Enchilada Sauce

Imagine you’re in your kitchen, ready to whip up a savory enchilada sauce that’ll elevate your Mexican dishes to new heights.

You’ll need just a few basic tools and ingredients like 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil, 1/4 cup of chili powder, and a dash of garlic and onion powders.

This versatile sauce can be prepared in under 35 minutes, but there’s more to discover in the way you can customize it to your taste.

Kitchen Tools Required

• 1 medium saucepan
• 1 wooden spoon
• 1 blender or immersion blender
• 1 measuring cup set
• 1 measuring spoon set

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar

Cook & Prep Time

To efficiently manage your time while preparing and cooking enchilada sauce, follow this timeline:

1. Preparation Reading (5 minutes)
   • Begin by familiarizing yourself with the recipe instructions and gathering all necessary ingredients and equipment.
2. Prep Time (10 minutes)
   • Measure out all the ingredients:
   • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
   • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
   • 1/4 cup chili powder
   • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
   • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
   • 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
   • 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
   • 1/2 teaspoon salt
   • 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
   • 1 tablespoon tomato paste
   • 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
   • Set up your medium saucepan, wooden spoon, and blender or immersion blender (if using).
3. Cooking Time (20 minutes)
   • Minute 0-1: Heat the vegetable oil in the saucepan over medium heat.
   • Minute 1-2: Add the flour and whisk for about 1 minute until it forms a paste.
   • Minute 2-4: Stir in the chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, cumin, and salt.
   • Minute 4-6: Gradually add the broth, whisking constantly to avoid lumps.
   • Minute 6-7: Stir in the tomato paste.
   • Minute 7-20: Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens.
4. Resting Time (5 minutes)
   • Minute 20-21: Remove from heat and stir in the apple cider vinegar.
   • Minute 21-26: Let the sauce rest for 5 minutes before using or storing.
5. Total Time: 35 minutes
   • The entire process, including preparation, cooking, and resting, will take about 35 minutes.

This timeline allows you to efficiently manage your time and guarantees that you complete the enchilada sauce within the estimated time frame.

Recipe Instructions

Heat the vegetable oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat.

Add the flour and whisk for about 1 minute until it forms a paste.

Stir in the chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, cumin, and salt.

Gradually add the chicken or vegetable broth, whisking constantly to avoid lumps.

Stir in the tomato paste and bring the mixture to a simmer.

Cook for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens.

Remove from heat and stir in the apple cider vinegar.

Let the sauce rest for 5 minutes before using or storing.

Serving Tips

• Enchiladas: Use the sauce to smother your favorite enchiladas for a classic Mexican dish experience.
• Tacos: Drizzle the sauce over tacos to add an extra layer of flavor and spice.
• Burritos: Pour the sauce over burritos before baking for a deliciously saucy finish.
• Chilaquiles: Toss with tortilla chips and top with cheese for a satisfying breakfast or brunch dish.
• Nachos: Use as a topping for nachos to enhance the cheesy, savory, and spicy flavors.

Storage

Store the enchilada sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.

For longer storage, freeze the sauce for up to three months.

Thaw before reheating.

Freezing

To freeze enchilada sauce, let it cool completely.

Then transfer it into airtight containers or freezer bags.

Label with the date.

It can be stored for up to three months.

Reheating

To reheat enchilada sauce, warm it gently over low heat in a saucepan.

Stir occasionally.

Alternatively, use a microwave-safe container and heat in short intervals.

Stir between each interval.

Final Thoughts

Enchilada sauce is a versatile and flavorful addition to many dishes.

With its rich blend of spices and smooth texture, it elevates any Mexican cuisine experience.

The recipe is straightforward, requiring minimal prep and cook time.

Once prepared, this sauce can be customized to suit your taste preferences.

For a spicier kick, simply increase the amount of chili powder.

If you prefer a smoother consistency, blending the sauce after cooking is an excellent option.

Plus, it’s convenient to store; keep it in the refrigerator for up to a week or freeze it for up to three months.

Whether you’re making enchiladas, tacos, or simply looking to add some zest to your meals, this homemade enchilada sauce is a must-try.

Enjoy the vibrant flavors and the satisfaction of preparing this classic sauce from scratch.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Use Fresh Tomatoes Instead of Tomato Paste?

You can substitute fresh tomatoes for tomato paste. Use 3 medium tomatoes, blend until smooth, and simmer longer to reduce liquid. This will alter the sauce’s texture and flavor slightly but still yield delicious results.

How Can I Make the Sauce Spicier?

To make the sauce spicier, increase chili powder to 1/3 cup. Add 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper or diced jalapeños. Sauté them with spices for enhanced heat. Always taste test to verify the desired spice level.

Is This Sauce Gluten-Free?

No, it’s not gluten-free. The recipe includes all-purpose flour, which contains gluten. To make it gluten-free, substitute with an equal amount of gluten-free flour blend. Confirm all other ingredients are certified gluten-free.

Can I Substitute Another Oil for Vegetable Oil?

Yes, you can substitute olive oil or canola oil for vegetable oil. Use the same measurement, 2 tablespoons, to maintain the recipe’s balance. Guarantee the oil heats evenly before adding flour to create a smooth paste.

How Do I Know When the Sauce Is Thick Enough?

You’ll know the sauce is thick enough when it coats the back of a spoon and leaves a trail when you run your finger through it. Adjust cooking time if necessary to achieve the desired consistency.

Cynthia Weatherford

Cynthia Weatherford is a seasoned chef and culinary enthusiast who serves as the Recipe creator of Somonday. With decades of experience in the kitchen and a passion for exploring diverse cuisines, Cynthia brings a blend of creativity and technique to every dish. Known for transforming simple ingredients into show-stopping meals, Cynthia believes that cooking is an art form anyone can master. Dedicated to inspiring home cooks, Cynthia shares approachable recipes, pro tips, and culinary wisdom to make every meal memorable.