Ingredients
- 200g chili beans
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- Salt to taste
- 1 cup vegetable broth
- 2 tablespoons vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sugar (optional, to balance the flavors)
Per serving
Calories: 80 kcal
Proteins: 2 g
Carbohydrates: 20 g
Method
-
Start by rinsing the chili beans under cold water and draining them well.
-
In a large saucepan, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat.
-
Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pan and sauté until they become translucent and fragrant.
-
Stir in the tomato paste, ground cumin, paprika, ground coriander, dried oregano, cayenne pepper, and salt. Cook the mixture for about 2 minutes, stirring constantly to release the flavors.
-
Add the chili beans to the pan and stir well to coat them with the spice mixture.
-
Pour in the vegetable broth and bring the mixture to a simmer. Reduce the heat to low and let it cook for about 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together and the sauce to thicken.
-
After 30 minutes, remove the saucepan from the heat and let it cool slightly.
-
Use an immersion blender or transfer the mixture to a blender and blend until you reach a smooth consistency. If needed, add more vegetable broth to adjust the thickness.
-
Return the sauce to the heat and stir in the vinegar. If desired, add sugar to balance the flavors.
-
Simmer the sauce for an additional 10 minutes to allow the vinegar to mellow and the flavors to fully develop.
-
Remove the sauce from the heat and let it cool completely before transferring it to a jar or airtight container.
The chili bean sauce is typically served as a condiment or dipping sauce for various dishes in Chinese cuisine. It pairs well with stir-fries, rice dishes, noodles, dumplings, and even grilled meats or vegetables. Its spicy and savory flavor adds a kick to the dishes, making it a popular choice among chili lovers.
In conclusion, chili bean sauce is a versatile and flavorful condiment originating from China. With its rich blend of chili beans, spices, and other seasonings, it adds a fiery and tangy dimension to dishes. Its nutritional profile is relatively low in calories and fat, making it a great choice for adding flavor without adding excessive calories to your meals.
Facts about the sauce:
- Chili bean sauce is a staple ingredient in Sichuan cuisine, known for its bold and spicy flavors.
- It is made from fermented soybeans, chili peppers, and other seasonings.
- The fermentation process gives the sauce its complex umami flavor.
- Chili bean sauce can vary in spiciness depending on the type and amount of chili peppers used.
- It can be found in different textures, ranging from chunky to smooth, to suit different culinary preferences.
- The sauce is often aged for months or even years to enhance its flavor and complexity.
