Description

This homemade La Vics orange sauce recipe captures the legendary, zesty flavor and brilliant color of the original. It is a quick, wholesome, and family-friendly condiment perfect for elevating weeknight dinners with an irresistible kick.

Ingredients

Scale

2 large (approx. 350g) red bell peppers, deseeded and quartered
2 tablespoons (30ml) neutral vegetable oil (like canola or sunflower)
0.5 medium (approx. 60g) yellow onion, finely chopped
3 cloves (approx. 15g) garlic, minced
1 cup (240ml) freshly squeezed orange juice (bottled 100% orange juice works in a pinch)
0.25 cup (60ml) water, plus 2 tablespoons (30ml) water for cornstarch slurry
0.25 cup (60ml) distilled white vinegar
2 tablespoons (25g) granulated sugar
1 teaspoon (5g) fine sea salt, or to taste
1.5 teaspoons (4g) smoked paprika
0.5 teaspoon (1.5g) ground cumin
1.5 tablespoons (12g) cornstarch (cornflour, arrowroot powder is a fine alternative)

Instructions

Roast and Prep Peppers: Preheat oven 200 degrees C (400 degrees F). Roast red bell pepper quarters on a baking sheet 20-25 minutes until skins blister. Steam covered 10-15 minutes, then peel and coarsely chop.
Saute Aromatics: Heat 2 tablespoons (30ml) oil in a medium saucepan. Saute onion 5-7 minutes until soft. Add minced garlic; cook 1 minute until fragrant.
Simmer for Flavor: Stir in chopped roasted pepper, orange juice, vinegar, water, sugar, salt, smoked paprika, cumin. Simmer gently on low heat for 5 minutes to meld flavors.
Blend Until Smooth: Transfer sauce to a blender. Blend until completely smooth. For silky texture, strain through a fine-mesh sieve into the saucepan, pressing solids.
Thicken to Perfection: Whisk 2 tablespoons (30ml) water and cornstarch in a small bowl until smooth. Bring strained sauce to a gentle simmer. Gradually whisk in slurry. Simmer, whisking constantly, 2-3 minutes until glossy, pourable, and coats a spoon.
Cool and Serve: Allow sauce to cool 5-10 minutes before serving; it will thicken more.

Notes

Always taste and adjust seasoning (salt, sugar, or vinegar) before the final cool down for perfect results. For truly premium flavor, consider organic ingredients, especially for oranges, when they are in season (winter and early spring). Store refrigerated for up to a week.

Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Category: Sauce
Method: Roasting, Stovetop, Blending
Cuisine: American (Mexican-inspired)

Nutrition

Serving Size: 2 tablespoons (30ml)
Calories: 25 calories
Sugar: 2 g
Sodium: 115 mg
Fat: 1.5 g
Saturated Fat: 0.2 g
Unsaturated Fat: 1.2 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 4 g
Fiber: 0.2 g
Protein: 0.4 g
Cholesterol: 0 mg

Keywords: la vics orange sauce, homemade sauce, condiment, family-friendly, weeknight dinners, quick meals, zesty, smoky, easy