Red Sauce For Tamales Or Enchiladas Etc...

1. 1

   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.

2. 2

   Cover and let stand for 30 minutes.

3. 3

   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.

4. 4

   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.

5. 5

   In a saucepan over medium heat, heat the oil. Stir the cumin into the hot oil, being careful not to burn it.

6. 6

   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.

7. 7

   Add just enough additional stock and reserved liquid to make a sauce the consistency of thin gravy.

8. 8

   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.

9. 9

   Taste and add more salt and sugar if needed.

10. 10

    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.

* Per serving · 4 servings · Values may vary.