2tablespoonsneutral oilsuch as avocado oil or canola oil
2tablespoonsflour
1tablespoonchili powder
1teaspoonground cumin
½teaspoononion powder
½teaspoongarlic powder
½teaspoonMexican dried oregano
½teaspoonkosher saltmore as needed
2tablespoonstomato paste
2cupsvegetable or chicken stock
1teaspoonwhite vinegaror apple cider vinegar
Instructions
Heat oil in a small saucepan over medium-high heat, until just hot glistening. This only takes a minute or two.
Add in flour, chili powder, cumin, onion powder, and oregano and whisk together until thick paste forms. Cook for one minute to toast spices and to rid of the sauce of a raw flour taste.
Whisk in tomato paste into the roux.
Gradually, whisk in the remaining stock, whisking the entire time, until well incorporated and all lumps are removed. Reduce heat and simmer 10-15 minutes until slightly thickened. Remove from heat and whisk in vinegar.
Use immediately or refrigerate in an air-tight container for up to 5 days or freeze up to 3 months.
Notes
This recipe yields 2 cups. Nutritional information is based on the ENTIRE recipe. Most serving sizes are only 2-3 tablespoons.
Be sure to use regular chili powder. Not cayenne pepper or Ancho Chili powder, as the final result would be extremely spicy.
If you can't find Mexican oregano, regular dried oregano will work well.
Vinegar allows the flavors to really pop--don't overlook this ingredient.
If you find your sauce is at lumpy, you can strain it through a fine mesh strainer. You should not have any issues with lumps if you gradually whisked in the stock though.