Pace enchilada sauce is a convenient product used to create Mexican-inspired dishes. The foundational ingredients provide the same tangy taste. Understanding the components can be helpful for those who are curious about what they are eating, have dietary restrictions, or wish to replicate the flavor.
The core ingredients in Pace enchilada sauce
The ingredient list for Pace enchilada sauce includes items that create its flavor and texture. At its base, the sauce is composed primarily of a tomato puree made from water and tomato paste. This is thickened with a modified food starch, which provides its smooth, pourable consistency. For flavor, the sauce uses a combination of spices, dried onions, and dried garlic. For the mild red variety, a three-chile blend is used. Citric acid and cider vinegar contribute to the sauce's tangy profile, while yeast extract and natural flavorings enhance its savory taste. Salt and a small amount of sugar balance the flavors. The mild red variety also contains soy lecithin, which acts as an emulsifier.
Variations between different Pace enchilada sauces
While the core ingredients remain consistent, Pace offers different versions of their enchilada sauce, which feature slight tweaks. For example, the blended smooth ready-to-use sauce lists water, crushed tomatoes, modified food starch, spice, vegetable oil, salt, dehydrated onions, dehydrated garlic, citric acid, and a preservative (sodium benzoate). This differs slightly from the mild red variety by including vegetable oil and a preservative, and having a slightly different spice and tomato base. The choice of sauce depends on the desired recipe, texture, and taste.
Key ingredients and their function
- Tomato puree/crushed tomatoes: This is the base of the sauce, providing its red color and tangy flavor.
- Modified food starch: This ingredient is crucial for thickening the sauce, giving it a smooth texture.
- Spices and chiles: A blend of spices, which may include chili powder, cumin, and oregano, gives the sauce its flavor. The inclusion of a three-chile blend in some versions adds an additional layer of taste.
- Onions and garlic: These aromatic ingredients provide savory notes that complement the tomato base.
- Salt and sugar: These seasonings are added to enhance and balance the overall flavor.
- Vinegar and citric acid: These add a tangy kick and balance its richness.
Homemade vs. canned enchilada sauce: a comparison
For many, convenience is key, but some prefer to make their sauces from scratch to control ingredients and customize flavor. A comparison of canned Pace sauce versus a homemade version highlights some key differences.
| Feature | Canned Pace Enchilada Sauce | Homemade Enchilada Sauce |
|---|---|---|
| Preparation Time | Minimal; ready to use out of the can. | Significantly longer; requires gathering ingredients, toasting spices, and simmering. |
| Ingredients | Consistent, proprietary mix using canned tomatoes and dried ingredients. | Fresh, whole ingredients like whole dried chiles, fresh onion, and fresh garlic. |
| Flavor Profile | Reliable, uniform, and consistent flavor. | Highly customizable, allowing for adjustment of spice level, tanginess, and sweetness. |
| Texture | Smooth and often thickened with modified food starch. | Can be customized from smooth to chunky, thickened naturally with a roux. |
| Control | No control over ingredients like sodium or preservatives. | Complete control over every ingredient, including salt and spices. |
| Shelf Life | Long shelf life when unopened. | Short; typically needs to be used within a few days or frozen. |
Customizing your enchilada experience
Even when using a canned sauce like Pace, there are ways to enhance and customize the flavor. For instance, you can sauté fresh onions and garlic and add the canned sauce to them for a more robust base. For extra heat, stir in some cayenne pepper or add a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce. To add a smoky depth, consider adding a pinch of smoked paprika or chipotle powder. For a creamier sauce, mix in a bit of sour cream or crema before baking. The versatility of the product allows for these simple modifications.
The importance of high-quality ingredients
Though Pace enchilada sauce offers a pantry staple, the quality of ingredients can make a difference in the final dish. Pace sources high-quality ingredients, including their three-chile blend. This attention to detail ensures a richer flavor, which is a key reason for the brand's popularity. For home cooks seeking the freshest taste, replicating the recipe with whole, fresh chiles and ripe tomatoes is an excellent project, though it requires more time and effort. For many, the consistency and quality offered by Pace make it an ideal choice for quickly preparing delicious and authentic-tasting meals.
Conclusion
The flavor of Pace enchilada sauce comes from a straightforward list of ingredients, primarily water, tomatoes, modified food starch, spices, onions, and garlic. Its blend of dried chiles, vinegar, and seasonings results in a tangy, savory sauce with a smooth texture that's perfect for a variety of dishes. While homemade versions allow for greater control and customization, the convenience and consistent quality of Pace make it a pantry essential for quick and flavorful meals. Understanding these core ingredients is the first step to creating a delicious experience.
Replicating the flavor at home
If you're inspired to create a similar flavor from scratch, focusing on the core ingredients is the best approach. Start with a tomato base, add a chili powder blend (composed of ancho, guajillo, and pasilla for authenticity), and season with cumin, oregano, dried onion, and garlic. A splash of apple cider vinegar can mimic the tangy brightness, while a roux of oil and flour can provide the smooth, thickened consistency. By controlling each element, you can create a sauce that rivals the canned version while being completely customized to your taste.
Potential allergens
It's important to note that the mild red version of Pace enchilada sauce contains soy lecithin. Those with soy allergies or sensitivities should check the label carefully, as ingredient lists can vary between product versions. Always review the specific product's packaging for the most accurate and up-to-date allergen information.
