How to Make New Mexico Red Chile Sauce

New Mexico red chile sauce is a delicious and versatile sauce that can be used in a variety of dishes, from enchiladas and burritos to stews and soups. It is made with dried New Mexico red chiles, which are known for their rich, smoky flavor.

Here I’ll show you the process of making New Mexico red chile sauce from dried New Mexican red chiles, bringing the taste of the Southwest to your kitchen.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound dried New Mexico red chiles
• 1 onion, chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 6 cups chicken broth or vegetable broth

Equipment Needed:

• A large saucepan
• Blender or food processor
• Fine-mesh strainer or sieve
• A wooden spoon or spatula
• Airtight container for storage

Instructions:

1. Remove the stems and seeds from the dried chiles. You can do this by tearing them open with your hands or using a knife.
2. Place the chiles in a large bowl and cover with hot water. Let the chiles soak for at least 30 minutes, or until they are soft and pliable.
3. While the chiles are soaking, heat the vegetable oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
4. Add the oregano, cumin, salt, and pepper to the saucepan and cook for 1 minute more.
5. Drain the soaked chiles and add them to the saucepan. Pour in the chicken broth or vegetable broth and bring to a boil.
6. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 30 minutes, or until the chiles are tender.
7. Remove the saucepan from the heat and let it cool slightly.
8. Transfer the sauce to a blender or food processor and blend until smooth.
9. Strain the sauce through a fine-mesh sieve to remove any solids.
10. Return the sauce to the saucepan and heat it over medium heat until warmed through.

Tips:

• For a spicier sauce, leave some of the seeds in the chiles.
• For a thicker sauce, puree some of the solids that are removed when straining the sauce.
• You can also add other ingredients to the sauce, such as chopped tomatoes, tomato sauce, or adobo sauce.

How to Use New Mexico Red Chile Sauce

New Mexico red chile sauce can be used in a variety of dishes, including:

• Enchiladas: Spread the sauce over the bottom of a baking dish and top with tortillas, filling, and more sauce. Bake until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
• Burritos: Spread the sauce over a tortilla and top with filling. Roll up the tortilla and cook in a pan over medium heat until the tortilla is golden brown and the filling is heated through.
• Stews: Add the sauce to a stew of your choice for a richer flavor.
• Soups: Add the sauce to a soup of your choice for a spicy kick.

Making New Mexico red chile sauce at home allows you to explore the vibrant flavors of Southwestern cuisine and elevate your dishes with a touch of spice and warmth.

With the simplicity of this homemade recipe, you can enjoy the essence of New Mexico in your kitchen whenever you like. So, get cooking, and savor the rich, smoky, and spicy goodness of this versatile sauce.