Hello Fresh Tex Mex Paste

The first time I tried Hello Fresh Tex Mex paste, it came in a meal kit that blew me away. The bold flavor, smoky depth, and perfect heat made the entire dish unforgettable. I wanted that same taste in my own kitchen without waiting for another delivery.

Jump to Recipe

So I created this easy, homemade version. It’s rich, savory, slightly sweet, and full of Southwest flavor. You’ll love how simple it is to make using everyday ingredients.

This guide is the most complete resource online. It covers everything from ingredients and step-by-step instructions to storage tips and answers to common questions.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Tastes better than store-bought versions thanks to fresh, real ingredients
  
• No preservatives or additives, just simple pantry staples
  
• Incredibly versatile and works in tacos, marinades, soups, and more
  
• Saves money compared to ordering HelloFresh just to get the paste
  
• Easy to make ahead and freeze for future meals

What Exactly is Tex Mex Paste?

Tex Mex paste is a thick, concentrated blend of bold flavors commonly used in Southwest-style cooking. It combines fire-roasted tomatoes, chipotle peppers, garlic, onion, and a mix of warm spices to create a smoky and slightly sweet flavor.

This paste is often the hidden hero behind many HelloFresh recipes. It adds instant depth to meats, sauces, and vegetables, making it a go-to for quick but flavorful meals.

Ingredients Needed

For the base

• Olive oil:
  Used to sauté the aromatics and help blend the spices smoothly
• White onion:
  Diced finely to release sweetness and body into the paste
• Garlic cloves:
  Minced for a strong aromatic base

For the seasoning

• Chili powder:
  Adds warmth and mild heat
• Ground cumin:
  Brings a deep, earthy flavor
• Paprika:
  For color and mild smokiness
• Ground coriander:
  Adds a citrusy note that lifts the blend
• Dried oregano:
  Contributes a slightly herbal flavor
• Salt:
  To balance and bring all the flavors together

For the sauce

• Tomato paste:
  The core ingredient that gives the paste its thick texture and rich taste
• Chipotle peppers in adobo:
  Use both the peppers and sauce to add smoke and heat
• Fire-roasted tomatoes:
  Add depth and enhance the smoky tomato flavor
• Apple cider vinegar:
  Cuts through the richness and adds a gentle tang
• Honey:
  Brings a light sweetness to balance the spice
• Unsweetened cocoa powder:
  Adds richness and a subtle mole-like depth without turning it sweet

How to Make Tex Mex Paste

1. Heat olive oil in a medium pot over medium heat. Once warm, add diced onion and sauté until soft and lightly browned. This should take about five minutes and helps build a strong flavor base.
   
2. Add minced garlic along with chili powder, cumin, paprika, coriander, oregano, and salt. Stir and cook for about thirty seconds to release the aroma of the spices.
   
3. Stir in the tomato paste and let it cook for two minutes. This step deepens the tomato flavor and helps it caramelize slightly. Be sure to scrape the bottom of the pot to prevent sticking.
   
4. Add the chipotle peppers with adobo sauce, fire-roasted tomatoes, apple cider vinegar, honey, and cocoa powder. Mix well to combine all ingredients evenly.
   
5. Lower the heat to a gentle simmer and let the mixture cook for about ten minutes. Stir occasionally. The sauce should thicken and the flavors will meld together.
   
6. Remove the pot from the heat and allow the mixture to cool for five minutes. Use an immersion blender to blend until smooth. If you don’t have one, carefully transfer the mixture to a blender or food processor and blend in small batches.
   
7. Let the paste cool completely before transferring to a storage container. It can now be refrigerated or frozen as needed.

Troubleshooting Guide

The paste is too thick or too thin
If your paste turns out thicker than you’d like, stir in a splash of vegetable broth or water until you reach the desired consistency. If it’s too thin, simmer a bit longer with the lid off to let excess liquid evaporate.

The paste is too spicy or lacks flavor
To mellow the heat, mix in a small amount of honey or sugar. If the flavor feels flat, add a pinch more salt or squeeze in a bit of lemon juice to brighten everything up.

The color is dull
This can happen if the tomato paste is low quality. Make sure you’re using a thick, richly colored tomato paste for a vibrant result. Fire-roasted tomatoes also help give the paste a deeper hue.

Estimated Nutritional Information

Here is an approximate breakdown per one tablespoon of Tex Mex paste:

These values can vary slightly based on the exact ingredients used.

