November 8, 2023

Homemade Enchilada Sauce: Bold and Healthy Recipe You’ll Love

Name: Homemade Enchilada Sauce Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons vegetable oil; 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour; 2 tablespoons chili powder (adjust for desired spiciness); 1 teaspoon ground cumin; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/2 teaspoon onion powder; 1/4 teaspoon paprika; 1/4 teaspoon oregano; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 2 1/2 cups chicken broth; 1 6 oz can tomato paste

Homemade Enchilada Sauce: Bold and Healthy Recipe You’ll Love

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N. Jay Sorensen, MBA RDN

Enchiladas are a cherished dish that embodies the vibrant flavors of Mexican cuisine. Central to this beloved meal is enchilada sauce—a rich, savory blend that turns simple ingredients into a culinary masterpiece. While store-bought sauce offers convenience, there’s something uniquely satisfying about making your own. In this post, we’ll explore the sauce’s history, popular appeal, nutritional benefits, and creative serving ideas. By the end, you’ll be inspired to whip up your own batch of homemade enchilada sauce.

The History of Enchilada Sauce: A Journey Through Time

The origins of enchilada sauce are deeply rooted in Mexican culture. The term “enchilada” translates to “seasoned with chili” in Spanish, a nod to its chili-based heritage. The concept dates back to the Aztecs, who wrapped small fish in tortillas and dipped them in chili sauce. Over time, the Spanish influence introduced new ingredients like tomatoes, garlic, and onions, which became staples in Mexican cooking. This fusion created the bold, savory enchilada sauce we enjoy today.

Why Homemade Enchilada Sauce is Gaining Popularity

In recent years, homemade enchilada sauce has surged in popularity for several reasons:

Superior Flavor: Fresh, high-quality ingredients create a vibrant, robust taste that’s unmatched by store-bought versions.
Customization: You control the level of spiciness, smokiness, and texture, tailoring the sauce to your preferences.
No Unwanted Additives: Many packaged sauces contain preservatives, artificial flavors, and excessive sodium. Making your own means you skip the unnecessary extras.
Nutritional Advantages: Fresh ingredients offer a significant boost in vitamins, antioxidants, and other essential nutrients.

Common Ingredients for Homemade Enchilada Sauce

A great enchilada sauce relies on a balance of bold flavors and fresh ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:

Tomatoes: The base of the sauce, offering tanginess, natural sweetness, and a rich dose of antioxidants.
Chili Peppers: The heart of the flavor. Choose from mild ancho chilies to fiery cayenne for different levels of heat.
Onions and Garlic: These aromatic staples enhance the sauce’s complexity and provide immune-boosting benefits.
Spices: Ground cumin, paprika, oregano, and black pepper add depth and warmth to the sauce.
Vegetable Broth: Helps achieve the perfect consistency while adding a savory note.

Pro Tip:

For an extra smoky flavor, roast the tomatoes and peppers before blending them into the sauce. Toasting your spices also intensifies their aroma and flavor.

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Homemade Enchilada Sauce Recipe

earn how to make delicious enchilada sauce at home with this easy recipe. It takes only 15 minutes to prepare, yields approximately 2 1/2 cups of sauce, and can be used to spice up your favorite Mexican dishes.

Course Sauces, Stocks, and Accompaniments

Cuisine Mexican

Prep Time 5

Cook Time 10

Author N. Jay Sorensen, MBA RDN

Ingredients

2 tablespoons vegetable oil
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons chili powder adjust for desired spiciness
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/4 teaspoon paprika
1/4 teaspoon oregano
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
2 1/2 cups chicken broth
1 6 oz can tomato paste

Instructions

In a saucepan, heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil over medium heat.
Add 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour and stir until it’s smooth.
Incorporate 2 tablespoons of chili powder (adjust for your preferred level of spiciness), 1 teaspoon of ground cumin, 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon of onion powder, 1/4 teaspoon of paprika, 1/4 teaspoon of oregano, 1/4 teaspoon of salt, and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper. Stir until the mixture is well combined.
Gradually pour in 2 1/2 cups of chicken broth and add the 6 oz can of tomato paste, stirring constantly until the sauce becomes smooth.
Bring the sauce to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 10-15 minutes until it reaches your desired consistency.
Use the enchilada sauce immediately, or store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.

Notes

Customize the spiciness of this versatile sauce by adjusting the amount of chili powder. Enjoy it with traditional enchiladas or get creative with other Mexican-inspired dishes.

Nutritional Benefits of Homemade Enchilada Sauce

Homemade enchilada sauce isn’t just delicious—it’s also packed with health benefits:

Rich in Antioxidants: Tomatoes and chili peppers are loaded with antioxidants that help fight inflammation and support heart health.
Boosts Metabolism: Capsaicin in chili peppers can aid in weight management by enhancing metabolism.
Low in Sodium: You control the salt content, making it a heart-healthier option.
Packed with Vitamins: Tomatoes provide vitamins A, C, and K, while onions and garlic offer vitamin B6 and immune-supporting properties.

Creative Serving Ideas for Homemade Enchilada Sauce

This versatile sauce can be used far beyond traditional enchiladas. Here are some tasty ways to enjoy it:

Classic Enchiladas: Pour generously over stuffed tortillas, then bake until bubbly and golden.
Taco Upgrade: Add a drizzle to tacos for an unexpected kick.
Baked Chicken or Fish: Brush the sauce onto your protein of choice for a flavorful twist.
Breakfast Boost: Stir it into scrambled eggs or drizzle over an omelet for a zesty start to your day.
Dip for Chips: Serve it as a dipping sauce for tortilla chips or fresh veggies.

Chef Tips for Perfecting Your Enchilada Sauce

Roast for Richness: Roasting tomatoes and chili peppers deepens their flavor.
Use Fresh Spices: Ground spices lose potency over time. Use fresh ones for the best results.
Balance the Heat: Start with a smaller amount of chili powder and adjust to taste.
Thicken It Up: If your sauce is too thin, simmer it a bit longer or add a slurry of cornstarch and water.

Food Safety Tips

Homemade sauce is only as good as your food safety practices. Keep these tips in mind:

Wash Produce Thoroughly: Rinse all fresh ingredients to remove any contaminants.
Cook to Perfection: Ensure your sauce reaches a rolling boil and simmers as directed to kill bacteria.
Store Properly: Refrigerate leftover sauce in an airtight container and use it within a week.

Conclusion

Making your own enchilada sauce is a rewarding way to enhance your cooking while reaping the nutritional benefits of fresh ingredients. Whether you’re crafting classic enchiladas or experimenting with creative dishes, this sauce is your ticket to bold, authentic flavors. Give it a try, and you’ll wonder why you ever settled for store-bought.