Get ready to make your dinners more exciting with a tasty Tex-Mex Paste that will change your meals! If you love the bold flavours from your favourite Hello Fresh dishes but don’t want to pay for a subscription, this simple recipe is perfect for you. Making this colourful paste is easy and will make your taste buds happy, whether you use it on tacos, mix it with rice, or marinate grilled meats with it.
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp chilli powder (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
- 1 tsp unsweetened cocoa powder (adds depth and richness)
- 1/2 tsp sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
- 1-2 tbsp water (to adjust consistency)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Combine dry spices: In a small bowl, mix the smoked paprika, cumin, chilli powder, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, cayenne pepper, cocoa powder, sugar, salt, and pepper.
- Add wet ingredients: Stir in the tomato paste and olive oil until everything is well combined.
- Adjust consistency: Add 1-2 tablespoons of water to thin the paste to your desired consistency. It should be thick but spreadable.
- Taste and adjust: Taste the paste and adjust the seasoning if needed. Add more chilli powder for heat, cocoa powder for richness, or sugar to balance the flavours.
- Store: Transfer the paste to an airtight container or jar. It can be stored in the fridge for up to 1 week.
How to Use Tex-Mex Paste
- Marinade: Mix with olive oil, lime juice, and a splash of vinegar to marinate proteins like chicken, beef, or tofu.
- Cooking base: Add a spoonful of sautéed onions and garlic as a base for chilli, stews, or rice dishes.
- Taco filling: Stir into ground meat or beans for a rich, flavorful taco filling.
- Dipping sauce: Thin with some sour cream, Greek yoghurt, or broth for a quick dip or sauce.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Tex-Mex paste?
The tex-Mex paste is a concentrated flavour base made with spices, tomato paste, and other ingredients. It adds smoky, spicy, and savoury flavours to dishes.
What can I use instead of tomato paste?
If you don’t have tomato paste, you can substitute:
- Tomato sauce (reduce the water in the recipe).
- Ketchup (adjust sugar and salt since ketchup is sweeter and saltier).
- Fresh tomatoes (blend and cook down to a thick consistency).
Is cocoa powder necessary?
No, but it adds a rich, deep flavour reminiscent of mole sauce. If you don’t have cocoa powder, you can omit it or substitute it with a small amount of dark chocolate (melted) for a similar effect.
Can I use fresh garlic and onions instead of powder?
Yes! Sauté 1 small onion and 2-3 garlic cloves until soft, then blend with the other ingredients for a fresher flavour.
Related
Tex Mex Paste (Hello Fresh Copycat)
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp chilli powder (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
- 1 tsp unsweetened cocoa powder (adds depth and richness)
- 1/2 tsp sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
- 1-2 tbsp water (to adjust consistency)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Combine dry spices: In a small bowl, mix the smoked paprika, cumin, chilli powder, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, cayenne pepper, cocoa powder, sugar, salt, and pepper.
- Add wet ingredients: Stir in the tomato paste and olive oil until everything is well combined.
- Adjust consistency: Add 1-2 tablespoons of water to thin the paste to your desired consistency. It should be thick but spreadable.
- Taste and adjust: Taste the paste and adjust the seasoning if needed. Add more chilli powder for heat, cocoa powder for richness, or sugar to balance the flavours.
- Store: Transfer the paste to an airtight container or jar. It can be stored in the fridge for up to 1 week.
