Red Sauce For Tamales Or Enchiladas Etc Recipes

RED TAMALE SAUCE RECIPE (+VIDEO)

Steps:

• Carefully split the peppers and remove seeds and membranes. Cut peppers into 1-2 inch pieces. Arbol peppers are small so no need to cut those.
• Using a firm bristle brush, wash peppers.
• Place peppers, tomatoes and garlic in pan with 2 cups chicken stock (or enough to cover). Heat on medium and bring to boil, then reduce to low and simmer for 20-30 minutes until soft.
• Remove all vegetables and remaining spices to blender and blend until smooth. Note: If water has turned too dark, you may want to strain the vegetables to the blender then discard the liquid and replace with fresh chicken stock. Return all to the same pan.
• Simmer for 15 minutes to thicken slightly. Add more spices or salt to taste, if desired.

HOMEMADE RED CHILE SAUCE FOR TAMALES

Steps:

• Remove the tops of the chiles and shake out as much of the seeds as possible. In a large pot, add chiles, Mexican pickling spices, onion and garlic cloves Add enough water to cover. Cover and cook on low for about an hour.
• Once the chiles have cooled some, and are soft, in batches transfer to a food processor. Use a slotted spoon to make sure you get the spices and the garlic. Puree until smooth adding some of the chicken broth and the chle water to each batch.
• Place a strainer over a large bowl. Pour the pureed chile sauce into the strainer and with the back of a wooden spoon, push the mixture through the strainer to remove skins, remaining seeds and any remaining chunks of spices.
• Once the chile mixture is strained, adjust seasonings. I'm a cumin fan, so I always add ground cumin and salt. I like to add in 1/8 cup cider vinegar 1 tablespoon sugar to balance flavors.
• In place of the New Mexico Dried Chile, you can use an assortment. Nora peppers are nice, and I've used Mulata dried peppers. Each combo will add a different nuance of flavor to your sauce.

RED SAUCE FOR TAMALES OR ENCHILADAS ETC...

Steps:

• Seed the chiles, rinse and set aside. Bring 4 cups of water to a boil. Remove from heat and add the chilies, pushing them down with a spoon so they are fully submerged.
• Cover and let stand for 30 minutes.
• Meanwhile, in a saucepan over medium heat, boil the onions in water until soft, about 25 minutes. Drain. Or alternatively you can put the onions under the broiler to blacken.
• Remove the soaked chiles from the water, reserving 2 cups of the liquid. In a food processor, blend the chilies, onions and garlic until pureed.
• In a saucepan over medium heat, heat the oil. Stir the cumin into the hot oil, being careful not to burn it.
• Add the chile mixture and simmer for 3 minutes. Add 1 cup of the stock, 1 cup of the reserved chile liquid and the tomatoes.
• Add just enough additional stock and reserved liquid to make a sauce the consistency of thin gravy.
• Add the 2 T sugar and 1/2 T salt and cook for 10 minutes longer, stirring occasionally, until the sauce is the consistency of a thin gravy.
• Taste and add more salt and sugar if needed.
• Set aside to cool. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 4 to 5 days, or in the freezer for 2 to 3 months.

MEXICAN RED SAUCE

Steps:

• Combine all ingredients, except for the 1/2 cup of water in a food processor or blender and blend until smooth.
• Pour sauce into a medium sauce pan and add remaining 1/2 cup of water.
• Bring to a boil then reduce heat to a simmer and allow to cook through for about 20 minutes.
• Note: Makes Aprox 2 quarts.

RED CHILI SAUCE (TO BE USED WITH TRADITIONAL TAMALES)

Steps:

• Remove stems and seeds from dried chili peppers.
• Place peppers in a single layer on a baking sheet.
• Roast in 350°F oven for 2 to 5 minutes or until you smell a sweet roasted aroma, checking often to avoid burning.
• Remove from oven and soak in enough hot water to cover for about 30 minutes or until cool.
• Put peppers and 2 1/2 cups of the soaking water into a blender (save the remaining soaking water).
• Add garlic, cumin and salt.
• Cover and blend until smooth.
• In a 2-quart sauce pan, stir flour into oil or melted shortening over med heat until browned.
• Carefully stir in blended chili mixture.
• Simmer uncovered for 5 to 10 minutes or until slightly thickened. (If sauce gets too thick, stir in up to 1 cup of the remaining soaking water until you reach the desired thickness) Use this sauce for traditional tamales, recipe #15286.
• Note: When working with chilies, use rubber gloves to protect your skin, and avoid contact with your eyes. Wash hands throughly with soap and water to remove all of the chili oils.