Discover the secrets to crafting a delectable Easy Red Enchilada Sauce that promises to elevate your culinary creations. This guide takes you through a journey from the basics of preparation to the intricate details of ingredients, ensuring a flavorful experience. Embrace the art of making this sauce, a cornerstone of Mexican cuisine, with simple pantry staples. Perfect for beginners and seasoned cooks alike, this sauce will become a go-to for a myriad of dishes, promising a homemade touch that outshines store-bought alternatives.
Discover the secrets to crafting a delectable Easy Red Enchilada Sauce that promises to elevate your culinary creations, much like the versatile dishes you can find in Justine Kameron’s cooking recipes, where simplicity meets flavor.
Preparation Phase & Tools to Use
Embarking on the journey of creating the Easy Red Enchilada Sauce begins with gathering the right tools and setting the stage for culinary success. Essential to this process is a large saucepan, a whisk, and a mixing bowl. Start by combining the flour and spices in a bowl, ensuring a uniform mixture. Heat the saucepan with olive oil, then introduce the spice blend, cooking it briefly to unlock the flavors. Gradually add tomato paste and chicken broth, whisking continuously to achieve a smooth consistency. The sauce thickens upon simmering, culminating in a rich, velvety texture. This preparation phase underscores the simplicity and efficiency of creating a sauce that’s both robust in flavor and versatile in use.
In the realm of easy-to-follow recipes, this enchilada sauce aligns perfectly with the convenience found in Justine Kameron’s easy crockpot recipes, showcasing how simple ingredients can transform into something spectacular.
Ingredients List
- 3 Tbsp olive oil – The base for sautéing spices, adding richness.
- 3 Tbsp flour (all-purpose, whole wheat, or gluten-free) – Thickens the sauce.
- 1 Tbsp chili powder – Provides the signature warmth and depth.
- 1 tsp ground cumin – Adds earthy undertones.
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder – Infuses a subtle, aromatic flavor.
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano – Introduces a hint of herbaceous notes.
- 3/4 tsp salt – Enhances overall taste.
- 1/2 tsp ground black pepper – Adds a slight kick.
- 2 Tbsp tomato paste – Offers a concentrated tomato flavor.
- 2 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth) – The liquid component, enriching the sauce.
- 1 tsp apple cider vinegar – A touch of acidity to balance the flavors.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Combine Spices and Flour: Start by mixing the flour with chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, oregano, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
- Cook Spice Mixture: Heat olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the spice and flour mixture, cooking for 1-2 minutes to enhance their flavors.
- Incorporate Tomato Paste: Stir in the tomato paste to the spice mixture, blending well.
- Add Broth: Slowly whisk in the chicken broth, ensuring a smooth consistency without lumps.
- Simmer: Bring the mixture to a simmer, cooking for 5-7 minutes until it thickens slightly. The sauce will continue to thicken as it cools.
- Final Touch: Remove from heat and stir in the apple cider vinegar, rounding out the flavors.
After mastering this sauce, why not explore more comforting dishes? A perfect pairing for a cozy night in is the Easy Taco Soup, a recipe that complements the rich flavors of our enchilada sauce.
Nutritional Information & Health Benefits
This Easy Red Enchilada Sauce not only brings a burst of flavor to your dishes but also offers nutritional benefits. Rich in antioxidants from chili powder and cumin, it supports overall health. The use of olive oil contributes healthy fats, promoting heart health. With low calories and the option to use gluten-free flour, it’s adaptable to various dietary needs. This sauce is a testament to the fact that homemade condiments can be both delicious and nutritious, enhancing your meals without compromising on health.
While focusing on the health benefits of our enchilada sauce, consider pairing it with dishes that bring warmth and nutrition, similar to Ina Garten’s Roasted Tomato Soup, for a meal that’s both comforting and wholesome.
Common Mistakes To Avoid & How to Perfect the Recipe
To ensure your Easy Red Enchilada Sauce is nothing short of perfection, heed these tips to sidestep common pitfalls:
- Overcooking the Spices: Sautéing the spices for too long can lead to bitterness. Aim for 1-2 minutes, just enough to release their aromas.
- Lump Formation: Gradually add the broth while continuously whisking to prevent lumps. A smooth sauce is key to its allure.
- Skipping the Simmer: Allowing the sauce to simmer is crucial for flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken. Patience here pays off.
- Overlooking Seasoning Adjustments: Taste as you go. Adjusting the seasoning before the sauce cools ensures a well-balanced flavor profile.
