Red Enchilada Sauce For All Your Latin Dishes

When it comes to Latin cuisine, one of the most essential components that can elevate your dishes to new heights is a rich and flavorful red enchilada sauce. This versatile sauce is not just for enchiladas; it’s perfect for tacos, burritos, and even as a dipping sauce for your favorite appetizers. With a few simple ingredients and a little bit of love, you can whip up a batch of homemade red enchilada sauce that will leave your taste buds dancing with joy. Let’s dive into this delightful recipe and discover how to make it right in your own kitchen.

What You’ll Love About This Recipe

• This red enchilada sauce is made from scratch, allowing you to control the flavors and ingredients.
• The sauce is hearty, slightly spicy, and bursting with flavor, making it perfect for various Latin dishes.
• It’s easy to make and can be prepared in under 30 minutes.
• You can adjust the heat level to suit your preference.
• It stores well, making it ideal for meal prep or batch cooking.

Ingredient Breakdown

• 1/4 cup vegetable oil (or 2 tbsp butter and 2 tbsp olive oil) – This will help sauté the vegetables and create a rich base.
• 1 medium onion, diced – Adds depth and sweetness to the sauce.
• 1 large garlic clove, minced – Infuses the sauce with aromatic flavor.
• 1 cup carrots, diced – Provides natural sweetness and nutrition.
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour – Helps thicken the sauce.
• 1/2 cup chili powder – The star ingredient that brings the heat and color; about 2 1/4 packets of chili powder works perfectly.
• 2 1/2 cups water – Necessary for the right consistency of the sauce.
• 1 teaspoon Mexican oregano – Adds an earthy, herbal note to the sauce.
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin – Enhances the overall flavor with its warm spice.
• Salt to taste – Essential for bringing all the flavors together.

What’s in the Gear List

• Large skillet – For sautéing the vegetables and cooking the sauce.
• Wooden spoon or spatula – To stir and mix the ingredients thoroughly.
• Measuring cups and spoons – For accurate ingredient measurements.
• Blender (optional) – For a smoother sauce, if desired.
• Storage containers – For keeping leftover sauce fresh.

Stepwise Method: Red Enchilada Sauce For All Your Latin Dishes

Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables

In a large skillet, heat the vegetable oil (or the butter and olive oil mixture) over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until it becomes translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Then, add the minced garlic and diced carrots, continuing to sauté for another 3-4 minutes until the carrots are slightly tender.

Step 2: Create the Roux

Sprinkle the all-purpose flour over the sautéed vegetables. Stir well to combine, allowing the flour to cook for about 1 minute. This will create a roux that will thicken your sauce.

Step 3: Add the Spices

Next, add the chili powder, Mexican oregano, and ground cumin to the skillet. Stir to coat the vegetables evenly with the spices, and let them cook for an additional minute to release their flavors.

Step 4: Incorporate Water

Slowly pour in the 2 1/2 cups of water, stirring continuously to prevent lumps from forming. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, allowing it to thicken for about 10-15 minutes. Stir occasionally to ensure it doesn’t stick to the bottom of the pan.

Step 5: Season to Taste

Once the sauce has thickened to your liking, taste it and add salt as needed. If you prefer a smoother sauce, you can use a blender to blend it to your desired consistency.

Step 6: Cool and Store

Allow the red enchilada sauce to cool before transferring it to airtight storage containers. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week or frozen for longer storage.

In-Season Swaps

• Fresh tomatoes: If you have ripe tomatoes in season, you can blend them into the sauce for a fresh flavor boost.
• Bell peppers: Add diced bell peppers alongside the onions for an extra crunch and sweetness.
• Fresh herbs: Use fresh cilantro or parsley instead of dried oregano for a vibrant flavor.
• Smoked chili powder: For a smoky twist, swap regular chili powder with smoked chili powder.

Author’s Commentary

This red enchilada sauce has become a staple in my kitchen. It’s so simple to make and can be customized to suit any dish. I love using it in enchiladas, of course, but it’s also delicious drizzled over tacos or used as a base for a spicy chili. The combination of spices truly makes all the difference, and I always find myself reaching for this sauce when I want to add a burst of Latin flavor to my meals. Plus, the best part is that you know exactly what’s going into it—no preservatives or artificial ingredients here!

Refrigerate, Freeze, Reheat

If you’re like me and love to meal prep, this red enchilada sauce is perfect for you! Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. If you want to keep it for longer, freeze the sauce in small portions. To reheat, simply thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and warm it on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.

Top Questions & Answers

Can I make this sauce spicier?

Absolutely! You can add more chili powder or even some chopped jalapeños or serrano peppers for an extra kick. Adjust the heat according to your preference!

What can I use red enchilada sauce for besides enchiladas?

This sauce is incredibly versatile! Use it in tacos, burritos, quesadillas, or even as a sauce for grilled meats and vegetables. It also works great as a dip for tortilla chips.

How can I make this sauce vegan?

To make the sauce vegan, simply use vegetable oil instead of butter and ensure your chili powder is free of any additives that may contain animal products.

Can I double this recipe?

Yes, you can easily double or even triple the recipe. Just make sure to use a larger skillet or pot to accommodate the increased volume.

Keep Cooking

• Sally’s Baking Addiction – For decadent desserts and baking tips.
• Pinch of Yum – For a variety of delicious and approachable recipes.
• Minimalist Baker – For easy, quick, and mostly plant-based recipes.

Final Thoughts

Making your own red enchilada sauce is not only rewarding but also a delightful way to enhance your Latin dishes. With its rich, bold flavors, it can transform a simple meal into something extraordinary. Whether you’re preparing a family dinner or hosting a gathering, this sauce will surely impress your guests. So gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and get ready to enjoy the deliciousness of homemade red enchilada sauce for all your Latin dishes!