The savory aroma of homemade enchilada sauce wafts through the kitchen, making your mouth water in anticipation. This rich, flavorful concoction is sure to elevate your favorite Mexican dishes, bringing that authentic taste right to your table.
Picture this: a cozy gathering with family and friends, laughter filling the air as you serve up cheesy enchiladas topped with a generous drizzle of this homemade sauce. The vibrant reds and greens dance together, promising a burst of flavor in every bite.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This enchilada sauce recipe is easy to whip up and requires minimal ingredients
- Its deep, smoky flavor elevates any dish it’s paired with
- The vibrant color adds an appetizing touch to your meals
- Perfect for tacos, burritos, or even as a dip for tortilla chips!
I’ll never forget the first time I made this enchilada sauce for my family; their eyes lit up like kids on Christmas morning!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
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Canned Tomatoes: Look for whole or diced tomatoes packed in juice for the freshest flavor.
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Onion: A medium onion will add sweetness; chop it finely for better blending.
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Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves give an aromatic kick; avoid the pre-minced stuff if possible.
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Chili Powder: Use a good quality chili powder for depth; adjust based on your spice tolerance.
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Cumin: This earthy spice enhances the flavor profile; don’t skip it!
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Salt & Pepper: Essential seasonings to bring all the flavors together; taste as you go.
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Olive Oil: For sautéing; use extra virgin for a richer taste.
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Optional: Chipotle Peppers in Adobo Sauce: For an extra smoky heat—just one can transform this sauce!
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Sautéing Aromatics: Begin by heating olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add chopped onion and garlic, sautéing until they turn translucent and fragrant—about 5 minutes will do.
Blending the Base: In a blender or food processor, combine canned tomatoes with sautéed onions and garlic. Add chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth with a few pulses for texture.
Cooking Down the Sauce: Pour the blended mixture back into the saucepan over medium heat. Let it simmer uncovered for about 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally until thickened.
Tweaking Flavor Profiles: Taste your sauce after simmering; feel free to add more spices or even chipotle peppers if you fancy some heat!
Final Adjustments & Serve!: Once thickened to your liking, adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. Your delicious enchilada sauce is now ready to pour over enchiladas or store in jars for later use.
Now you have an amazing homemade enchilada sauce that’s bursting with flavor! Enjoy it drizzled over your favorite Mexican dishes or simply dipped with some crunchy tortilla chips while binge-watching your favorite show. Happy cooking!
You Must Know
- This enchilada sauce recipe is versatile; it can elevate not just enchiladas but also tacos, burritos, and even omelets
- Its vibrant flavors are perfect for any dish needing a spicy kick, making your meals exciting and delicious
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by sautéing onions and garlic in oil until fragrant, then add tomatoes and spices to simmer. This sequence ensures rich flavors develop before blending into a smooth sauce.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to customize with chipotle for smokiness or add more chili powder for an extra kick. You can also use fresh herbs like cilantro for freshness in flavor.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover enchilada sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. Reheat on low heat on the stovetop while stirring frequently to maintain texture.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- A little extra simmering time deepens the flavor of your enchilada sauce significantly
- Don’t skimp on the spices; they’re what make this sauce pop!
- Always taste as you go for adjustments based on your preference
Sharing my first attempt at this enchilada sauce recipe brings back memories of a kitchen disaster turned triumph—friends devoured it like they hadn’t eaten in days!
FAQ
Can I freeze this enchilada sauce recipe?
Yes, you can freeze it for up to three months in an airtight container.
What type of chilies should I use?
Use dried ancho or guajillo chilies for a rich flavor profile.
How do I make it spicier?
Add cayenne pepper or fresh jalapeños to increase the heat level effectively.
Homemade Enchilada Sauce
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: About 4 servings 1x
Description
Elevate your Mexican dishes with this easy homemade enchilada sauce, bursting with rich, smoky flavor. Simple to prepare with minimal ingredients, this sauce is perfect for drizzling over cheesy enchiladas, tacos, or even as a zesty dip for tortilla chips. Impress your family and friends while creating unforgettable meals.
Ingredients
- 1 can (28 oz) whole tomatoes
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- ½ tsp black pepper (adjust to taste)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 can chipotle peppers in adobo sauce (optional)
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add chopped onion and garlic; sauté until translucent (about 5 minutes).
- In a blender, combine canned tomatoes with sautéed onions and garlic. Add chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth.
- Pour the mixture back into the saucepan and simmer uncovered for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally until thickened.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed; add chipotle peppers for extra heat if desired.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Sauce
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: ¼ cup (60g)
- Calories: 50
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 2g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
