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!

Nutriscore Rating: 72/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:25 mins

Total Time:40 mins

Servings: 4

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

Directions

Step 1

Rinse the dried New Mexico red chiles under running water to remove any dust and debris.

Step 2

Remove the stems and seeds from the chiles. You may use kitchen scissors to make this step easier.

Step 3

Place the cleaned chiles into a medium saucepan and add 4 cups of water. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat.

Step 4

Reduce the heat to low and simmer the chiles for about 10 minutes, or until they are soft and pliable.

Step 5

Using tongs or a slotted spoon, transfer the softened chiles to a blender. Reserve the cooking liquid.

Step 6

Add 2 cups of the reserved cooking liquid, garlic cloves, ground cumin, dried oregano, and salt to the blender with the chiles.

Step 7

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.

Step 8

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.

Step 9

Slowly pour the blended chile mixture into the roux, whisking constantly to prevent lumps.

Step 10

Bring the sauce to a simmer and cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has thickened slightly and the flavors have melded.

Step 11

Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning as needed. Add more salt if necessary.

Step 12

Remove the sauce from heat and let it cool slightly before using.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1113.5 grams (1113.5g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	557

Total Fat 33.30g	43%
Saturated Fat 4.70g	24%
Polyunsaturated Fat 16.80g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 2462mg	107%
Total Carbohydrate 60.50g	22%
Dietary Fiber 28.20g	101%
Total Sugars 7.60g
Protein 13.90g	28%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 226mg	17%
Iron 10mg	57%
Potassium 2044mg	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.

Source of Calories

Fat: 50.2%

Protein: 9.3%

Carbs: 40.5%