Easy Red Enchilada Sauce {15 minute Recipe}

Easy Red Enchilada Sauce {15 minute Recipe} is a quick and flavorful way to add zest to your Mexican dishes. This sauce is perfect for enchiladas, tacos, or even as a dip. Made with wholesome ingredients, it is healthier than store-bought versions and takes only 15 minutes to prepare. Ideal for busy weeknights or casual gatherings, this easy red enchilada sauce will elevate any meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: With just 15 minutes needed, you can whip up this sauce in no time.
• Flavor-Packed: Fresh spices and tomato paste create a robust flavor that outshines canned sauces.
• Versatile Use: Perfect for enchiladas, tacos, or as a dipping sauce for chips.
• Healthier Option: Made from scratch, this sauce avoids preservatives and additives found in many packaged options.
• Customizable Ingredients: Easily adjust spice levels or use different broth types to suit your taste.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start making your Easy Red Enchilada Sauce, gather the necessary tools. Having everything ready will streamline the cooking process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Medium saucepan
• Whisk
• Measuring spoons
• Mixing bowl

Importance of Each Tool

• Medium saucepan: Essential for cooking the sauce evenly without burning it.
• Whisk: Helps combine ingredients smoothly, preventing lumps in your sauce.
• Measuring spoons: Ensures accurate ingredient amounts for perfect flavor balance.

Ingredients

Easy Red Enchilada Sauce is made with just a few simple ingredients:

Base Ingredients

• 3 Tbsp olive oil
• 3 Tbsp flour (all-purpose, whole wheat, and gluten-free flour blends all work!)
• 1 Tbsp chili powder (I used McCormick brand)
• 1 tsp ground cumin

Spices and Seasonings

• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp dried oregano
• 3/4 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp ground black pepper

Liquid Ingredients

• 2 Tbsp tomato paste
• 2 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
• 1 tsp apple cider vinegar

How to Make Easy Red Enchilada Sauce {15 minute Recipe}

Step 1: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a mixing bowl, combine the flour with all of the spices. Blend well to ensure even distribution of flavors.

Step 2: Heat the Olive Oil

Preheat a medium saucepan on medium heat. Once hot, add the olive oil. Allow it to warm before moving on.

Step 3: Cook the Spice Mixture

Add the combined spice mixture into the hot oil. Cook for 1–2 minutes while stirring continuously until fragrant.

Step 4: Add Tomato Paste and Broth

Stir in the tomato paste. Gradually pour in the chicken broth while whisking constantly to avoid lumps.

Step 5: Simmer and Thicken

Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat. Cook for an additional 5–7 minutes or until slightly thickened. Remember that it will thicken more as it cools.

Step 6: Add Apple Cider Vinegar

Remove from heat and mix in the apple cider vinegar. Your Easy Red Enchilada Sauce is now ready to use! Enjoy it with your favorite dishes!

How to Serve Easy Red Enchilada Sauce {15 minute Recipe}

Easy Red Enchilada Sauce is a versatile addition to many dishes. You can serve it in various ways, enhancing your meals with its rich flavor and vibrant color.

Drizzle Over Tacos

• Tacos: Use the sauce as a zesty topping for your favorite tacos, adding a spicy kick.

Layer in Enchiladas

• Enchiladas: Roll your choice of filling in tortillas, cover with the sauce, and bake until bubbly for a hearty meal.

Mix into Rice Dishes

• Mexican Rice: Stir some sauce into cooked rice for a flavorful side that complements any Mexican meal.

Pour on Burritos

• Burritos: Smother burritos with this sauce before serving for an extra layer of flavor.

Serve with Nachos

• Nachos: Drizzle over nachos along with cheese and toppings for a delicious appetizer or snack.

Toss with Vegetables

• Roasted Veggies: Mix the sauce into roasted vegetables for an easy way to spice up your side dishes.

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How to Perfect Easy Red Enchilada Sauce {15 minute Recipe}

To ensure your Easy Red Enchilada Sauce is always perfect, consider these helpful tips.

• Use Fresh Spices: Ensure your spices are fresh for the best flavor. Stale spices can dull the taste.

