The Best Authentic Red Enchilada Sauce
Explore the vibrant world of Mexican cooking with our delicious recipe for authentic red enchilada sauce. Made with a mix of guajillo and ancho peppers, along with tomatoes, onions, garlic, and a blend of flavorful spices like oregano and cumin, this sauce captures the essence of traditional Mexican flavors. Every ingredient is chosen thoughtfully to ensure a rich and aromatic sauce that will take your enchiladas to the next level. Come along as we uncover the secrets behind this irresistible sauce, ideal for bringing an authentic touch to your homemade Mexican meals.
SIMPLE INGREDIENTS YOU’LL NEED:
Ancho Peppers: These are dried peppers that come from poblano peppers, which are dark red and wrinkled. They taste a bit sweet with a hint of smokiness.
Guajillo Peppers: Similar to Ancho peppers, Guajillo peppers are dried and come from a type of chili pepper. They’re long and red, with shiny skin. Guajillo peppers have a slightly fruity and tangy taste with a medium level of spiciness.
Arbol Peppers: These are optional peppers you can add to make the sauce spicier. Arbol peppers are small and thin, often red. They’re really spicy, so be careful if you don’t like too much heat.
Onion: Onions are veggies with layers you peel to eat. They have a strong taste and can be white, yellow, or red.
Tomatoes: Tomatoes are round, red fruits used in cooking. They’re juicy and a little sweet and tangy.
Garlic: Garlic is a small bulb with cloves inside. It has a strong smell and taste. You’ll need four cloves of garlic, peeled, for this recipe.
Water or Chicken Broth: Water is a clear liquid used for cooking and drinking.
Kosher Salt: Kosher salt is a type of salt with bigger grains than table salt. It’s used to make food taste better and is often used by chefs.
Oregano: Oregano is a dried herb that comes from a plant. It has a strong smell and is used a lot in cooking, especially in Mediterranean and Mexican dishes.
Cumin: Cumin is a spice made from dried seeds of a plant. It tastes warm and earthy with a bit of nuttiness.
Brown Sugar: Brown sugar is a sweetener that tastes a little like caramel because it has molasses in it. It’s used to balance out flavors in dishes.
HOW TO MAKE ENCHILADA SAUCE?
Time needed: 1 hour and 20 minutes
- Prepare the Peppers:
Start by roasting the dried Ancho and Guajillo peppers in a dry skillet over medium heat for about two minutes. Once roasted, remove the seeds from the peppers.
- Soften the Peppers:
Place the roasted peppers in boiling water or chicken broth for 30 minutes to soften them. - Roast the Vegetables:
While the peppers are soaking, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the quartered onion, tomatoes, and peeled garlic cloves on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Roast the vegetables in the oven for about 20 minutes, or until they are softened and slightly charred. - Blend the Ingredients:
After the peppers have softened and the vegetables are roasted, add them to a high-powered professional blender. If desired, include optional Arbol peppers for extra spice. Blend the mixture until smooth. - Cook the Sauce:
Transfer the pureed mixture to a medium saucepan. Stir in the dried oregano, kosher salt, and ground cumin. Simmer the sauce over low heat for about 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. - Strain the Sauce (Optional):
If you prefer a smoother sauce, strain it through a fine mesh strainer to remove any tomato or pepper skins. - Adjust the Flavor:
Taste the sauce and if it’s bitter, add the optional brown sugar to balance the flavors. Stir until the sugar is fully dissolved. - Enjoy:
Once the sauce is smooth, flavorful, and ready, it’s time to enjoy it in your favorite meals.
Pepper Talk: The Best Chile Peppers for Enchilada Sauce?
Determining which variety of peppers to use largely depends on individual taste preferences. Whether opting for a single type or a blend of peppers, there’s flexibility in selecting what suits your palate best. Below are some of my preferred varieties:
Guajillo chilies boast a vibrant red hue, offering a sweet profile with subtle acidity and mild to medium spiciness. They’re prevalent in Mexican cuisine, lending an earthy-sweet essence ideal for enriching stews, sauces, and adobos.
Ancho chilies, derived from fully ripened poblano peppers, deliver a delicately smoky, fruity flavor with minimal spice, contributing a luscious dark red hue to sauces.
Pasilla chilies offer a fruity sweetness with moderate heat, deriving their name from “raisins” due to their deep, rich flavor.
Arbol chilies provide an earthy yet intensely spicy kick, perfect for elevating heat levels in dishes.
