After Work Enchilada Sauce

It isn't always easy to get authentic Mexican flavors.  Things like enchilada and mole sauces have a complex combination of flavors and can simmer on the stove for hours.  That might explain why we never have homemade enchiladas on a work night.  With this quick, but flavorful sauce you can.  In just a few minutes you have a sauce perfect for enchiladas, huevos rancheros or any other Mexican meal you can think of!  Be sure to use a good quality Chile Powder for maximum flavor.  This means dried ground chile pepper--not to be confused with Chili Powder you put in a pot of chili.  Ole!

After Work Enchilada Sauce

The Enchilada Sauce Line-Up

Heat oil over medium high heat.

Add flour and chile powder. 
(Notice I'm using a silicone whisk
so I don't scratch my non-stick cookware!)

Stir until lightly browned. 
(I know, it's kind of hard to tell with
such a red sauce.)

Add tomato sauce.

Add water.

Stir in seasonings.

Bring to a boil, then reduce heat
to medium and cook about 10 minutes,
or until sauce has thickened slightly.

Now you have a delicious
red sauce for all of your Mexican favorites!

After Work Enchilada Sauce

1/4 cup vegetable oil
2 tablespoons self-rising flour (See NOTE)
1/4 cup New Mexico or other good quality chile powder
1 (8 ounce) can tomato sauce
1 1/2 cups water
1/8 teaspoon ground cumin
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon onion salt
salt to taste

Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.  Stir in the flour and chile powder.  Reduce heat and cook until lightly browned.  Stir constantly to prevent flour from burning.  Gradually stir in tomato sauce, water, cumin, garlic powder and onion salt until smooth.  Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium and continue cooking about 10 minutes or until sauce is slightly thicker.  Season with salt to taste.

Prep Time:  Approximately 5 minutes     Cook Time:  Approximately 15 minutes

NOTE:  You can make your own Self-Rising Flour by adding 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder and 1/2 teaspoon salt to each cup of flour.  Store in a sealed container.