Spicy Texas Red Enchilada Sauce
Elevate your enchilada night with this rich and savory Spicy Texas Red Enchilada Sauce. Crafted to perfection, this sauce combines a robust blend of spices and tomato paste, creating a deeply flavorful base that complements any beef or cheese enchiladas. The heat level is customizable depending on your choice of chili powder, making it perfect for those who enjoy both mild and spicy dishes. Whether you're hosting a festive gathering or enjoying a cozy night in, this versatile sauce will surely become a staple in your home kitchen.
3
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
Butter or Margarine
2 tablespoons (Melted)
Flour
2 tablespoons (All-purpose flour)
Red Chili Powder
5 teaspoons (Adjust based on heat preference)
Cumin
1 1/2 teaspoons (Ground)
Garlic Powder
2 teaspoons (Garlic powder)
Tomato Paste
6 ounces (Standard tomato paste)
Water
2 1/4 cups (Room temperature)
Salt
To taste (Use sea salt or kosher salt)
Black Pepper
To taste (Freshly cracked or ground)
Instructions
1
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter or margarine.
2
Once melted, add the flour and whisk continuously to create a roux. Cook until it turns a light golden color.
3
Gradually mix in the red chili powder, cumin, and garlic powder, stirring until the spices are fully incorporated.
4
Add the tomato paste and mix well until the mixture is smooth and combined with the roux.
5
Slowly pour in the water, stirring constantly to avoid lumps.
6
Increase the heat and bring the mixture to a rolling boil, then reduce to a simmer.
7
Allow the sauce to simmer while stirring occasionally until it thickens to your desired consistency.
8
Taste the sauce and adjust the seasonings with salt, pepper, or additional spices as needed.
9
Once ready, coat the bottom of a baking dish with a layer of sauce.
10
Place the enchiladas in the dish and cover them with the remaining sauce.
11
Bake in a preheated oven until the enchiladas are heated through and topped with melted cheese, usually about 20-30 minutes.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Spicy Texas Red Enchilada Sauce?
It is a rich and savory homemade sauce that combines a robust blend of spices and tomato paste, perfect for beef or cheese enchiladas.
What are the primary ingredients in this sauce?
The main ingredients include butter or margarine, all-purpose flour, red chili powder, ground cumin, garlic powder, tomato paste, and water.
Is this enchilada sauce spicy?
Yes, it is designed to be spicy, but the heat level is customizable depending on your choice of red chili powder.
How do I make the base of the sauce?
The base is made by melting butter or margarine and whisking in flour to create a light golden roux.
How much chili powder is required for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 5 teaspoons of red chili powder, which can be adjusted based on your heat preference.
What type of flour should be used?
All-purpose flour is recommended for creating the roux in this recipe.
Can I use margarine instead of butter?
Yes, you can use either 2 tablespoons of butter or 2 tablespoons of margarine.
How do I prevent lumps in the sauce?
To avoid lumps, pour the water in slowly while stirring or whisking constantly.
What kind of tomato product is used?
This recipe uses one 6-ounce container of standard tomato paste.
How much water is needed?
You will need 2 1/4 cups of room temperature water for this sauce.
What is the first step in the instructions?
The first step is to melt the butter or margarine in a medium saucepan over medium heat.
When do I add the spices?
Gradually mix in the red chili powder, cumin, and garlic powder after the roux has turned a light golden color.
Do I need to boil the sauce?
Yes, bring the mixture to a rolling boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer.
How long should the sauce simmer?
Simmer the sauce while stirring occasionally until it thickens to your desired consistency.
Can I adjust the seasoning at the end?
Yes, taste the sauce once it has thickened and adjust with salt, pepper, or additional spices as needed.
How do I use this sauce for enchiladas?
Coat the bottom of a baking dish with sauce, place the enchiladas inside, and cover them with the remaining sauce.
How long should enchiladas bake with this sauce?
Bake them in a preheated oven for about 20-30 minutes until heated through and topped with melted cheese.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe makes approximately 3 servings.
Is cumin necessary for this recipe?
The recipe uses 1 1/2 teaspoons of ground cumin to provide its signature robust flavor.
What type of salt is recommended?
Sea salt or kosher salt is recommended for seasoning to taste.
Does this sauce contain garlic?
Yes, it includes 2 teaspoons of garlic powder for a deep, savory taste.
Can I use this sauce for cheese enchiladas?
Absolutely, this sauce is specifically designed to complement both cheese and beef enchiladas.
What makes this a 'Texas Red' sauce?
The combination of a roux base with chili powder and tomato paste characterizes the Texas Red style.
What is the preparation for the black pepper?
The pepper should be freshly cracked or ground and added to taste.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 9 ingredients: butter/margarine, flour, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, tomato paste, water, salt, and pepper.
Is this a good recipe for beginners?
Yes, it uses simple pantry staples and follows straightforward steps like creating a roux and simmering.
What is the purpose of the roux?
The roux (flour and butter mixture) acts as the thickening agent for the sauce.
Can I make the sauce more mild?
Yes, simply use a mild chili powder or reduce the amount used to lower the heat level.
What category does this recipe belong to?
This recipe is categorized under Sauces.
Can I use this sauce for meal prep?
Yes, it is a versatile sauce that can be made and then used to coat enchiladas for a quick baked dinner.