If you're like many people who are just beginning their culinary journey with Mexican food, you probably already know that Mexican cuisine is known for its use of bold flavors — but you may not know that sauces are a primary vehicle for delivering these flavors.
Following are five traditional Mexican sauces that are a must-try.
Salsa Roja
This red sauce is made from tomatoes, onions, garlic, and chili peppers, which are blended together to create a smooth and spicy sauce. Salsa Roja is versatile and can be used as a topping for tacos, as a dip for tortilla chips, or as a sauce for grilled meats.
Salsa Verde
Made with tomatillos, onions, garlic, and cilantro, Salsa Verde is a tangy and bright sauce that adds a refreshing flavor to dishes. It is often used as a condiment for grilled meats or as a dipping sauce for chips.
Mole
Mole is a complex and rich sauce made from over 20 ingredients, including chili peppers, chocolate, spices, and nuts. There are many variations of mole, including the famous Mole Poblano, which is often served with chicken. Mole takes time and effort to prepare, but the result is a flavorful and unique sauce that is worth the effort.
Adobo
Adobo is a seasoning paste made from chili peppers, vinegar, and spices. Although adobo is often used to marinate meats before grilling or roasting, it can also be used as a sauce. By thinning out the paste with broth, water, or wine, you can create a flavorful sauce that can be used to top tacos, enchiladas, or any other dish that could use a little extra flavor. For a smoother texture, you can also blend the adobo with other ingredients such as tomatoes, onions, or garlic.
Chipotle
Chipotle is a smoky and spicy sauce made from smoked jalapeño peppers that is often used as a marinade or as a topping for grilled meats. Chipotle can also be used as a sauce for tacos or as a dip for chips — the spicy flavor pairs well with the rich flavors of beef, chicken, and pork, and can add an extra kick to your favorite Mexican dishes. For a milder flavor, you can mix the chipotle sauce with sour cream or mayonnaise to create a delicious chipotle mayo. Your local Mexican restaurant is a good starting point for learning more about Mexican culinary traditions. Don't be afraid to ask questions and experiment with flavor combinations.
For more information, contact a company like El Indio Mexican Restaurant.
