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Easy Authentic Red Enchilada Sauce

Easy Authentic Red Enchilada Sauce

A quick, flavorful red sauce made with a simple roux of olive oil and flour, Spanish-style spices, tomato paste, and vegetable broth. Finished with a splash of vinegar for brightness, it comes together in about ten minutes and outclasses any store-bought version without extra additives or MSG.

  • Servings: 8
  • Prep: 5 min
  • Cook: 8 min

Ingredients

  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1 tablespoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 0.5 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 0.25 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 0.25 teaspoon salt, to taste
  • ground cinnamon, pinch
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 2 cups vegetable broth
  • 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
  • black pepper, freshly ground, to taste

Instructions

  1. Combine the flour, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, oregano, salt and cinnamon (if using) in a small bowl and set it alongside the stove with the tomato paste and broth within reach.
  2. Heat the olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat until a pinch of the flour-spice mix sizzles on contact, about 2 minutes.
  3. Add the flour-spice blend and whisk continuously for about 1 minute, until the mixture becomes fragrant and slightly darkened.
  4. Whisk in the tomato paste, then slowly stream in the vegetable broth, stirring constantly to prevent lumps.
  5. Increase heat to medium-high, bring to a gentle simmer, then lower the heat to maintain that simmer. Cook, whisking frequently, for 5–7 minutes until the sauce thickens and offers some resistance on the spoon.
  6. Remove the pan from heat, stir in the vinegar, and taste. Season with freshly ground black pepper and more salt if needed.

Nutrition (per serving)

  • Calories: 67 kcal
  • Protein: 1 g
  • Carbohydrates: 4 g
  • Fat: 5 g
  • Fiber: 1 g