Authentic Red Enchilada Sauce (Simple & Vegan)

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.

Ever Eaten a Dry Enchilada?

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.

Ingredients for Authentic Red Enchilada Sauce

The main ingredients you’re going to need for this enchilada sauce are:

• 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.

How to Make Red Enchilada Sauce

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, 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.

How to Store Enchilada Sauce

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!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This authentic enchilada sauce is the perfect addition to your kitchen. It’s:

• Smoky
• Sweet
• Spicy
• Smooth

If you make this recipe, don’t forget to leave a comment, rate it, and tag us on Instagram with #brokebankvegan. Happy eating!

Other Recipes You’ll Love

• Sweet Potato & Bean Enchiladas
• Creamy Cilantro Lime Sauce
• Almond Milk Mac & Cheese
• Vegan Sweet Potato Chili

Authentic Red Enchilada Sauce

5 from 2 votes

Recipe by Broke Bank Vegan Course: SaucesCuisine: MexicanDifficulty: Medium

Servings

1

recipe

Prep time

5

minutes

Cook time

15

minutes

Calories

592

kcal

Cost per recipe

$2.09

USD

Cost per serving

$2.09

USD

Total time

20

minutes

With this smoky and spicy enchilada sauce, you’ll be equipped to make any enchilada recipe a crowd pleaser. It only takes 20 minutes or less, so give it a try!

Ingredients

• 3 tbsp avocado oil ($0.57 USD)

• 3 tbsp all-purpose flour ($0.01 USD)

• 1 clove garlic, minced ($0.04 USD)

• 1 398 mL can tomato sauce ($0.73 USD)

• 2 cups vegetable broth ($0.50 USD)

• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar ($0.05 USD)

• 2 tsp adobo sauce ($0.04 USD)

• 2 tbsp chili powder ($0.06 USD)

• 2 tsp cumin ($0.02 USD)

• 1 tsp garlic powder ($0.02 USD)

• 1/2 tsp oregano ($0.02 USD)

• 1/4 tsp cinnamon ($0.01 USD)

• salt and pepper to taste ($0.02 USD)

Directions

• Heat 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 1 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!

Tips

• You can use the adobo sauce from can of chilies, or homemake your own for this recipe.

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