Description
This Easy Red Enchilada Sauce is a quick and flavorful homemade sauce perfect for enchiladas, tacos, or as a dipping sauce. Made with a blend of chili powder, cumin, and other spices, thickened with a roux and simmered to perfection, this sauce delivers rich Mexican-inspired flavors in just 15 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Enchilada Sauce Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 3 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste (optional, for richer flavor)
Instructions
- Heat the oil: Heat olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat to prepare the base of the sauce.
- Make the roux: Stir in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes while whisking constantly to create a smooth roux that will thicken the sauce.
- Add spices: Add chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, and oregano; stir for about 30 seconds until the spices are fragrant, infusing the roux with flavor.
- Incorporate broth: Slowly whisk in the chicken or vegetable broth, ensuring no lumps form to maintain a smooth sauce texture.
- Season and simmer: Stir in salt, black pepper, and tomato paste if using. Bring the sauce to a simmer and cook for 5-7 minutes until it thickens to the desired consistency.
- Adjust seasoning: Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning if necessary, adding more salt or spices according to your preference.
- Serve or store: Use the sauce immediately for your enchiladas or store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Notes
- You can use either chicken or vegetable broth depending on your dietary preference.
- Tomato paste is optional but adds a richer, deeper flavor to the sauce.
- Store leftover sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.
- This sauce is versatile and can be used in enchiladas, tacos, burritos, or as a dipping sauce.
- Adjust the chili powder amount if you prefer a milder or spicier sauce.
