The Recipe Index

Sauce

Enchilada Sauce

A quick homemade red enchilada sauce with chili powder, tomato sauce, cumin, garlic, and onion.

Prep time
10 min
Cook time
11 min
Total time
21 min
Servings
6
Red enchilada sauce in a glass jar with a wooden spoon

Ingredients

  • 1/4 cup vegetable oil
  • 1/4 cup New Mexico or California chili powder
  • 2 tablespoons self-rising flour
  • 1 1/2 cups water
  • 1 (8-ounce) can tomato sauce
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon onion salt
  • Salt, to taste

Instructions

  1. Heat the oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
  2. Stir in the chili powder and flour. Reduce the heat to medium and cook for about 1 minute, stirring constantly, until fragrant and slightly deepened in color. Do not let the flour burn.
  3. Gradually stir in the water, tomato sauce, cumin, garlic powder, and onion salt until smooth.
  4. Continue cooking over medium heat for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly.
  5. Taste and season with salt as needed.

Notes

  • Use the sauce for enchiladas, burritos, or other Mexican-inspired dishes.
  • New Mexico or California chili powder gives the sauce its characteristic flavor and color.
  • Substitue chicken stock for water for richer flavor