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this is a picture of a spooful of red enchilada sauce hovered over a baking dish of beef enchiladas

Red Enchilada Sauce Recipe

Skip the can — this easy red enchilada sauce is ready in 10 minutes and packed with bold, balanced flavor. Made from pantry staples, it’s the from-scratch upgrade your enchiladas deserve.
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Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Calories: 70kcal
Author: Ruth Truett

Equipment

  • large skillet
  • spatula
  • measuring cups
  • measuring spoons
  • mixing bowl

Ingredients

  • 3 tablespoon avocado oil
  • 3 tablespoon all-purpose flour
  • 2 tablespoon tomato paste
  • 1 tablespoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon granulated garlic
  • 1 teaspoon granulated onion
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • ½ teaspoon ground coriander
  • ½ teaspoon dried oregano
  • ½ teaspoon kosher salt
  • ¼ teaspoon fresh ground pepper
  • ⅛ teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 1 teaspoon red wine vinegar

Instructions

  • Build the roux: Heat the avocado oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, whisk in the flour and cook for about 2–3 minutes, stirring constantly, until the raw flour smell disappears.
  • Bloom the tomato paste and spices: Add the tomato paste and signature spice blend. Whisk continuously and cook for another 1–2 minutes until the mixture darkens slightly and becomes very fragrant.
  • Whisk in the broth: Slowly pour in the chicken broth, whisking constantly to keep the sauce smooth and lump-free.
  • Simmer until velvety: Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer and cook for a few minutes until slightly thickened and glossy.
  • Finish with vinegar: Stir in the red wine vinegar to brighten the flavor.
  • Taste and adjust: Taste the sauce and adjust salt and pepper as needed before using.

Notes

TIP: I suggest mixing the spices in a small bowl before starting the red enchilada sauce. It comes together quickly, so having them already measured and ready to go makes things much easier. 

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 70kcal | Carbohydrates: 4g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 6g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 4g | Cholesterol: 1mg | Sodium: 412mg | Potassium: 90mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 364IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 15mg | Iron: 1mg
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