1 ounce dried chile arbols, seeded
1/2 cup boiling water
3 cups chopped onion
1 cup water
1/2 cup chopped tomatillos (about 2)
2 teaspoons dried oregano
1-1/2 teaspoons ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon salt
3 garlic cloves
1 (8-ounce) can tomato sauce
Combine chiles and boiling water; let stand 30 minutes. Drain. Combine chiles, onion, and next 6 ingredients (onion through garlic) in a medium saucepan. Place over medium-high heat; bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer 20 minutes. Remove from heat; cool 15 minutes. Place onion mixture in a blender or food processor; process until blended (do not overblend). Add tomato sauce; stir well.
Yield: 3 cups (serving size: 3 tablespoons).