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Traditional New Mexican Red Chile Sauce Recipe

Unlock the secrets of authentic New Mexican cuisine with this vibrant red chile sauce! Made with earthy, sun-dried chiles, this recipe delivers a rich, complex flavor that's perfect for carne adovada, enchiladas, or any dish needing a fiery kick. Learn how to expertly blend the chiles for a smooth, creamy sauce without staining your blender. This recipe is easy to follow and will transport your taste buds straight to the heart of New Mexico!

Prep Time 20 mins
Cook Time 45 mins
Calories 1145.9 kcal
Protein 76g
Rating 2.5 (2 Reviews)
Traditional New Mexican Red Chile Sauce 33

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Chef Forktionary, author of this recipe

Recipe adapted from Food.com. Standardized by Forktionary.

Ingredients for Traditional New Mexican Red Chile Sauce

  • Dried New Mexico Chile
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 medium onion, roughly chopped
  • 1 tablespoon dried oregano
  • 2 teaspoons salt
  • 1/2 cup water (or more, as needed)

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How to Make Traditional New Mexican Red Chile Sauce

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a cookie sheet with foil.
  2. Place 1 pound of dried red chile pods (such as New Mexico chiles) on the prepared cookie sheet. Warm in the oven for 5-7 minutes, or until softened and leathery. Watch closely to prevent burning.
  3. Remove chiles from oven and let cool slightly. Working in small batches, carefully add the chiles to a blender or food processor. (Important: Cover any rubber or plastic parts with plastic wrap to prevent staining.)
  4. Add 1 medium onion (roughly chopped), 4 cloves garlic (minced), 1 tablespoon dried oregano, and 2 teaspoons salt to the blender with the chiles.
  5. Puree until smooth, adding small amounts of water (about 1/2 cup to start) as needed to reach the consistency of thick cream. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
  6. Repeat steps 3-5 until all chiles have been pureed. Transfer each batch to a large bowl.
  7. Stir all pureed batches together thoroughly. If desired, stir in 1/2 cup heavy cream for added richness.
  8. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The sauce will deepen in flavor over time.

Nutrition Information (Approximate per serving)

Sodium

76 g

Sugar

517g

Fat

12g

Carbs

82g

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Soups, Stews & Chilis Main Dish / Dinner Salmon Recipes Tuna Recipes The Americas American Mexican Gluten Free Fall Recipes

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60 Minutes Or Less Time To Make Course Main Ingredient Cuisine Preparation Occasion North American Healthy Sauces Condiments Etc Vegetables American Southwestern United States Easy No Cook Beginner Cook Vegetarian Salsas Food Processor Blender Dietary Spicy Low Cholesterol Low Saturated Fat High Fiber Inexpensive Savory Sauces Healthy 2 High In Something Low In Something Peppers Taste Mood Equipment Small Appliance Number Of Servings Presentation Served Hot Technique