New Mexican Red Chili Sauce
New Mexican Red Chili Sauce is a rich, smoky sauce made from rehydrated dried red chilies, blended with garlic, onions, and spices. Simmered to enhance flavor, it’s a versatile condiment for enchiladas, tamales, or burritos, offering a bold, earthy taste with mild to moderate heat.
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
Make sure to wear gloves when handling the dried chiles. The oils can linger on your skin and may irritate your eyes if touched.