Red Enchilada Sauce is a key ingredient in many delicious Mexican dishes. It adds a rich, spicy flavor to enchiladas, tacos, and more. Making your own sauce at home is easy and rewarding. It brings freshness to your meals and lets you control the ingredients.
Why Make This Recipe
Making Red Enchilada Sauce from scratch is a great choice for several reasons. First, you can adjust the spice level according to your taste. Second, it uses simple ingredients that you may already have in your kitchen. Finally, homemade sauce tastes so much better than store-bought options and is free from preservatives.
How to Make Red Enchilada Sauce
Making Red Enchilada Sauce is straightforward and quick. Follow these steps to create your own flavorful sauce.
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 3 tbsp chili powder
- 1 1/2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
Directions
- In a saucepan, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat.
- Stir in the flour and cook for about 1 minute, stirring constantly.
- Add the chili powder and cook for another 30 seconds.
- Gradually whisk in the chicken or vegetable broth, followed by the tomato sauce.
- Add cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt; stir well.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for about 10-15 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Use immediately or store in the refrigerator for later use.
How to Serve Red Enchilada Sauce
You can serve Red Enchilada Sauce over enchiladas, tacos, or nachos. It also works great as a dip for tortilla chips. Drizzle some over your favorite Mexican dishes for extra flavor.
How to Store Red Enchilada Sauce
If you have leftover sauce, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep for up to one week. You can also freeze it for longer storage. Just pour it into a freezer-safe container and it should last for up to three months.
Tips to Make Red Enchilada Sauce
- Taste the sauce as you make it, and adjust the spices to your liking.
- For extra richness, consider adding a bit of smoked paprika.
- If you like it spicier, add more chili powder or a dash of cayenne pepper.
Variation
You can customize your Red Enchilada Sauce by adding different spices or ingredients. Some people like to mix in diced tomatoes or fresh chopped cilantro for added freshness. You can also use different types of peppers to change the flavor profile.
FAQs
1. Can I use this sauce for other dishes?
Yes! Red Enchilada Sauce works great in tacos, burritos, and as a base for soups.
2. Is this sauce gluten-free?
To make it gluten-free, use a gluten-free flour substitute instead of all-purpose flour.
3. How can I make it spicier?
You can increase the amount of chili powder or add jalapeños or other hot peppers to the sauce for more heat.
