If you’re a fan of Mexican cuisine, you’ve probably tasted enchiladas at least once in your life. These delicious tortilla rolls filled with meat, cheese, and other savory ingredients are a staple of the Mexican kitchen. But what sets enchiladas apart from other Mexican dishes is the sauce. Homemade enchilada sauce can make all the difference in a dish and take your enchiladas from good to great.
In this blog post, we’ll share a delicious and easy recipe for homemade enchilada sauce that you can make in the comfort of your home. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting, this recipe will impress your family and friends. So, let’s get started!
Table of Contents
What is Enchilada Sauce?
Enchilada sauce is a versatile tomato-based sauce that can elevate any meal with its strong flavor profile. The addition of ground cumin and garlic powder gives it a smoky and thick texture that pairs perfectly with meats, cheeses, soups, and casseroles, adding depth and complexity to any dish it’s used in.
How to Make Enchilada Sauce
Preparing a delicious enchilada sauce recipe at home is a breeze and can be done in just 20 minutes. The complete recipe with step-by-step instructions can be found below, but here’s a brief overview of what to expect when making this highly-regarded dish:
Oil should first be heated in a skillet over medium-high heat. After completely combining the flour and chili powder, add the tomato sauce and additional seasonings. Cook the sauce for ten minutes or until it has thickened.
Enchilada Sauce Variations
The most typical red enchilada sauce to use tomatoes, chili powder, and other spicily flavored seasonings provide the taste for this hearty recipe.
The essential principles of green enchilada sauce are the same, but fresh green chiles are added for a more vibrant flavor.
White enchilada sauce that has been Westernized frequently contains dairy and uses cream soup or stock to enhance the flavor.
Ingredients
- Vegetable oil, 1/4 cup
- ¼ cup of California or New Mexico chili powder
- ½ cup self-rising flour
- ¾ cups of water
- 8 ounces of tomato sauce in one can
- ¼ teaspoon of cumin, ground
- Garlic powder, ¼ teaspoon
- ¼ teaspoon salt for onions
- salt to taste
Directions
In a skillet, heat the oil over medium-high heat. Stir in the flour and chili powder, lower the heat to medium, and cook for one minute, constantly stirring to keep the flour from burning, until the mixture is fragrant and has deepened in color.
Mix the water, tomato sauce, cumin, garlic powder, and onion salt together until you have a smooth mixture. Cook the mixture for another 10 minutes over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly. Season with salt to taste.
Ready to enjoy
Enchilada Sauce Recipe Tips
- Have your ingredients ready before you begin, and measure the spices into a small bowl. You should have everything else ready to prevent the garlic from burning once it is in the pan.
- This sauce has a very slightly spicy flavor. You can increase the cayenne pepper in the enchilada sauce for more heat. Cayenne pepper should not be added, and a mild chili powder should be used if you want the sauce to be moderate.
- Stir in some additional broth to thin the enchilada sauce if it is too thick.
- This sauce can be kept for later use or used right once. The sauce can be frozen for up to 3 months or refrigerated for up to 4 days in an airtight container.
Conclusion
Homemade enchilada sauce is a great way to add flavor to your Tex-Mex dishes. With this easy and delicious recipe, you can make your enchilada sauce quickly. Whether you prefer red, green, or white sauce, you can customize this recipe. So next time you’re craving enchiladas, skip the store-bought sauce and try this homemade version. Your taste buds will thank you.