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Red Enchilada Sauce (Quick Version)
5 from 14 votes

Red Enchilada Sauce (Quick Version)

This quick Red Enchilada Sauce blends tomato paste with a mix of spices including chili, cumin, oregano, and a touch of cayenne, thickened by a roux made with lard or oil and flour. The result is a spicy, slightly smoky sauce with a smooth texture, perfect for enhancing enchiladas or other Mexican dishes.

Prep Time
10 mins
Cook Time
8 mins
Total Time
18 mins
Servings: 8 servings
Calories: 91 kcal
Course: Condiments
Cuisine: American, Tex-Mex

Ingredients

  • 1/4 cup lard Crisco or olive oil
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour or Masa Harina
  • 1 tbsp chili seasoning
  • 1 tsp cumin ground
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp oregano See Note 1, dried, Mexican
  • 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper powder See Note 2
  • 1/2 tsp marjoram
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 cup tomato paste
  • 3 cups chicken broth
  • 1 tsp apple cider vinegar (See Note 3)

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. In a small bowl whisk together the flour (or masa harina), chili powder, cumin, garlic and onion powders, oregano, cayenne, marjoram and salt.
  2. In a medium saucepan over medium heat add the lard or oil. After a minute add the flour spice mixture and whisk to coat with oil, cooking for a minute or two.
  3. Whisk in tomato paste and cook for 2 minutes. Whisk in the chicken stock, breaking up any lumps and cook on high for 5-6 minutes. Sauce will bubble and thicken.
  4. Remove from heat and whisk in the vinegar. Season to taste with salt and use immediately. If using later, allow to cool and note in airtight container, or freeze.

Notes

  • Mexican oregano imparts a distinctive flavor; use what is available if you can’t find it.
  • Increase cayenne pepper to 1/2 teaspoon for a spicier sauce.
  • Distilled white vinegar may be used instead of apple cider vinegar if preferred.

Nutrition Information

Calories 91kcal (5%) Carbohydrates 6g (2%) Protein 1g (2%) Fat 7g (11%) Saturated Fat 1g (5%) Sodium 550mg (23%) Potassium 182mg (4%) Sugar 1g (2%) Vitamin A 445IU (9%) Vitamin C 8mg (9%) Calcium 16mg (2%) Iron 1.1mg (6%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 8 servings

Amount Per Serving

Calories 91

% Daily Value*

Calories 91kcal 5%
Carbohydrates 6g 2%
Protein 1g 2%
Fat 7g 11%
Saturated Fat 1g 5%
Sodium 550mg 23%
Potassium 182mg 4%
Sugar 1g 2%
Vitamin A 445IU 9%
Vitamin C 8mg 9%
Calcium 16mg 2%
Iron 1.1mg 6%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.