Selecting high-quality dried chilies is paramount for crafting the finest enchilada sauce, as many commercially available options are often old, brittle, and lacking in
FAQ – FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
The spice level of the sauce will depend on the specific peppers used and how many seeds and membranes are included. Ancho and guajillo peppers are generally mild to medium in heat, offering flavor without overpowering spiciness.
When selecting fresh dried chiles, prioritize pliability and flexibility, akin to a slightly stiff fruit leather, while avoiding overly dry or brittle specimens. Moreover, look for chiles with glossy skins rather than dull ones, as this indicates freshness and flavor retention. Additionally, opt for chiles with a pleasant aroma reminiscent of dried fruit, while steering clear of any musty or dusty scents.
Yes, you can adjust the spice level to your preference by controlling the amount of peppers used or removing seeds and membranes for a milder sauce. Additionally, you can add more or less chili powder or other spices to suit your taste.
It’s recommended to soak the dried peppers in hot water for about 20 to 30 minutes before blending. This softens the peppers, making them easier to blend into a smooth sauce.
The sauce should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon after blending. If it’s too thin, you can simmer it over low heat to reduce and thicken.
Besides enchiladas, this sauce can be used as a flavorful base for various Mexican-inspired dishes such as tacos, burritos, and tamales, or as a topping for grilled meats or vegetables. Its versatility makes it a great addition to many recipes!
HOW DO YOU KEEP LEFTOVER ENCHILADA SAUCE FRESH FOR LATER?
To keep leftover homemade authentic red enchilada sauce fresh, it’s essential to store it properly. Once the sauce has cooled to room temperature, transfer it to an airtight container or jar. Ensure that the container is tightly sealed to prevent air from entering and causing oxidation. Store the sauce in the refrigerator, where it will stay fresh for up to 4-5 days. Alternatively, you can freeze the sauce in a freezer-safe container or freezer bag for longer storage. I like to freeze the sauce in smaller portions to make it easier to defrost when making smaller meals. Be sure to leave some space at the top of the container or bag to allow for expansion as the sauce freezes. When ready to use, thaw the sauce overnight in the refrigerator or gently reheat it on the stovetop or in the microwave.
LOOKING FOR A TEX-MEX RECIPE FOR THIS SAUCE? TRY THIS ONE!
Easy Weight Watchers Chicken Enchilada Casserole Recipe: This wholesome dish is a delightful fusion of Mexican flavors and Weight Watchers-friendly ingredients, making it perfect for anyone looking for a delicious, guilt-free meal. Made with homemade enchilada sauce, tender shredded chicken, and melty cheese, this casserole is a comforting and satisfying option for busy weeknights or casual gatherings with friends and family.
The Best Authentic Red Enchilada Sauce
Equipment
- Professional High-Powered Blender Vitamix or Ninja Blender
Ingredients
- 3 ounces Ancho Peppers (dried) (seeds removed)
- 3 ounces Guajillo Peppers (dried) (seeds removed)
- 2 Arbol peppers optional pepper for spice
- 1 Onion peeled and quartered
- 2 Tomatoes quartered
- 4 cloves garlic peeled
- 4 cups Water (boiling) (or chicken broth)
- 1 Tsp Josher Salt
- 1 Tsp Oregano dried
- 1 Tsp Cumin ground
- 1 Tbsp Brown Sugar Optional: add if the sauce is bitter
Instructions
- Prepare the Peppers: Start by roasting the dried Ancho and Guajillo peppers in a dry skillet over medium heat for about two minutes. Once roasted, remove the seeds from the peppers.
- Soften the Peppers: Place the roasted peppers in boiling water or chicken broth for 30 minutes to soften them.
- Roast the Vegetables: While the peppers are soaking, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the quartered onion, tomatoes, and peeled garlic cloves on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Roast the vegetables in the oven for about 20 minutes, or until they are softened and slightly charred.
- Blend the Ingredients: After the peppers have softened and the vegetables are roasted, add them to a high-powered professional blender. If desired, include optional Arbol peppers for extra spice. Blend the mixture until smooth.
- Cook the Sauce: Transfer the pureed mixture to a medium saucepan. Stir in the dried oregano, kosher salt, and ground cumin. Simmer the sauce over low heat for about 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- Adjust the Flavor: Taste the sauce and if it’s bitter, add the optional brown sugar to balance the flavors. Stir until the sugar is fully dissolved.
- Strain the Sauce (Optional): If you prefer a smoother sauce, strain it through a fine mesh strainer to remove any tomato or pepper skins.
- Enjoy: Once the sauce is smooth, flavorful, and ready, it’s time to enjoy it in your favorite