Homemade Traditional and Variations of Red Enchilada Sauce: Simple Recipe and Tips

Making a delicious homemade enchilada sauce is a simple and rewarding process that can elevate any dish. From a classic red sauce to variations like green or spicy, this guide will help you create the perfect enchilada sauce from start to finish. Whether you are a seasoned cook or a beginner, this recipe will provide you with all the necessary steps and tips to ensure you achieve the best results.

Ingredients and Basic Preparation

To make a traditional red enchilada sauce, you will need the following ingredients:

2 tablespoons of vegetable oil 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour 2 cups of chicken or vegetable broth 2 tablespoons of chili powder (adjust to taste) 1 teaspoon of ground cumin 1 teaspoon of garlic powder 1 teaspoon of onion powder Salt to taste (Optional) 1 tablespoon of tomato paste for extra flavor and thickness

Step-by-Step Guide: Making the Traditional Red Enchilada Sauce

Follow these easy steps to prepare your red enchilada sauce:

Make a Roux:

In a saucepan, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for about 1 to 2 minutes until it turns a light golden color. This creates a roux that will thicken the sauce.

Add the Broth:

Gradually whisk in the chicken or vegetable broth ensuring there are no lumps.

Add the Spices:

Stir in the chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt. If using, add the tomato paste at this stage for added richness.

Simmer:

Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for about 10 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency.

Taste and Adjust:

Taste the sauce and adjust the seasonings as necessary.

Use:

Pour the sauce over your prepared enchiladas before baking or use it as a dipping sauce.

Variations on the Traditional Red Enchilada Sauce

Feel free to customize this basic recipe to suit your taste! Here are a few variations:

Green Enchilada Sauce

Substitute tomatillos for the red chili powder. Add jalape?os for a bit of heat.

Spicy Enchilada Sauce

Add fresh or dried chilies to increase the heat level.

Homemade Red Enchilada Sauce Ingredients

To make this easy enchilada sauce recipe, you will need the following ingredients:

Oil and Flour: These form the roux to thicken the sauce. Feel free to use any type of neutral-flavored oil or butter. Gluten-free (GF) all-purpose flour can be substituted if needed. Chili Powder: This is the primary seasoning for this sauce. Most chili powders sold outside of the States are 100 cayenne, which would not work for this recipe. It's recommended to invest in a good-quality brand of chili powder. Garlic Powder, Ground Cumin, and Dried Oregano: These are the other dried seasonings that will be used in the sauce. Feel free to increase the amount of any one of these based on your taste preferences. Vegetable or Chicken Stock: Good-quality stock will add a delicious depth of flavor to the sauce. Fine Sea Salt: Season the sauce with salt as needed. The amount may vary based on the brand and saltiness of the stock.

How to Make the Red Enchilada Sauce

Follow these basic steps for making the enchilada sauce:

Cook the roux and spices: Simmer the sauce, gradually adding in the stock and whisking to blend in any lumps. Let the sauce simmer for 10 to 15 minutes on low heat to achieve your desired thickness. Season the sauce with salt or any extra seasonings to taste. Serve it up in a pan of enchiladas or use it as a dipping sauce.