As RNs, we've been able to learn a lot about researching topics. And we've put those skills to good use with this recipe. After countless hours of trial and error, we've created an unbelievably authentic red enchilada sauce.
Don't believe us? Well, you'll just have to find out for yourself.
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📖 About
What would an enchilada be without some sauce?
That is a question we never want to find the answer to.
If you can't tell, we're kind of big on sauces in this household. You might say we're self-proclaimed sauce experts. This is what makes or breaks recipes for us.
So, after trying out other peoples enchilada sauce recipes, buying them from the store, and even going to Mexican restaurants in Mexico, we just weren't quite satisfied enough. We believed we could make the ultimate red enchilada sauce. And. We. Did.
We know that once you taste this, you'll never opt for the convenience of pre-made enchilada sauce again. And to top it all off, it pairs exceptionally well with the world's best enchilada recipe. It just so happens we make that too.
So in under 20 minutes, you'll be enjoying a spicy, smoky, and delicious masterpiece.
🍲 Key ingredients
- Chipotle chili peppers: these add a well-rounded spice and smoke level to this recipe. It just wouldn't be the same without the unique chipotle flavor.
- Chili powder: yet another element of spice that can't be left out of this sauce. Disclaimer: the chili powder you find in Canada and the US differs drastically from other countries. Internationally, it usually resembles cayenne (which is very spicy). So, if you can get your hands on the more mild, American-style chili powder, it will work better in this recipe.
- Cinnamon: you don't often see many enchilada sauces with cinnamon, but we love using this spice to add natural sweetness to our recipe. Start slow with this powerful flavor, and work your way up.
- Oregano: this herb makes the sauce more complex in flavor. And as an added bonus, It's also rich in antioxidants. Again, you'll only need a little bit to achieve the end result we're going for.
First, add your flour and oil 
Then add in the spices
🔪 Instructions
To begin, you'll need to heat some oil in a pan and whisk that together with your flour. After it starts turning brown, add in the spices and continue whisking for another minute or so. This is to make the spices nice and fragrant.
Add in the vegetable broth slowly Whisk vigorously while the broth is being added
Add in the vegetable broth slowly, while continuing to whisk until all of the chunks are gone. Then, add the rest of the ingredients and stir until mixed.
Reduce the heat, and simmer your sauce until it thickens. This takes about 10-15 minutes.
🌡️ Storage
This sauce keeps well in the fridge for 4-5 days. It also lasts for up to 3 months in the freezer. Just make sure to leave some room for expansion in your container.
This sauce could save you on a busy night when you don't have time to cook. All you have to do is thaw it, pour it over our enchiladas that you've also pre-made, and you've got yourself a quick and easy weeknight dinner!
💭 Budget tips
We think everyone should be able to eat better for less, so here are a few tricks to make this recipe even more affordable:
- Use a cheaper neutral oil, like canola, in place of the avocado oil
- Make your own vegetable broth instead of buying it at the store
- Try your hand at growing a fresh herb garden
🍴 Tasting notes
This authentic enchilada sauce is the perfect addition to your kitchen. It's:
- Smoky
- Sweet
- Spicy
- Smooth
If you try this recipe, please rate it and leave us a comment below! Want to stay up-to-date with new recipes? Subscribe to our newsletter or connect with Broke Bank Vegan on social media. Happy eating!
📋 Recipe
Authentic Red Enchilada Sauce
Equipment
- Saucepan
- Whisk
Ingredients
- 3 tbsp avocado oil ($0.57)
- 3 tbsp all-purpose flour ($0.01)
- 1 clove garlic, minced ($0.04)
- 14 oz tomato sauce ($0.73)
- 2 cups vegetable broth ($0.50)
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar ($0.05)
- 2 tsp adobo sauce ($0.04)
- 2 tbsp chili powder ($0.06)
- 2 tsp cumin ($0.02)
- 1 tsp garlic powder ($0.02)
- ½ tsp oregano ($0.02)
- ¼ tsp cinnamon ($0.01)
- Salt and pepper to taste ($0.02)
Instructions
- Heat the oil in a pan on medium-high, then add in the flour and whisk together until brown, about 1 minute.
- Add in the garlic and spices. Cook for another minute while constantly whisking.
- Slowly add in the vegetable broth and continue whisking to remove all clumps.
- After the vegetable broth is mixed in, add in the rest of the ingredients. Reduce heat, and simmer until sauce thickens, about 10-15 minutes.
- Serve over your favorite enchilada recipe!
Nutrition
♻️ Similar recipes
For more tasty recipes, check out our:
- Sweet potato & bean enchiladas to smother with this enchilada sauce.
- Zesty vegan nacho sauce for some cheesy deliciousness with a kick.
- Chili garlic aioli if you want to spice your sauce game up.
- Cilantro lime dressing for more Mexican flavor that will enhance any meal!
💬 FAQ
Yes, this recipe can be made with an all-purpose gluten-free flour.
If you burn the flour and oil, you will have to start again. Thankfully, it's the first step in this recipe.
Adobo is a thick, authentic Mexican sauce made from chili powder, vinegar, garlic powder, and herbs. It's mostly known for its use in covering chipotle peppers.
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