Name: Easy Red Enchilada Sauce
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 3 Tbsp olive oil; 3 Tbsp flour (all-purpose, whole wheat, or gluten-free); 1 Tbsp chili powder; 1 tsp ground cumin; 1/2 tsp garlic powder; 1/2 tsp dried oregano; 3/4 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp ground black pepper; 2 Tbsp tomato paste; 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth; 1 tsp apple cider vinegar

why make this recipe

This Easy Red Enchilada Sauce is perfect for those busy days when you want to whip up something tasty in no time. In just 15 minutes, you can create a flavorful sauce that will elevate your enchiladas, tacos, or any Mexican dish. Homemade sauce is often better than store-bought, as you can control the ingredients and adjust the flavors to your liking. Plus, it’s a fun way to add a personal touch to your meals!

how to make Easy Red Enchilada Sauce

Ingredients:

3 Tbsp olive oil
3 Tbsp flour (all-purpose, whole wheat, and gluten-free flour blends all work!)
1 Tbsp chili powder (I used McCormick brand)
1 tsp ground cumin
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp dried oregano
3/4 tsp salt
1/2 tsp ground black pepper
2 Tbsp tomato paste
2 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
1 tsp apple cider vinegar

Directions:

Combine the flour and all of the spices in a bowl.
Preheat a large saucepan on medium heat with the olive oil. Once it’s hot, add the spice mixture and cook for 1-2 minutes.
Add the tomato paste and slowly add in the chicken broth, whisking each time to mix well.
Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 5-7 minutes until slightly thickened. (The sauce will get thicker as it cools.)
Remove from heat and mix in the apple cider vinegar.
Your sauce is now ready to use!

how to serve Easy Red Enchilada Sauce

Serve this rich and flavorful sauce over enchiladas or tacos. You can also use it as a dip for tortilla chips or drizzled over burritos and quesadillas. It complements grilled chicken, beef, or even roasted vegetables, adding a tasty touch to any dish.

how to store Easy Red Enchilada Sauce

Store any leftover sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. You can also freeze this sauce for future use. Just make sure to let it cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. It can last for up to three months in the freezer.

tips to make Easy Red Enchilada Sauce

Adjust the spices based on your taste. If you like it spicier, add more chili powder or include diced jalapeños.
For a richer flavor, let the sauce simmer for a few more minutes after adding the broth.
If you don’t have apple cider vinegar, lime juice works well as a substitute for a tangy kick.

variation

You can customize this recipe by adding in other ingredients like diced tomatoes, bell peppers, or even black beans to create a chunky sauce. For a smoky flavor, try adding a dash of smoked paprika.

FAQs

1. Can I use this sauce for other dishes?

Yes! This sauce is versatile and can be used for tacos, burritos, or as a dip for chips.

2. What if I don’t have chili powder?

You can make your own chili powder by combining paprika, cayenne pepper, and cumin, or simply use taco seasoning.

3. Is this recipe gluten-free?

To make it gluten-free, just use a gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour and check your broth’s ingredients.

Enjoy making and sharing this delicious Easy Red Enchilada Sauce with family and friends!