Looking for the perfect enchilada sauce? This Homemade Enchilada Sauce is rich, smoky, and incredibly easy to make! Using simple ingredients like tomato paste, chili powder, and garlic, this sauce adds bold flavor to enchiladas, tacos, and burritos. Ready in just 15 minutes, it’s so much better than canned versions!
Enchilada Sauce :
Making sauce from scratch is easier than you think! This flavor-packed recipe comes together quickly and makes your enchiladas taste truly authentic. With just a few pantry staples, you can create a bold, velvety sauce that will transform your Mexican dishes. Once you try this homemade version, you’ll never go back to store-bought sauce again!
History of the Recipe :
sauce originates from cuisine, where it has been a staple for centuries. Traditional enchilada sauces were made using dried chili peppers, garlic, and spices, blended into a smooth and spicy sauce. Over time, adaptations using tomato-based sauces, flour, and broth became popular in Tex-Mex cuisine. Today, enchilada sauce varies in heat and ingredients, but it remains an essential component in enchiladas, casseroles, and Tex-Mex dishes worldwide.
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Enchilada Sauce
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil or butter
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour (for thickening)
- 2 tbsp chili powder (adjust for spice preference)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp ground cumin
- ½ tsp smoked paprika (optional, for depth)
- ½ tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp salt (or to taste)
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 2 tomato paste
- 2 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- 1 tsp apple cider vinegar (optional, for balance)
Instructions
- Make the roux – In a medium saucepan, heat oil or butter over medium heat. Add flour and whisk for 1-2 minutes until slightly golden.
- Add spices – Stir in chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, paprika, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 30 seconds until fragrant
- .Incorporate tomato paste – Add tomato paste and stir well.
- Slowly add broth – Gradually pour in broth, whisking constantly to prevent lumps.
- Simmer and thicken – Bring the sauce to a simmer and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally until it thickens.
- Add vinegar (optional) – Stir in apple cider vinegar for extra depth of flavor.
- Serve or store – Use immediately or let it cool and store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week.
Notes
- For a spicier sauce, add ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce.
- For a smoky flavor, use smoked paprika or add a small chipotle pepper in adobo sauce.
- To make it gluten-free, replace flour with cornstarch (mix 1 tablespoon cornstarch with cold broth before adding).
- Storage: Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week or freeze for up to 3 months.
Tips for Enchilada Sauce :
- Whisk constantly when adding the broth to avoid lumps.
- Adjust the thickness by adding more broth for a thinner sauce or simmering longer for a thicker consistency.
- Double the batch and freeze leftovers for quick enchilada meals.
- For a richer sauce, replace part of the broth with tomato sauce.
FAQs for Enchilada Sauce :
Q: Can I make this enchilada sauce ahead of time?
A: Yes! Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week or freeze for up to 3 months.
Q: How can I make my enchilada sauce thicker?
A: Simmer longer to reduce the liquid or add an extra tablespoon of flour when making the roux.
Q: Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of tomato paste?
A: Yes! Blend 2 medium tomatoes and cook them down before adding the broth for a fresh tomato flavor.
Q: Is this sauce spicy?
A: It has mild heat, but you can increase or decrease the chili powder to your taste.
Q: What can I use this sauce for besides enchiladas?
A: It’s great for tacos, burritos, nachos, casseroles, rice dishes, and even as a dip!
Conclusion :
This Sauce is a rich, flavorful, and easy-to-make staple for any Mexican-inspired meal. With bold spices, a smooth texture, and a deep smoky taste, it enhances enchiladas, tacos, burritos, and more. Say goodbye to canned sauce—this authentic recipe is ready in just 15 minutes and packed with homemade goodness!