New Mexico Style Red Chile Sauce
Experience the bold and smoky flavors of the Southwest with this New Mexico Style Red Chile Sauce—a rich and versatile staple that elevates any dish it graces. Made from vibrant dried New Mexico red chiles, this sauce showcases earthy cumin, aromatic garlic, and a touch of oregano, all blended to perfection for a smooth and velvety finish. A quick roux adds incredible depth and thickens the sauce to just the right consistency. Whether drizzled over enchiladas, used as a marinade, or paired with your favorite tacos, this authentic chile sauce delivers both warmth and complexity. Ready in under 45 minutes, it’s the ultimate way to bring traditional New Mexican flavors into your kitchen!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 10 whole dried New Mexico red chiles
- 4 cups water
- 3 whole garlic cloves
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
Instructions
Rinse the dried New Mexico red chiles under running water to remove any dust and debris.
Remove the stems and seeds from the chiles. You may use kitchen scissors to make this step easier.
Place the cleaned chiles into a medium saucepan and add 4 cups of water. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
Reduce the heat to low and simmer the chiles for about 10 minutes, or until they are soft and pliable.
Using tongs or a slotted spoon, transfer the softened chiles to a blender. Reserve the cooking liquid.
Add 2 cups of the reserved cooking liquid, garlic cloves, ground cumin, dried oregano, and salt to the blender with the chiles.
Blend on high until the mixture is smooth. If the sauce is too thick, add more of the reserved cooking liquid, a little at a time, until you reach your desired consistency.
In a medium saucepan, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Stir in the all-purpose flour and cook, stirring constantly, for 1 to 2 minutes to create a roux.
Slowly pour the blended chile mixture into the roux, whisking constantly to prevent lumps.
Bring the sauce to a simmer and cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has thickened slightly and the flavors have melded.
Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning as needed. Add more salt if necessary.
Remove the sauce from heat and let it cool slightly before using.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
556 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 33.3 g | 43% | |
| Saturated Fat | 4.7 g | 24% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 16.8 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 2462 mg | 107% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 60.5 g | 22% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 28.2 g | 101% | |
| Total Sugars | 7.6 g | ||
| Protein | 13.9 g | 28% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 226 mg | 17% | |
| Iron | 10.2 mg | 57% | |
| Potassium | 2044 mg | 43% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
