a wonderful smoky flavor that complements the chipotles perfectly. If you can’t find them, you can use regular diced tomatoes, but I highly recommend roasting them yourself for about 20 minutes at 200°C (400°F) before using.
• Cumin: A little cumin goes a long way in adding warmth and earthiness. I like to use ground cumin for convenience, but you can toast cumin seeds and grind them yourself for an even more intense flavor.
• Chili Variations: Depending on where you are in India, you might be used to different types of chili heat! Feel free to experiment with adding a pinch of Kashmiri chili powder for color and mild heat, or a dash of green chili paste for a fresh kick.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Okay, let’s make some sauce! Here’s how to do it both ways:

Blender Method:

1. Add all ingredients to a heated blender (like Ninja Foodi or Instant Pot ACE).
2. Select the ‘Sauce’ function. The blender will preheat for 10 minutes, then cook and blend for 25 minutes. It’s seriously that easy!
3. Allow the sauce to cool completely before transferring to glass jars for storage.

Stovetop Method:

1. Heat oil in a pot. Toast cumin seeds for 30 seconds – this really wakes up the flavor!
2. Add chopped onions and garlic; sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Stir in tomatoes, chipotle chilies, salt, and broth. Simmer for 10 minutes, letting all those flavors meld together.
4. Cool slightly, then blend until smooth using an immersion blender. If you don’t have one, carefully transfer the sauce to a regular blender and blend until smooth.

Expert Tips

• Don’t be afraid to taste and adjust the seasoning as you go! Everyone’s spice tolerance is different.
• For a smoother sauce, strain it through a fine-mesh sieve after blending.
• If the sauce is too thick, add a little more broth. If it’s too thin, simmer it for a few more minutes to reduce it.

Variations

This sauce is super adaptable! Here are a few ideas:

• Vegan Adaptation: This recipe is already naturally vegan! Just double-check your broth is plant-based.
• Spice Level Adjustments: Remove the seeds from the chipotle chilies for a milder sauce. Add an extra chili or a pinch of cayenne pepper for more heat. My friend, Priya, likes to add a tiny bit of ghost pepper powder – but be warned, that’s serious heat!
• Mexican-Inspired Dishes: Beyond dipping, this sauce is amazing on breakfast burritos, smothered over chicken or fish, or as a base for enchilada sauce.
• Canning/Long-Term Storage Adaptation: If you want to preserve this sauce for longer, you can safely can it using proper canning techniques. Be sure to follow a reliable canning guide for processing times and safety instructions.

Serving Suggestions

Honestly, you can use this sauce on everything! Here are a few of my favorites:

• Tacos (obviously!)
• Enchiladas
• Quesadillas
• Burrito bowls
• As a dipping sauce for chips and veggies
• Drizzled over grilled chicken or fish

Storage Instructions

Leftover sauce can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

FAQs

1. Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of fire-roasted tomatoes?

You can! But roasting them first will give you a similar smoky flavor.

2. How hot is this sauce, and can I adjust the spice level?

The heat level depends on the chipotle chilies. It’s moderately spicy, but you can easily adjust it by adding more or fewer chilies, or removing the seeds.

3. What is the best way to store leftover sauce?

Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

4. Can this sauce be frozen?

Yes! Freeze it in an airtight container for up to 3 months.

5. What can I use this sauce for besides dipping?

So many things! Use it as a marinade, a base for soups and stews, or a topping for your favorite Mexican dishes.