Tips, Notes, Storing, and Reheating
Maximize the potential of your Easy Red Enchilada Sauce with these additional insights:
- Flavor Variations: Feel free to adjust the spice levels to suit your palate. Adding a bit more chili powder or cumin can tailor the sauce to your taste preferences.
- Storage: This sauce can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 5 days or frozen for up to 3 months. For freezing, consider portioning the sauce for easy future use.
- Reheating: Thaw frozen sauce overnight in the refrigerator. Reheat on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. If the sauce has thickened too much upon storage, a splash of broth can help restore its consistency.
- Versatility: Beyond enchiladas, this sauce can be a base for soups, stews, or as a topping for eggs and grilled meats. Its versatility is boundless.
As you explore the versatility of the Easy Red Enchilada Sauce, remember that it can beautifully complement a variety of dishes, including the delightful Sweet and Sour Chicken Recipe, adding a Mexican twist to an Asian classic.
FAQs about Homemade Red Enchilada Sauce Recipe
- Can I make this sauce gluten-free? Yes, by using a gluten-free flour blend, you can easily adapt this recipe for gluten-sensitive diets.
- Is it possible to make a vegetarian version? Absolutely. Substitute vegetable broth for chicken broth to cater to vegetarian preferences.
- How can I adjust the sauce’s thickness? If the sauce is too thick, add more broth until your desired consistency is reached. If too thin, simmer for a few additional minutes.
- Can I double the recipe? Yes, this recipe scales up beautifully. Double the ingredients for larger batches, following the same preparation steps.
Conclusion
This Easy Red Enchilada Sauce is a testament to the beauty of homemade cooking, offering a depth of flavor that canned versions simply cannot match. With its simple ingredients, straightforward preparation, and versatility, it stands as a staple in any kitchen. Whether you’re a novice cook or a seasoned chef, this sauce will inspire you to explore the rich tapestry of Mexican cuisine, bringing warmth and zest to your table.
Homemade Red Enchilada Sauce Recipe
Whip up this Easy Red Enchilada Sauce in just 15 minutes! Transform your meals with a homemade sauce that’s bursting with flavor. Perfect for enchiladas, tacos, and more. Say goodbye to store-bought and hello to delectable, easy-to-make sauce. 🍅🌶️
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 2 cups
- Category: Sauce
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients
- 3 Tbsp olive oil – The base for sautéing spices, adding richness.
- 3 Tbsp flour (all-purpose, whole wheat, or gluten-free) – Thickens the sauce.
- 1 Tbsp chili powder – Provides the signature warmth and depth.
- 1 tsp ground cumin – Adds earthy undertones.
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder – Infuses a subtle, aromatic flavor.
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano – Introduces a hint of herbaceous notes.
- 3/4 tsp salt – Enhances overall taste.
- 1/2 tsp ground black pepper – Adds a slight kick.
- 2 Tbsp tomato paste – Offers a concentrated tomato flavor.
- 2 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth) – The liquid component, enriching the sauce.
- 1 tsp apple cider vinegar – A touch of acidity to balance the flavors.
Instructions
- Combine Spices and Flour: Start by mixing the flour with chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, oregano, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
- Cook Spice Mixture: Heat olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the spice and flour mixture, cooking for 1-2 minutes to enhance their flavors.
- Incorporate Tomato Paste: Stir in the tomato paste to the spice mixture, blending well.
- Add Broth: Slowly whisk in the chicken broth, ensuring a smooth consistency without lumps.
- Simmer: Bring the mixture to a simmer, cooking for 5-7 minutes until it thickens slightly. The sauce will continue to thicken as it cools.
- Final Touch: Remove from heat and stir in the apple cider vinegar, rounding out the flavors.
Notes
- Flavor Variations: Feel free to adjust the spice levels to suit your palate. Adding a bit more chili powder or cumin can tailor the sauce to your taste preferences.
- Storage: This sauce can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 5 days or frozen for up to 3 months. For freezing, consider portioning the sauce for easy future use.
- Reheating: Thaw frozen sauce overnight in the refrigerator. Reheat on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. If the sauce has thickened too much upon storage, a splash of broth can help restore its consistency.
- Versatility: Beyond enchiladas, this sauce can be a base for soups, stews, or as a topping for eggs and grilled meats. Its versatility is boundless.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 0.25cup
- Calories: 64kcal
- Sugar: 0.4g
- Fat: 4.7g
- Saturated Fat: 0.7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0.5g
- Trans Fat: 3.3g
- Carbohydrates: 2.5g
- Fiber: 0.3g
- Protein: 1.5g
- Cholesterol: 2.4mg