Name: Easy Red Enchilada Sauce
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons vegetable or canola oil; 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour; 4 tablespoons red chili powder ((Gebhardt Brand recommended for authentic flavor)); 1 cup chicken stock or broth; 1 cup water; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon salt

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If you’re looking to elevate your Mexican dishes without the stress, this Easy Red Enchilada Sauce is your new best friend. With just a handful of ingredients and a few simple steps, you can whip up a rich, flavorful sauce that will impress your family and friends. Whether you’re drenching enchiladas, tacos, or burritos, this sauce is versatile enough to complement any dish. Let’s dive into the reasons why you’ll love this recipe and how to make it from scratch!

Reasons to Love Easy Red Enchilada Sauce

This Easy Red Enchilada Sauce is not only simple to make, but it also allows you to control the flavors and ingredients. Here are some reasons to love it:

Flavorful: The combination of chili powder and garlic powder delivers a bold taste that is hard to resist.
Customizable: Adjust the spice level according to your preference by adding more or less chili powder.
Quick to Prepare: In just about 20 minutes, you can have a delicious sauce ready to go.
Perfect for Meal Prep: Make a big batch and use it throughout the week for various meals.
Budget-Friendly: Simple ingredients that won’t break the bank!

Gather These Ingredients

To make this Easy Red Enchilada Sauce, you’ll need the following ingredients:

2 tablespoons vegetable or canola oil
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
4 tablespoons red chili powder (Gebhardt Brand recommended for authentic flavor)
1 cup chicken stock or broth
1 cup water
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon salt

Setup & Equipment

Before you start cooking, gather the necessary equipment:

Medium-sized saucepan: For cooking the sauce.
Whisk: To ensure a smooth consistency.
Measuring cups and spoons: For accurate ingredient measurements.
Storage container: To keep leftover sauce fresh.

How to Prepare Easy Red Enchilada Sauce

Now, let’s get cooking! Follow these simple steps to create your Easy Red Enchilada Sauce.

Step 1: Heat the Oil

In a medium-sized saucepan, heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable or canola oil over medium heat. Allow the oil to warm up for about a minute.

Step 2: Add Flour

Once the oil is hot, whisk in 3 tablespoons of all-purpose flour. Stir continuously for about 1-2 minutes until the flour turns a light golden color. This step creates a roux that will thicken your sauce.

Step 3: Incorporate Chili Powder

Next, add 4 tablespoons of red chili powder to the roux. Stir well to combine, letting it cook for another minute to enhance the flavor.

Step 4: Pour in Liquids

Gradually whisk in 1 cup of chicken stock and 1 cup of water. Make sure to whisk continuously to avoid any lumps forming.

Step 5: Season the Sauce

Add 1 teaspoon of garlic powder and 1 teaspoon of salt to the mixture. Stir until everything is well combined.

Step 6: Simmer

Allow the sauce to come to a gentle simmer. Reduce the heat and continue to cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency.

Seasonal Adaptations

This Easy Red Enchilada Sauce can be adapted based on seasonal ingredients or personal preferences:

Fresh Herbs: Add some fresh cilantro or oregano for a burst of freshness.
Spicy Kick: Incorporate diced jalapeños or cayenne pepper for an extra heat boost.
Vegetarian Option: Substitute chicken stock with vegetable broth for a vegetarian-friendly version.
Roasted Peppers: Blend in some roasted red peppers for a smoky flavor.

Avoid These Mistakes

To ensure your Easy Red Enchilada Sauce turns out perfectly every time, here are some common mistakes to avoid:

Not Cooking the Flour Long Enough: Ensure the flour is cooked until golden; otherwise, the sauce may have a raw flour taste.
Skipping the Whisking: Whisk continuously when adding liquids to prevent lumps.
Using Low-Quality Chili Powder: Choose a high-quality chili powder for the best flavor.
Overcooking the Sauce: Keep an eye on the sauce to prevent it from thickening too much.

Save It for Later

You can easily make a larger batch of this Easy Red Enchilada Sauce and save it for later use. Here’s how:

Cool Completely: Allow the sauce to cool completely before storing.
Store in the Fridge: Transfer to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to one week.
Freeze for Later: For longer storage, freeze the sauce in freezer-safe bags or containers for up to three months. Just thaw before using!

Let’s Eat

Now that you have your Easy Red Enchilada Sauce ready, it’s time to get creative in the kitchen! Whether you’re layering it over cheesy enchiladas, using it as a dip for tortilla chips, or pouring it over your favorite Mexican-inspired dishes, this sauce is bound to bring joy to your table.

With its rich flavors and easy preparation, you’ll find yourself reaching for this recipe time and time again. Enjoy the delightful taste of homemade enchilada sauce that’s sure to impress your family and friends. Happy cooking!