• Adjust Heat Level: Feel free to modify the chili powder amount based on your heat preference. Start small if you’re sensitive to spice.

• Whisk Thoroughly: When adding broth, whisk well to avoid lumps and create a smooth consistency.

• Simmer Longer for Depth: For richer flavor, let the sauce simmer longer than 7 minutes. Just keep an eye on it to prevent burning.

• Experiment with Add-Ins: Try adding sautéed onions or bell peppers for more texture and flavor variations.

• Store Properly: Keep any leftover sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week.

Best Side Dishes for Easy Red Enchilada Sauce {15 minute Recipe}

Pairing side dishes with Easy Red Enchilada Sauce enhances your dining experience. Here are some great options to consider:

1. Mexican Street Corn: Grilled corn on the cob brushed with lime and coated in cheese provides a sweet and savory contrast.

2. Refried Beans: Creamy refried beans complement enchiladas perfectly and add protein to your meal.

3. Chips and Guacamole: Crispy tortilla chips served alongside fresh guacamole make for a delightful crunchy snack.

4. Spanish Rice: Fluffy rice flavored with tomatoes and spices pairs beautifully with enchiladas, adding an extra layer of flavor.

5. Black Bean Salad: A refreshing salad made from black beans, corn, and avocado offers a cool crunch alongside spicy dishes.

6. Cilantro Lime Quinoa: This light quinoa dish adds brightness and pairs nicely with the richness of enchiladas.

7. Avocado Salad: Fresh avocados mixed with tomatoes and lime juice create a light side that balances out heavier meals.

8. Grilled Zucchini: Lightly seasoned grilled zucchini adds a healthy touch while complementing the flavors of enchilada sauce.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even a simple recipe like Easy Red Enchilada Sauce can have its pitfalls. Here are some common mistakes to watch out for:

• Using the wrong oil: Always choose a neutral oil like olive oil. Avoid using oils with strong flavors that could overpower the sauce.
• Skipping the spices: The spices are what make this sauce flavorful. Don’t skip any ingredients, especially chili powder and cumin, as they are key to achieving that authentic taste.
• Not whisking enough: When adding the chicken broth, whisk continuously to prevent lumps. This ensures a smooth and consistent sauce.
• Overcooking: Be careful not to cook the sauce for too long. It should simmer just enough to thicken, so keep an eye on it!
• Ignoring vinegar: Apple cider vinegar adds a tangy brightness to the sauce. Skipping this step can leave your sauce tasting flat.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• Keeps well for up to 5 days in the fridge.

Freezing Easy Red Enchilada Sauce {15 minute Recipe}

• Use freezer-safe containers or bags.
• Can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Easy Red Enchilada Sauce {15 minute Recipe}

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place sauce in an oven-safe dish and cover with foil. Heat for about 15-20 minutes.
• Microwave: Transfer sauce to a microwave-safe bowl. Heat on medium power in 30-second intervals, stirring between each until warmed through.
• Stovetop: Pour sauce into a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some questions people often ask about making Easy Red Enchilada Sauce:

What is Easy Red Enchilada Sauce made of?

Easy Red Enchilada Sauce consists of olive oil, flour, spices like chili powder and cumin, tomato paste, chicken or vegetable broth, and apple cider vinegar.

How long does it take to make Easy Red Enchilada Sauce {15 minute Recipe}?

This recipe takes only 15 minutes from start to finish!

Can I customize Easy Red Enchilada Sauce?

Absolutely! You can adjust the spice levels by adding more chili powder or other spices according to your preference.

Is Easy Red Enchilada Sauce gluten-free?

Yes! You can use gluten-free flour blends in place of regular flour for a gluten-free version.

Can I use homemade broth instead of store-bought?

Yes! Homemade chicken or vegetable broth adds an extra layer of flavor and makes your enchilada sauce even more delicious.

Final Thoughts

Easy Red Enchilada Sauce is not only quick but also versatile, making it perfect for various dishes beyond enchiladas. Feel free to customize it with your favorite spices or add fresh herbs for an extra burst of flavor. Give this recipe a try; you won’t regret it!