sauce it up

I'm Swedish and German. However, my taste buds would beg to differ. I like such a variety of foods that you might say I'm closer to Japanese, Mexican, or Indian! Ok ok, not really. But, when it comes down to it, I crave flavor and if a meal doesn't have it, then my taste buds are most definitely bummed out. Mexican food has a lot of flavor and a lot of spice. This enchilada sauce has that spice and it made my enchilada so full of flavor that I wanted a second helping despite being extremely stuffed! Make your own enchilada, put something exciting inside and then SAUCE. IT. UP. Happy Cinco de Mayo! 

a sauce for cinco de mayo

Happy Cinco de Mayo, a day that gives us an excuse to eat Mexican food to our heart's content! (Did we really need an excuse for that?  Well, we don't in our household.)  But, nonetheless, Mandi and I chose this week's recipe mostly for its Mexican-y flair, but also for its simplicity and flexibility.  Whip up this easy and tasty sauce and you can wrap just about anything in a tortilla and turn it into an enchilada. 

I wish I had some witty story or engaging thoughts to accompany this recipe, but the truth is that it's been a very long Cinco de Mayo (filled, oddly enough, with very little, if any, Mexican-ness).  So, this mama and enchilada-maker has little energy left for wit.  Hopefully the fact that you are obtaining such a versatile recipe will more than make up for it.  As for me, I'm off to dream of tacos and hat dances and other Cinco-de-Mayo-appropriate dreams.

The Recipe: Red Enchilada Sauce

from One Lovely Life

2 Tbsp olive oil

2 Tbsp flour

1 Tbsp chili powder

1/2-1 canned chipotle chili (packed in adobo), rinsed and minced

1/2tsp cumin

1/4tsp garlic powder

1/4tsp onion powder

1 tsp salt

1 (8oz) can tomato sauce

2 cups water

Heat oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add flour and chili powder. Cook 2-3 minutes, stirring often.

Add remaining ingredients and stir to combine.

Bring sauce to a boil and reduce to a simmer. Simmer about 10 minutes.

Makes about 2 1/2 cups sauce.