New Mexico Red Chili Sauce Recipe
This New Mexico red chili sauce is a rich and flavorful addition to many dishes, perfect for enhancing tamales, enchiladas, or even stews. Made with authentic techniques, this sauce brings the bold, smoky taste of dried red chilies into your kitchen. Whether you’re preparing an authentic Mexican red chili sauce recipe or looking for the best red chili sauce recipe, this version won’t disappoint.
Ingredients
- 8-10 dried New Mexico red chilies (or a mix of guajillo and ancho for variation)
- 4 cups of water (for soaking chilies)
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano (preferably Mexican oregano)
- 1 cup chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 tablespoon white vinegar
- Salt to taste
Method
- Prepare the Chilies: Remove the stems and seeds from the dried chilies. Toast them in a dry skillet over medium heat for about 30 seconds per side, until fragrant (be careful not to burn them).
- Rehydrate the Chilies: Place the toasted chilies in a bowl and pour hot water over them. Let them soak for 20–30 minutes until soft.
- Blend the Base: Drain the chilies and transfer them to a blender. Add 1 cup of the soaking liquid, garlic, onion, cumin, oregano, and vinegar. Blend until smooth. For a fresh red chili sauce recipe, you can use fresh chilies instead of dried ones.
- Cook the Sauce: Heat the vegetable oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Strain the blended chili mixture into the pan using a fine mesh sieve to remove any solids. Cook for 2–3 minutes, stirring constantly.
- Add Broth and Seasoning: Stir in the chicken or vegetable broth to achieve your desired consistency. Simmer the sauce for 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Season with salt to taste.
- Finish and Serve: Once the sauce has thickened, it’s ready to serve. Use it as a red chili sauce recipe for tamales or as a base for enchiladas, burritos, and more.
FAQs
Q: Can I make this sauce ahead of time?
A: Yes! This Mexican red chili sauce recipe can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
Q: What’s the difference between New Mexican and authentic Mexican red chili sauce recipes?
A: New Mexican red chili sauce recipes typically feature New Mexico chilies, which have a distinct smoky and earthy flavor. Authentic Mexican red chili sauce recipes may use a broader variety of chilies, such as guajillo or pasilla.
Q: Can I make this sauce less spicy?
A: Absolutely! To reduce the heat, remove all seeds and membranes from the chilies or substitute with milder varieties like ancho.
Q: What’s the best way to use this sauce?
A: This is the best red chili sauce recipe for tamales, enchiladas, tacos, or as a dip for bread. It’s also great as a marinade for meats.
Enjoy this flavorful and versatile New Mexican red chili sauce recipe in your favorite dishes!