NOLS Picante Sauce

October 1, 2025

Picante perks up almost any savory recipe—try it on eggs, beans, in soups and coupled with anything on a tortilla. This, our favorite picante recipe, can be made with a little tomato base and a well-stocked spice kit, but don’t shy away from adding your own favorites!

Photo by Tracy Baynes

NOLS Picante Sauce

(makes about 1 cup)

1 Tbs. dried onion

1 Tbs. dried green and red peppers

1 cup water (1/2 hot and ½ cold)

2 Tbs. tomato base

Dash garlic powder

¼ tsp. hot sauce or cayenne, to taste

1 tsp. each vinegar and brown sugar (optional, but add good flavor)

Dash black pepper

Rehydrate onions and peppers in ½ cup hot water. Add tomato base and stir until well mixed. Add remaining ingredients and ½ cup cold water. Mix well. This can be thinned out, depending on personal preference. Serve cold over nachos, main dishes, potato-cheese patties, or bean and lentil dishes.

Picante Sauce

¼ cup =

Calories – 25

Carb (g) – 5

Protein (g) – 1

Fat (g) – 0

Fiber (g) – 1

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NOLS

NOLS is a nonprofit global wilderness school that seeks to help you step forward boldly as a leader.