Red Enchilada Sauce
Rich, flavorful red enchilada sauce with smoky chili powder and savory seasonings, perfect for drizzling over enchiladas, tacos, or as a versatile Mexican condiment.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Heat oil in a saucepan and brown the flour in the oil.
- In a separate bowl, dissolve chili powder in 2 cups of water or meat stock.
- Add the chili mixture to the browned flour and stir well.
- Add salt and garlic powder, then blend the mixture thoroughly.
- Bring the sauce to a bubbly boil, stirring frequently.
- Reduce heat and simmer, covered, for 5 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a deeper flavor, consider using smoked paprika or adding diced onions while browning the flour. If you want a richer sauce, substitute chicken or beef stock for the water. For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or use hot chili powder. This sauce can also be used in recipes like Mexican Black Bean Salad for added depth.
Serving Suggestions
This red enchilada sauce is perfect for drenching enchiladas, tacos, or burritos. It can also be served alongside dishes like Chili (Yield: 8 Servings) or as a dip for Low-Fat Corn Chips. Top with fresh cilantro, diced onions, or a sprinkle of cheese for extra flavor.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover enchilada sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. To reheat, simply warm it gently in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally. If the sauce thickens too much, add a little water or stock to reach your desired consistency.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Red Enchilada Sauce contains roughly 217 calories, with 4g protein, 24g carbohydrates, and 13g fat. It is a good source of vitamin A (19% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (17% of the Daily Value), and iron (17% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 568mg per serving (25% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this sauce ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the sauce in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to a week. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully. Just reheat it before using it in your favorite recipes.
Is this sauce gluten-free?
To make this enchilada sauce gluten-free, replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch. This substitution will ensure you can enjoy the sauce without gluten while maintaining the desired thickness and flavor.
How can I adjust the spiciness of this sauce?
You can adjust the heat level by choosing mild or hot chili powder. For a milder sauce, reduce the amount of chili powder. To increase spiciness, add diced jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper to the mixture.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).