Ancho Chile Sauce

A rich and flavorful sauce made with dried ancho chiles, wine, and aromatic spices. Perfect for Mexican and Southwestern dishes, this sauce combines sweet, smoky and tangy elements.

4 servings
47 min

Ingredients

  • 1 whole dried ancho chile, stemmed, seeded, coarsely torn*
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 1 cup chopped onion
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste
  • 3 cloves garlic cloves, minced
  • ½ cup dry red wine
  • ½ cup ketchup
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon (packed) dark brown sugar
  • 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
  • ¼ teaspoon ground cumin

Cooking Instructions

  1. 1.

    Place chile in medium bowl. Pour enough boiling water over to cover; let soak until soft, about 30 minutes. Drain, reserving soaking liquid.

    30 min

  2. 2.

    Heat oil in heavy medium saucepan over medium heat. Add onion and sauté until soft, stirring often, about 4 minutes. Add tomato paste; stir 2 minutes. Add garlic and stir 30 seconds. Add wine and softened chile; simmer 2 minutes. Add 3 tablespoons reserved chile soaking liquid, ketchup, and all remaining ingredients. Simmer 3 minutes, stirring often. Season with salt and pepper. Remove from heat and cool slightly.

    12 min

  3. 3.

    Puree sauce in blender, adding more reserved soaking liquid by tablespoonfuls if too thick. DO AHEAD: Can be made 3 days ahead. Cover and chill.

    5 min

  4. 4.

    * Available at many supermarkets and at specialty foods stores and Latin markets.

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