Bold and savory, New Mexican Red Chili Sauce is a mainstay of Southwestern cuisine, distinguished by its bright red color and earthy, deep flavors.
To make this thick, smooth sauce, dried red chilies, usually from New Mexico, are rehydrated and combined with basic components like garlic, onion, and spices.
It is the ideal side dish for classic recipes like covered burritos, tamales, or enchiladas; it adds a unique depth and warmth to any dish.
This adaptable sauce can be made mild or spicy to suit your preferences, allowing you to incorporate a bit of New Mexico’s culinary history into your cooking.
How To Make New Mexican Red Chili Sauce?
Preparation Times: 15 minutes
Cooking Times: 25 minutes
Course: Sauce
Cuisine: Mexican
Servings: 4-6 servings (depending on how much sauce you use per dish)
Equipment Needed
- Medium saucepan
- Blender or food processor
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Measuring spoons and cups
- Knife and cutting board
Ingredients
- 12-15 dried New Mexico red chiles (stemmed and deseeded)
- 3 cups of water (for soaking chiles)
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth (for thinning the sauce)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon cumin powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 tablespoon sugar (optional)
- Salt to taste
Instructions
Step-1. Prepare the chiles
Begin by removing the stems and seeds from the dried New Mexico red chiles. Give the chiles a quick rinse under cold water to remove any dust or debris.
Step-2. Soak the chiles
In a medium bowl, add hot water and let the chiles soak for about 30 minutes or until they become soft. This step helps rehydrate the chiles, making them easier to blend.
Step-3. Sauté the aromatics
While the chiles are soaking, heat olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté them for about 5-7 minutes until they become fragrant and slightly golden.
Step-4. Blend the ingredients
Transfer the softened chiles, the soaking water, sautéed onion, garlic, cumin, oregano, and optional sugar into a blender. Blend until the mixture is smooth. Depending on your blender, you may need to do this in batches.
Step-5. Simmer the sauce
Pour the blended mixture back into the saucepan. Add the chicken or vegetable broth to thin the sauce to your desired consistency. Let the sauce simmer over medium heat for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Step-6. Season and serve
Taste the sauce and add salt as needed. If you prefer a slightly sweeter sauce, adjust with more sugar. Once it reaches your desired flavor, remove from heat and your New Mexican Red Chili Sauce is ready.
Nutrition Facts Of New Mexican Red Chili Sauce
- Calories: 50
- Fat: 2g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Protein: 1g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sodium: 200mg
Serving Suggestions
Enchiladas: Pour generously over your enchiladas for an authentic New Mexican touch.
Tacos and burritos: Use it as a drizzle over tacos or burritos for an added flavor punch.
Marinade: This chili sauce also makes a fantastic marinade for chicken, beef, or pork. Let the meat soak in the sauce for a few hours before grilling or roasting.
Dips: Mix it into sour cream or yogurt for a spicy dip that is perfect for chips or veggies.
Tips and Variations
Adjusting heat: If you prefer a milder sauce, remove the seeds from the chiles or use fewer chiles. Keep some of the seeds or add a few spicy peppers like jalapeños for extra heat.
Thicker sauce: If you like your sauce on the thicker side, reduce the broth or simmer for a longer time to reduce the sauce.
Smoky flavor: Add a dash of smoked paprika or chipotle powder for a smoky twist.
Vegan version: Substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth for a vegan-friendly sauce.
Health Benefits Of New Mexican Red Chili Sauce
Rich in antioxidants: The dried red chiles are an excellent source of antioxidants, which help fight inflammation and oxidative stress in the body.
Supports digestion: Chiles contain capsaicin, a compound known for aiding digestion and boosting metabolism.
Low in calories: This sauce is naturally low in calories and fat, making it a healthy option to enhance your dishes without adding extra weight.
Heart-healthy: Olive oil and garlic in this recipe contribute to heart health by improving cholesterol levels and reducing the risk of heart disease.
Special Note
Make sure to wear gloves when handling the dried chiles. The oils can linger on your skin and may irritate your eyes if touched.
FAQS
Can I freeze this chili sauce?
Yes, this sauce freezes well. Just pour it into an airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and reheat before serving.
How do I store leftovers?
Store the sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5-7 days.
Is this sauce gluten-free?
Yes, as long as you use a gluten-free broth, this recipe is naturally gluten-free.
Can I use fresh chiles instead of dried ones?
This recipe is traditionally made with dried New Mexico red chiles for a deeper, more concentrated flavor. Fresh chiles won’t give the same result, but you can try them for a variation.
What if I don’t have New Mexico chiles?
If you can’t find New Mexico chiles, you can substitute them with other mild dried red chiles like guajillo or pasilla chiles, though the flavor may vary slightly.
Conclusion
Making your own New Mexican Red Chili Sauce at home is not only rewarding but also a great way to add authentic Southwestern flavors to your kitchen.
This sauce is perfect for all kinds of dishes, from enchiladas to tacos, and even as a marinade. Plus, with all its health benefits, it’s a delicious way to spice up your meals without feeling guilty.
New Mexican Red Chili Sauce
Equipment
- Medium saucepan
- Blender or food processor
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Measuring spoons and cups
- Knife and cutting board
Ingredients
- 12-15 dried New Mexico red chiles stemmed and deseeded
- 3 cups of water for soaking chiles
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth for thinning the sauce
- 1 small onion diced
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon cumin powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 tablespoon sugar optional
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Begin by removing the stems and seeds from the dried New Mexico red chiles. Give the chiles a quick rinse under cold water to remove any dust or debris.
- In a medium bowl, add hot water and let the chiles soak for about 30 minutes or until they become soft. This step helps rehydrate the chiles, making them easier to blend.
- While the chiles are soaking, heat olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté them for about 5-7 minutes until they become fragrant and slightly golden.
- Transfer the softened chiles, the soaking water, sautéed onion, garlic, cumin, oregano, and optional sugar into a blender. Blend until the mixture is smooth. Depending on your blender, you may need to do this in batches.
- Pour the blended mixture back into the saucepan. Add the chicken or vegetable broth to thin the sauce to your desired consistency. Let the sauce simmer over medium heat for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Taste the sauce and add salt as needed. If you prefer a slightly sweeter sauce, adjust with more sugar. Once it reaches your desired flavor, remove from heat and your New Mexican Red Chili Sauce is ready.
Notes
Welcome to Arora’s Sauce Recipe, where every drop tells a story of tradition, innovation, and a boundless love for culinary arts. My name is Brazen, and I am the founder and chief sauce creator at Arora’s Kitchen. Born into a family with a rich heritage of culinary arts, I grew up surrounded by the aromas of spices and the sounds of simmering pots, which ignited my passion for cooking from a young age.
Inspired by generations of culinary expertise, I embarked on a professional quest to capture these fleeting aromas and flavors in bottles of sauce that could bring a gourmet experience to every meal.
As the founder of Arora’s Sauce Recipe, my mission is to inspire your culinary adventures with the finest sauces. Whether you’re a professional chef or a home cook, our sauces are crafted to elevate your cooking with every spoonful.
Thank you for choosing Arora’s Sauce Recipe. Here’s to a journey filled with flavor, passion, and unforgettable meals.