Cost Analysis: Homemade vs. Hello Fresh Tex Mex Paste

Making your own Tex Mex paste at home is not only satisfying but also cost-effective. Here’s a quick comparison:

Homemade Tex Mex Paste

Estimated cost per batch: $3 to $4
Yields about one cup, enough for multiple meals
Uses pantry staples and fresh ingredients you may already have

Hello Fresh Meals with Tex Mex Paste

Cost per meal: $10 to $13
Paste included in limited quantities
You must subscribe to get it

By preparing it yourself, you save money and get a bigger supply without being tied to a subscription.

Best Ways to Use Tex Mex Paste

• As a marinade for chicken, beef, or shrimp before grilling or roasting
  
• Mixed into ground meat for tacos or burrito fillings
  
• Stirred into chili or soup for an extra boost of flavor
  
• Blended with Greek yogurt or sour cream for a quick and smoky dip
  
• Added to salad dressings or burrito bowls for a bold kick
  
• Used as a spread on sandwiches or wraps for added depth

Storage and Freezing Instructions

In the refrigerator

Store the paste in an airtight container. It will stay fresh for up to two weeks. Make sure the container is completely sealed to preserve the flavor and prevent drying.

In the freezer

For longer storage, spoon the paste into an ice cube tray. Freeze until solid, then transfer the cubes into a freezer-safe bag. This makes it easy to grab just the amount you need. Frozen paste cubes will keep for up to six months.

Hello Fresh Tex Mex Paste

Emily Wilson

This smoky, bold, and slightly sweet Tex-Mex paste is inspired by HelloFresh. It’s perfect for adding rich flavor to tacos, soups, dips, and marinades.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Cooling Time 5 minutes mins

Total Time 25 minutes mins

Course Condiment

Cuisine Tex-Mex

Servings 16 tablespoons

Calories 35 kcal

Equipment

• Medium Pot
• Stirring Spoon
• Immersion Blender
• Storage Container

Ingredients

  

Base Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons Olive oil for sautéing
• 1 cup White onion finely diced
• 3 cloves Garlic minced

Seasoning

• 1 tablespoon Chili powder
• 1 teaspoon Ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon Paprika
• 1 teaspoon Ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon Dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon Salt or to taste

Sauce Components

• 3 tablespoons Tomato paste
• 2 Chipotle peppers in adobo with 1 tablespoon adobo sauce
• 1 cup Fire-roasted tomatoes canned, with juice
• 1 tablespoon Apple cider vinegar
• 1 teaspoon Honey
• 1 teaspoon Unsweetened cocoa powder

Instructions

 

• Heat olive oil in a medium pot over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook until soft and golden, about five minutes.
• Stir in garlic and all the spices. Cook for thirty seconds until fragrant.
• Add tomato paste. Cook and stir for two minutes to deepen the flavor. Scrape the bottom of the pot to prevent burning.
• Add chipotle peppers with adobo sauce, fire-roasted tomatoes, apple cider vinegar, honey, and cocoa powder. Mix thoroughly.
• Reduce heat to low. Let the mixture simmer gently for ten minutes, stirring occasionally.
• Remove from heat and cool for five minutes. Blend with an immersion blender until smooth. Transfer to a container once cooled.

Notes

Adjust spice level by using fewer chipotle peppers. Freeze in ice cube trays for easy use later.

Nutrition Facts (Per Tablespoon)

• Calories: 20 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 3 g
• Protein: 0.5 g
• Fat: 1 g
• Saturated Fat: 0.1 g
• Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.1 g
• Monounsaturated Fat: 0.5 g
• Sodium: 60 mg
• Potassium: 73 mg
• Fiber: 1 g
• Sugar: 2 g
• Vitamin A: 300 IU
• Vitamin C: 2 mg
• Calcium: 11 mg

Iron: 1 mg

Keyword Copycat Tex Mex Paste, Hello Fresh Tex Mex Paste, Homemade Tex Mex Sauce

Conclusion

This homemade Tex Mex paste packs the same smoky depth and bold flavor you love from HelloFresh, but it’s made with simple ingredients right from your kitchen. It’s affordable, freezer-friendly, and incredibly versatile in all kinds of meals.

If you give this recipe a try, leave a comment and a star rating to let others know how it turned out. And if you found it helpful, feel free to share the article with friends and family who love adding flavor to their cooking.

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