Red Enchilada Sauce

x 1

My favorite homemade enchilada sauce recipe is easy to make with pantry ingredients, it only requires about 5 minutes of prep time, and it tastes so flavorful and delicious.


Chili powder (important note): The amount is correct. And as mentioned above, this recipe calls for traditional American chili powder, which is not cayenne. American chili powder is actually a blend of spices that are typically quite mild, whereas international chili powders are usually 100% cayenne (and very spicy). So if you live outside of the United States, please look specifically for an American-style chili powder blend. Gluten-free option: Feel free to use a 1-to-1 all-purpose gluten-free flour blend in place of the all-purpose flour. Or alternately, you can thicken the sauce with a cornstarch slurry (equal parts cold water and cornstarch whisked together, then added to the sauce once it has reached a simmer). Storage instructions: Let the sauce cool to room temperature. Then transfer it to a mason jar or food storage container and refrigerate for up to 5 days. Unfortunately this sauce separates a bit once it has frozen, so I don’t recommend freezing it.

Prep Time

5 min

Cook Time

15 min

Total Time

20 min

small saucepan
whisk

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons avocado oil or olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup chili powder (see note below)
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 2 cups chicken or vegetable stock
  • fine sea salt to taste

Preparation

  1. Heat oil in a small saucepan over medium-high heat.
  2. Add flour and cook for 1 minute, whisking constantly.
  3. Add in the chili powder, garlic powder, cumin and oregano and cook for 1 more minute, whisking constantly.
  4. Gradually pour in the stock, whisking constantly to combine until no lumps remain.
  5. Continue cooking until the sauce reaches a simmer.
  6. Then reduce heat to medium-low to maintain the simmer (the sauce should continue lightly bubbling) for about 10-15 minutes, uncovered, until the sauce has slightly thickened.
  7. Give the sauce a taste and season with salt, as needed.
  8. Use immediately in your favorite recipe and enjoy!