Authentic Hatch Red Chile Sauce
This robust and flavorful Hatch Red Chile Sauce is inspired by the traditional recipe from the renowned Mesilla Valley Chili Company in Hatch, New Mexico. With its rich, smoky flavors and subtle heat, this sauce is perfect as a condiment for tacos, enchiladas, or as a base for stews. Made with high-quality Hatch chiles, it captures the essence of Southwestern cuisine. Best of all, this sauce can be prepared in advance and stored in the freezer, ensuring that you always have a taste of New Mexico at your fingertips.
6
Servings
60
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
Dried hatch chiles, medium
12 (Rinsed, stems and seeds removed)
Water
3 1/2 cups (For simmering)
Garlic cloves
2 (Whole)
Salt
2 teaspoons (To taste)
Oil
2 tablespoons (For sautéing)
Flour
1 tablespoon (For thickening)
Oregano leaves, dried
1 teaspoon (Crushed)
Instructions
1
Start by rinsing the dried Hatch chiles thoroughly under cold water. Remove the stems and seeds to reduce the heat level according to your preference.
2
In a large saucepan, combine the rinsed chiles with 3 1/2 cups of water. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.
3
Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let the chiles simmer for about 20 minutes or until they become soft and pulpy.
4
Using a slotted spoon, carefully remove the softened chiles from the pan and transfer them to a blender. Set the cooking liquid aside for later use.
5
Add the whole garlic cloves and dried oregano to the blender with the chiles. Blend until the mixture forms a smooth paste.
6
In a large skillet, heat the oil over medium heat. Add the flour and stir continuously until it starts to brown lightly, about 2-3 minutes.
7
Remove the skillet from heat, and gradually add the blended chile mixture to the flour. Stir constantly to avoid lumps forming.
8
Return the skillet to medium heat and gradually stir in enough reserved cooking liquid to reach a gravy-like consistency.
9
Add the salt and mix well. Let the sauce simmer for an additional 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
10
Once thickened, the sauce is ready to use immediately or can be cooled and stored in the freezer for future use.
Nutrition Information
3.3g
Fat
6.7g
Carbs
0.8g
Protein
1.7g
Fiber
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Authentic Hatch Red Chile Sauce?
It is a robust and flavorful sauce inspired by the traditional recipes from the Mesilla Valley Chili Company in Hatch, New Mexico, known for its smoky flavor.
What are the primary ingredients for this sauce?
The main ingredients include 12 dried Hatch chiles, garlic cloves, salt, oil, flour, dried oregano, and water.
How do I prepare the dried Hatch chiles?
Rinse the dried chiles under cold water and remove the stems and seeds to control the heat level before boiling.
How long should the chiles simmer?
The chiles should simmer for about 20 minutes until they become soft and pulpy.
Should I save the water used to boil the chiles?
Yes, set the cooking liquid aside as it is used later to reach a gravy-like consistency for the sauce.
How many garlic cloves are used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 2 whole garlic cloves.
What spices are blended with the chiles?
Whole garlic cloves and 1 teaspoon of dried oregano are blended with the softened chiles.
How is the sauce thickened?
The sauce is thickened using a roux made from 2 tablespoons of oil and 1 tablespoon of flour.
How long do I cook the flour and oil mixture?
Stir the flour and oil continuously over medium heat for about 2-3 minutes until it starts to brown lightly.
Is this Hatch Red Chile Sauce vegan?
Yes, this recipe is vegan-friendly as it uses oil and flour instead of animal-based fats.
Can I freeze the sauce for later?
Yes, this sauce can be cooled and stored in the freezer, making it great for meal preparation.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe makes approximately 6 servings.
How many calories are in a serving of this sauce?
Each serving contains 60 calories.
What is the fat content per serving?
There is approximately 3.3g of fat per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in the sauce?
Each serving contains 6.7g of carbohydrates.
Does the sauce contain dietary fiber?
Yes, there are 1.7g of fiber per serving.
What is the protein content of the sauce?
The sauce contains 0.8g of protein per serving.
What dishes pair well with Hatch Red Chile Sauce?
It is perfect for tacos, enchiladas, or as a rich base for various Southwestern stews.
How much salt is recommended?
The recipe suggests 2 teaspoons of salt, but it can be adjusted to taste.
How do I avoid lumps in the sauce?
Gradually add the blended chile mixture and reserved cooking liquid to the flour while stirring constantly.
How long is the final simmer time?
Let the sauce simmer for an additional 10 minutes after all ingredients are combined to allow it to thicken.
Does this sauce contain sugar?
No, this recipe contains no sugar.
Does this sauce contain cholesterol?
No, this sauce is cholesterol-free.
What type of oregano should be used?
The recipe calls for 1 teaspoon of dried oregano leaves, which should be crushed.
What is the texture of the finished sauce?
The sauce should have a smooth, gravy-like consistency.
Where does the smoky flavor come from?
The smoky flavor is derived from the high-quality dried Hatch chiles used as the base.
Can I adjust the spiciness of the sauce?
Yes, you can reduce the heat by thoroughly removing all seeds from the chiles before cooking.
What kind of oil should I use?
The recipe specifies 2 tablespoons of oil; a neutral vegetable oil or light olive oil is typically used for the roux.
Is this recipe considered gluten-free?
No, because it uses 1 tablespoon of flour for thickening, it contains gluten.
What region is famous for these chiles?
The Mesilla Valley in Hatch, New Mexico is world-renowned for these specific chiles.