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The Best 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.
Prep Time20 minutes
Cook Time1 hour
Total Time1 hour 20 minutes
Course: Sauce
Cuisine: Mexican
Keyword: Red Enchilada Sauce
Author: George - U Keep Cooking

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