Homemade Red Chile Sauce

dried red chiles

🥗Healthier: fresh red peppers

💰Cheaper: canned tomato sauce

Fresh peppers can provide a different flavor profile, while canned sauce is often less expensive.

garlic

💰Cheaper: garlic powder

Garlic powder is a budget-friendly alternative with a longer shelf life.

onion

💰Cheaper: green onions

Green onions can be a cheaper option and add a different flavor.

tomatoes

🥗Healthier: canned tomatoes

💰Cheaper: tomato paste

Canned tomatoes are often more affordable and can be used in smaller quantities.

Remove the stems from the dried red chili pods and dump out the seeds into a bowl.

Rinse the chili pods in a colander to clean them, soaking them for a few minutes and rinsing a few more times to remove any grit.

Place the cleaned chili pods into a blender.

Add 1 tablespoon of salt and 2 heaping teaspoons of garlic to the blender.

Fill the blender with water up to just below the lid.

Blend the mixture until smooth, ensuring all the pods are fully blended.

Strain the blended sauce to remove any lumps and heavy fibers, aiming for a thick sauce consistency.

Transfer the strained sauce to a pot and cover with a lid.

Bring the sauce to a boil on the stovetop, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 20 minutes.

After simmering, let the sauce cool completely before transferring it to a pitcher.

Fill ice cube trays with the cooled sauce for freezing and storage.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Dietary