Enchilada Sauce

Are you ready to transform your meals with a delicious homemade enchilada sauce? This recipe features a perfect blend of spices, tomatoes, and chilies that will bring authentic Mexican flavors to your table. Whether you’re drenching enchiladas or using it as a dip, this sauce is a must-try for any culinary enthusiast who loves cooking with bold flavors.

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
• 1 cup vegetable broth
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon lime juice

Servings and Cooking Time

This recipe makes approximately 2 cups of enchilada sauce, serving about 4 people. Preparation time is around 10 minutes, with a cooking time of 20 minutes.

Nutritional Value

Each serving (about ½ cup) contains approximately 80 calories, 4g fat, 10g carbohydrates, and 2g protein. This nutritional information is based on one serving and may vary based on specific ingredients used.

Step-by-Step Cooking Process

1. Heat olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat.
2. Add chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.
3. Stir in minced garlic and cook for another minute.
4. Add chili powder, cumin, and paprika; stir to combine.
5. Pour in tomato sauce and vegetable broth.
6. Bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring occasionally.
7. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
8. Let the sauce simmer for about 15 minutes, allowing flavors to meld.
9. Stir in lime juice before removing from heat.
10. Use immediately or let cool before storing in an airtight container.

Alternative Ingredients

You can substitute olive oil with avocado oil for a different flavor. If you’re looking for a spicier kick, consider adding diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper. For a smoky flavor, try using smoked paprika instead of regular paprika.

Serving and Pairings

This enchilada sauce pairs beautifully with cheese enchiladas, tacos, or even as a spicy dip for tortilla chips. You can also drizzle it over burritos or use it as a base for chili.

Storage and Reheating

Store any leftover enchilada sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. It can also be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply warm it in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally.

Cooking Mistakes

• Using too much chili powder can overpower the sauce.
• Not cooking the onions and garlic long enough can lead to a raw flavor.
• Skipping the lime juice can result in a flat taste.
• Overcooking can lead to a loss of freshness in flavor.
• Not adjusting seasoning to taste may leave the sauce bland.

Helpful Tips

• For a smoother sauce, blend the mixture after cooking.
• Adjust the spice level by adding more or less chili powder.
• Fresh herbs like cilantro can enhance the flavor.
• Make a double batch and freeze for future meals.

FAQs

Can I make enchilada sauce ahead of time?

Yes, enchilada sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to one week or frozen for longer shelf life. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully.

What can I use enchilada sauce for besides enchiladas?

Besides enchiladas, this sauce is perfect for tacos, burritos, or as a zesty dip for chips. You can also use it to enhance the flavor of stews and soups.

Is enchilada sauce gluten-free?

Yes, this homemade enchilada sauce is gluten-free as it uses no flour or wheat-based ingredients. Always double-check store-bought options for gluten content.

How spicy is this enchilada sauce?

The spice level can be adjusted based on your preference. By modifying the amount of chili powder or adding fresh peppers, you can create a milder or spicier sauce.

Can I use canned tomatoes instead of tomato sauce?

Yes, canned tomatoes can be used in place of tomato sauce. Just blend them until smooth and adjust the seasoning to your liking.

Conclusion

Making your own enchilada sauce is a rewarding experience that elevates your dishes with fresh, vibrant flavors. With simple ingredients and easy steps, you can enjoy this versatile sauce in many meals. Experiment with spices and enjoy the rich taste of homemade enchilada sauce!

Enchilada Sauce

A flavorful and spicy enchilada sauce made from fresh ingredients, perfect for drenching your favorite Mexican dishes.

Print Pin Rate

Course: Sauce

Cuisine: Mexican

Keyword: enchilada sauce, Mexican recipes, homemade sauce, spicy sauce

Prep Time: 10 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes minutes

Servings: 4 servings

Calories: 80kcal

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium onion finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic minced
• 2 tablespoons chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 can 15 oz tomato sauce
• 1 cup vegetable broth
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon lime juice

Instructions

• Heat olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat.
• Add chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.
• Stir in minced garlic and cook for another minute.
• Add chili powder, cumin, and paprika; stir to combine.
• Pour in tomato sauce and vegetable broth.
• Bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring occasionally.
• Season with salt and pepper to taste.
• Let the sauce simmer for about 15 minutes, allowing flavors to meld.
• Stir in lime juice before removing from heat.
• Use immediately or let cool before storing in an airtight container.

Nutrition

Calories: 80kcal | Carbohydrates: 10g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 4g | Fiber: 1g