Grandma’s Taco Sauce

This simple, flavorful taco sauce is Grandma Honey’s creation. She is famous for her unique tostadas—requested at nearly every family birthday party and gathering—and this vibrant, tangy sauce is the one she always spooned over the top. Made from pantry-friendly ingredients, it delivers a bright balance of heat, acidity, and savory depth that brings her tostadas to life.

Ingredients

• 1 can peeled tomatoes
• 2 or 3 hot yellow peppers
• 2 tbsp juice from yellow peppers
• 1 can Ortega green diced chilies
• 3 tbsp vegetable oil
• 1 tsp table salt
• ½ tsp pepper
• 3 or 4 tbsp white vinegar

Directions

Make the Sauce

Drain the juice from the tomatoes and reserve.

Place the tomatoes in a blender and blend for 2 seconds; add to the reserved tomato juice.

Place the hot peppers and pepper juice in the blender with the vinegar and blend for 2 seconds; add to the tomato mixture.

Add the chilies, salt, pepper, vegetable oil, and remaining vinegar, one at a time, stirring to combine.

Best when served at room temperature.

Notes

Preparation

• The hot yellow peppers provide most of the sauce’s signature heat and tang. Using 2 peppers keeps it mild; using 3 adds a noticeable kick.
• The combination of canned tomatoes and green chilies gives the sauce a smooth but slightly rustic texture—exactly like Grandma’s.
• The vegetable oil adds body and helps the flavors meld as the sauce rests.
• Best served at room temperature, just as Grandma always prepared it for her tostadas.

Serving Suggestions

• Perfect on Grandma’s tostadas, tacos, enchiladas, or as a tangy topping for rice bowls.
• Also works well as a base sauce for Mexican-style soups or stews.