How to Make Mexican Sauces with Tortilla Strips

Mexican sauces are known for their rich flavor profiles and vibrant colors, making them essential components in many dishes. When paired with crispy tortilla strips, these sauces can elevate your meals to a whole new level. Whether you're preparing a simple snack or planning a feast, knowing how to make various Mexican sauces will enhance your culinary repertoire. Here’s a guide on how to make some classic Mexican sauces and the perfect tortilla strips to accompany them.

1. Salsa Roja

Salsa Roja, or red salsa, is a staple in Mexican cuisine. It’s perfect for dipping tortilla strips and adds a zesty kick to any dish.

Ingredients:

  • 4 ripe tomatoes
  • 1/4 white onion
  • 1-2 jalapeño peppers (adjust for spice level)
  • 1 clove garlic
  • 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
  • Salt to taste

Instructions:

  1. In a blender, combine tomatoes, onion, jalapeños, and garlic.
  2. Blend until smooth or desired consistency is reached.
  3. Add cilantro and salt, mixing well.
  4. Chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before serving.

2. Salsa Verde

Salsa Verde, or green salsa, offers a fresh and tangy flavor profile that pairs well with tortilla strips.

Ingredients:

  • 8 tomatillos, husked and rinsed
  • 1/4 cup onion
  • 1-2 serrano peppers
  • 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
  • Salt to taste

Instructions:

  1. Boil the tomatillos for about 10 minutes until tender.
  2. Transfer the tomatillos, onion, and serrano peppers to a blender.
  3. Blend until smooth and add cilantro and salt to taste.
  4. Let it cool before serving with tortilla strips.

3. Mole Sauce

Mole sauce is a rich and complex sauce often used in Mexican cuisine. It’s delicious over chicken or served with tortilla strips for dipping.

Ingredients:

  • 1/4 cup dried pasilla chilies
  • 1/4 cup dried guajillo chilies
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic
  • 1/4 cup almonds
  • 1 tablespoon cocoa powder
  • 1 tablespoon peanut butter
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • Salt to taste

Instructions:

  1. Stem and seed the dried chilies, then toast them in a dry skillet until fragrant.
  2. In a blender, combine toasted chilies, onion, garlic, almonds, cocoa powder, peanut butter, and chicken broth. Blend until smooth.
  3. In a saucepan, heat the blended mixture and let it simmer for about 20 minutes, adding salt to taste.

4. Tortilla Strips

The perfect accompaniment to your Mexican sauces is crispy tortilla strips. Here’s how to make them:

Ingredients:

  • 4 corn tortillas
  • Oil for frying
  • Salt to taste

Instructions:

  1. Cut the tortillas into thin strips.
  2. Heat oil in a frying pan over medium heat.
  3. Once oil is hot, add tortilla strips in batches, frying until golden brown and crispy.
  4. Remove strips from the oil and drain on paper towels. Sprinkle with salt while still hot.

Now that you have the recipes for classic Mexican sauces and crispy tortilla strips, you can enjoy a delicious snack or a fantastic meal. Use these sauces creatively with tacos, enchiladas