Enchilada Sauce
Transform your meals with this rich and savory enchilada sauce. Perfect for drizzling over enchiladas, tacos, or even as a dipping sauce, this homemade version brings out the authentic flavors of Mexican cuisine. With a blend of spices, tomatoes, and a hint of heat, it’s sure to become a staple in your kitchen.
Ingredients
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 small onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon chili powder
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
– 1 cup vegetable broth
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: 1 tablespoon sugar for sweetness
Servings and Cooking Time
This recipe makes approximately 2 cups of enchilada sauce, perfect for 4-6 servings. Preparation time is about 10 minutes, with a cooking time of 20 minutes.
Nutritional Value
Each serving (1/4 cup) of enchilada sauce contains approximately 50 calories, 2g of fat, 8g of carbohydrates, and 1g of protein. This is based on one serving for one person.
Step-by-Step Cooking Process
1. Heat olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat.
2. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent.
3. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
4. Add the chili powder, cumin, and paprika; cook for 30 seconds to release flavors.
5. Pour in the tomato sauce and vegetable broth, stirring well.
6. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce heat to low.
7. Season with salt and pepper, and add sugar if desired.
8. Let the sauce simmer for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
9. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
10. Remove from heat and let cool before using.
Alternative Ingredients
You can substitute olive oil with vegetable oil or butter. For a spicier sauce, add diced jalapeños or cayenne pepper. If you prefer a milder flavor, use low-sodium tomato sauce and broth.
Serving and Pairings
Enchilada sauce pairs beautifully with cheese enchiladas, tacos, or burritos. It can also be drizzled over grilled chicken or used as a dipping sauce for tortilla chips.
Storage and Reheating
Store 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 on the stove or in the microwave until heated through.
Cooking Mistakes
- Using too much chili powder can make the sauce overly spicy.
- Not sautéing the onions and garlic enough can result in raw flavors.
- Skipping the simmering step may lead to a bland sauce.
- Not tasting and adjusting seasoning can make the sauce lack depth.
- Using canned tomatoes instead of sauce can alter the texture.
Helpful Tips
- For a richer flavor, let the sauce sit overnight in the fridge before using.
- Experiment with different spices to create your own unique blend.
- For a smoky flavor, add a dash of smoked paprika.
- Adjust the thickness by adding more or less broth.
FAQs
Can I make enchilada sauce ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare enchilada sauce in advance. It stores well in the refrigerator for up to a week and can also be frozen for later use. Just reheat it before serving.
What can I use enchilada sauce for?
Besides enchiladas, this sauce is great for tacos, burritos, or even as a flavorful dip for chips. You can also drizzle it over grilled meats or roasted vegetables for added flavor.
Is enchilada sauce gluten-free?
Yes, this homemade enchilada sauce is gluten-free as it doesn’t contain any flour or gluten-containing ingredients. Always check the labels of store-bought versions for hidden gluten.
How spicy is enchilada sauce?
The spiciness of enchilada sauce can vary based on the amount of chili powder and any additional spicy ingredients you include. Adjust the spice level to your preference by modifying these ingredients.
Can I make enchilada sauce vegan?
Absolutely! This recipe is already vegan. Ensure all ingredients, like broth and canned products, are labeled vegan to maintain this status.
Conclusion
Homemade enchilada sauce is a simple yet flavorful addition to your culinary repertoire. With just a few ingredients and easy preparation steps, you can elevate your meals and impress your guests. Whether used in traditional dishes or as a versatile condiment, this sauce brings authentic Mexican flavors to your table.
Enchilada Sauce
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small onion finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 can 15 oz tomato sauce
- 1 cup vegetable broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: 1 tablespoon sugar for sweetness
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
- Add chili powder, cumin, and paprika; cook for 30 seconds.
- Pour in tomato sauce and vegetable broth, stirring well.
- Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low.
- Season with salt and pepper, and add sugar if desired.
- Let the sauce simmer for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Remove from heat and let cool before using.