Relajo Salvadorean Red Chile Sauce Recipe

Unlock the secrets of Salvadoran cuisine with this authentic Relajo Red Chile Sauce recipe! Used as the vibrant base for iconic dishes like tamales salvadoreñas, sopa de pata, and the unforgettable sauce for panes rellenos, this recipe delivers rich, complex flavor in every spoonful. Learn to make this versatile sauce, perfect for elevating your home cooking to new heights of authenticity.

Prep Time 20 mins
Cook Time 80 mins
Calories 532.2 kcal
Protein 42g
Rating 4.0 (1 Reviews)
Relajo Salvadorean Red Chile Sauce 30

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Recipe Author

Chef Forktionary, author of this recipe

Recipe adapted from Food.com. Standardized by Forktionary.

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How to Make Relajo Salvadorean Red Chile Sauce

  1. Place the guajillo chiles and tomatoes in a medium pot. Cover with enough water to completely submerge them.
  2. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 20 minutes, or until chiles are softened.
  3. While chiles simmer, toast sesame seeds, cumin, coriander, achiote, and oregano in a dry saute pan over medium-high heat for 3 minutes, stirring constantly, until fragrant and sesame seeds are golden brown. Set aside to cool.
  4. Remove the cooked chiles and tomatoes from heat and let cool for 15 minutes.
  5. Working in two batches, blend the chiles and tomatoes with 1/2 cup of their cooking liquid until smooth.
  6. Pour the blended chile mixture into a large pan and set aside.
  7. Blend the cooled spice mix with 1 cup of water until completely smooth (5-8 minutes).
  8. Add the spice mixture to the chile mixture. Bring to a low boil over medium heat.
  9. Once boiling, add the margarine, stirring until melted.
  10. Stir in the consomme powder.
  11. **For the basic sauce:** Continue cooking for 10 minutes.
  12. **For panes rellenos sauce:** Add an additional cup of water, 1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce, and 1/4 teaspoon celery salt along with the consomme.
  13. **For sopa de pata:** Use the same ingredients as the panes rellenos sauce, but double the chile and spice mix recipes, and add an additional 6 cups of water.
  14. Continue cooking the sauce on medium heat for 10 more minutes, or to your desired consistency.
  15. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

Nutrition Information (Approximate per serving)

Sodium

2 g

Sugar

32g

Fat

22g

Carbs

18g

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Lactose Time To Make Course Main Ingredient Cuisine Preparation Occasion North American Condiments Etc Soups Stews Vegetables Central American Holiday Event Dietary Low Sodium Gluten Free Low Cholesterol Seasonal Oamc Freezer Make Ahead Egg Free Healthy 2 Free Of Something Low In Something Meat Taste Mood Number Of Servings 4 Hours Or Less