Want to make your own delicious enchiladas at home? Look no further! With this easy enchilada sauce recipe, you can create a flavorful and authentic Mexican dish in no time. Made with simple ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry, this sauce is a game-changer when it comes to elevating your enchilada game.
To make this enchilada sauce, you’ll need:
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 3 tablespoons chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
- 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
First, heat the vegetable oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add the flour and chili powder, and whisk them together to form a smooth paste. Cook the mixture for about 1 minute, stirring constantly.
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 | Heat oil and whisk together flour and chili powder. |
| 2 | Add garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, and oregano. Stir well. |
| 3 | Pour in the broth and season with salt and pepper. |
| 4 | Cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. |
Next, add the garlic powder, onion powder, ground cumin, and dried oregano to the saucepan. Stir well to combine the flavors. Then, pour in the chicken or vegetable broth and season the sauce with salt and black pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Once the enchilada sauce is thickened and all the flavors have melded together, you can use it to smother your enchiladas or as a dipping sauce for quesadillas and tacos. The possibilities are endless! Give this easy enchilada sauce recipe a try and take your Mexican cooking to the next level.
What is Enchilada Sauce?
Enchilada sauce can be red or green in color, depending on the ingredients used. Red enchilada sauce is made with tomatoes, chili powder, garlic, and other seasonings. It has a slightly sweet and tangy taste with a moderate level of spiciness. Green enchilada sauce, also known as salsa verde, is made with tomatillos, green chili peppers, cilantro, and garlic. It has a tangy and slightly tart flavor with a mild to medium level of spiciness.
- Enchilada sauce is typically made by first sautéing onions and garlic in oil.
- Tomatoes or tomatillos are then added along with the spices and seasonings.
- The sauce is simmered until it thickens and the flavors meld together.
- After the sauce is made, it is usually poured over assembled enchiladas and baked until bubbly and golden brown.
Enchilada sauce can also be used in other Mexican dishes such as chilaquiles, tamales, and as a dipping sauce for nachos. It adds a bold and zesty flavor to any dish it is used in and is a staple in Mexican cooking.
The Origins and Definition of Enchilada Sauce
Traditionally, enchilada sauce is made by simmering dried chili peppers, such as ancho or guajillo, with tomatoes, onions, garlic, and various spices. The mixture is then blended until smooth and strained to create a smooth and velvety sauce. The resulting sauce is typically deep red in color and has a robust and slightly smoky flavor.
Ingredients commonly used in enchilada sauce include:
- Dried chili peppers (such as ancho, guajillo, or pasilla)
- Tomatoes
- Onions
- Garlic
- Spices (such as cumin, oregano, and coriander)
- Salt
| Enchilada Sauce Ingredients |
|---|
| Ancho chili peppers |
| Guajillo chili peppers |
| Tomatoes |
| Onions |
| Garlic |
| Cumin |
| Oregano |
| Coriander |
| Salt |
Enchilada sauce is incredibly versatile and can be used in a variety of dishes, not just enchiladas. It can be used as a base for soups, stews, and marinades, or simply used as a flavorful topping for tacos, tostadas, or grilled meats.
