Mexican cuisine is a vibrant tapestry of flavors, and at its heart lies a diverse world of Mexican Sauces. From the fiery kick of salsa to the rich complexity of mole, sauces elevate simple dishes into unforgettable culinary experiences. Among these, enchilada sauce holds a special place, essential for creating classic comfort food. Forget bland, store-bought versions; crafting your own homemade enchilada sauce is surprisingly easy and unlocks a depth of flavor you won’t believe.
I’ve spent considerable time perfecting my enchilada recipe, realizing that the sauce is the true star. To share this essential element of Mexican cooking, I’m offering my tested and perfected enchilada sauce recipe. Ready in under ten minutes, this sauce will transform your enchiladas and become a staple in your kitchen. Once you taste the difference, you’ll never reach for a canned sauce again.
When developing this recipe, I explored numerous approaches, diving deep into what makes an authentic and delicious enchilada sauce. I experimented with various bases, from tomato sauce to diced tomatoes, only to find them lacking the true, rich flavor I was seeking. Some attempts were too raw-tasting, others too thin and watery, failing to capture the essence of the mexican sauces I knew and loved from my favorite restaurants and family meals. Sauces without thickeners resulted in soupy enchiladas, a textural disappointment.
Through persistent experimentation and consulting trusted culinary resources like America’s Test Kitchen, I finally arrived at the ultimate enchilada sauce. The secret lies in a simple roux of flour and oil, which forms the foundation before vegetable broth is added. This careful technique ensures the perfect thickness and body. For those avoiding gluten, a gluten-free flour blend works seamlessly, maintaining the sauce’s wonderful texture.
Authentic homemade Mexican enchilada sauce recipe, a key ingredient in delicious Mexican cuisine.
The Secret to Exceptional Mexican Sauces: Homemade Enchilada Sauce
Why choose this recipe for your introduction to homemade mexican sauces, specifically enchilada sauce? Here are compelling reasons:
- Authentic Mexican Flavor: This sauce bursts with genuine Mexican taste, derived from a carefully balanced blend of dried spices. Sautéing these spices in oil is key, releasing their aromatic oils and deepening their flavor profile. The addition of umami-rich tomato paste further enhances the savory depth.
- Optional Warmth of Cinnamon: While cinnamon might seem unconventional in a savory sauce, just a pinch introduces a subtle warmth and complexity that elevates the overall flavor. It’s optional for those who prefer a more traditional profile, but highly recommended for adding a unique touch.
- Flavor-Boosting Vinegar: A splash of vinegar at the end is a game-changer. This tiny addition brightens the flavors, adding a necessary zing that balances the richness of the sauce and makes all the other ingredients sing. This is a common technique in many mexican sauces to achieve flavor balance.
- Pure and Wholesome Ingredients: Unlike many canned enchilada sauces laden with processed ingredients and unnecessary additives like MSG, this homemade version is made with simple, wholesome ingredients you can feel good about.
I wholeheartedly believe you’ll love this sauce. Its rave reviews on dishes like my spinach artichoke enchiladas and veggie black bean enchiladas are a testament to its deliciousness and versatility.
Your feedback is invaluable! Please share your experience with this recipe in the comments below. Your insights help me continue to refine and improve these essential mexican sauces recipes.
Step-by-Step Guide: Crafting Your Enchilada Sauce
Step-by-step guide on how to make the best Mexican enchilada sauce at home, highlighting its authentic flavors and simple preparation.
Homemade Enchilada Sauce Recipe
- Author: Cookie and Kate
- Prep Time: 3 mins
- Cook Time: 7 mins
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 2 cups
Rating: 4.8 from 1857 reviews
Print Recipe
This homemade red enchilada sauce captures the authentic essence of mexican sauces! It’s so incredibly flavorful and easy to make that store-bought versions will become a distant memory. For future meals, consider doubling the batch and freezing half for convenient use. This recipe yields approximately 2 cups (16 ounces) of sauce.
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 tablespoons flour (whole wheat, all-purpose, and gluten-free blends work well)
- 1 tablespoon ground chili powder (adjust amount based on spice preference and chili powder heat)
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon dried oregano
- ¼ teaspoon salt, or to taste
- Pinch of cinnamon (optional, but recommended)
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar or distilled white vinegar
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare Ingredients: This sauce comes together quickly, so pre-measure your dry ingredients (flour, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, oregano, salt, and cinnamon if using) into a small bowl and keep it within reach of your stovetop. Similarly, have the tomato paste and vegetable broth ready nearby.
- Sauté Spices: In a medium-sized pot over medium heat, warm the olive oil. Test if the oil is ready by sprinkling a tiny bit of the flour/spice mixture into the pot; it should sizzle gently upon contact. This may take a few minutes, so be patient and stay by the stove.
- Create Roux and Build Flavor: Once the oil is heated, pour in the pre-mixed flour and spice blend. Whisk constantly, cooking for about 1 minute until the mixture becomes fragrant and slightly deepens in color. This step is crucial for developing the base flavor of your mexican sauces. Whisk in the tomato paste until well combined, then slowly pour in the vegetable broth while continuing to whisk vigorously. This prevents lumps and ensures a smooth sauce.
- Simmer and Thicken: Increase the heat to medium-high and bring the sauce to a gentle simmer. Reduce the heat as needed to maintain a simmer and cook, whisking frequently, for approximately 5 to 7 minutes. The sauce will thicken as it cooks, and you’ll notice it coating the back of a spoon and offering slight resistance when stirred. Remember, the sauce will thicken further as it cools.
- Finish and Season: Remove the pot from the heat and whisk in the vinegar. Season generously with freshly ground black pepper and add more salt to taste, if needed. I usually find another pinch or two enhances the flavors perfectly. Your homemade enchilada sauce, a cornerstone of delicious mexican sauces, is now ready to elevate your enchilada dishes!
Recipe Notes
- Recipe Inspiration: This enchilada sauce recipe is adapted from my spinach artichoke enchilada recipe.
- Storage: Leftover enchilada sauce can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze for up to 3 months. Allow the sauce to cool to room temperature before transferring it to a wide-mouth mason jar (leave headspace for expansion and don’t fully tighten the lid until frozen) or a freezer bag (remove excess air before sealing).
- Gluten-Free Option: Easily make this sauce gluten-free by using a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Bob’s Red Mill brand has been tested and works wonderfully.
- Tomato-Free Variation: For a tomato-free version, simply omit the tomato paste. You may want to slightly increase the amount of spices to compensate for the flavor depth. While the sauce will have a slightly different profile than traditional enchilada sauce, it will still be delicious and flavorful, offering another dimension to mexican sauces.
- Spice Customization: While chili powder, cumin, and garlic powder are essential for the foundational flavor, feel free to experiment with other spices to personalize the sauce to your taste preferences. Explore other dried chilies for varying heat levels and flavor notes to create your signature mexican sauces.
- Explore More Mexican Flavors: Discover more of my mexican recipes here!
Rich and flavorful red enchilada sauce from scratch, showcasing the vibrant colors and authentic taste of Mexican homemade sauces.
Nutrition Information
- Nutritional information is an estimated value from an online nutrition calculator and should not be considered professional nutritional advice. Refer to our full nutrition disclosure here.
- Category: Condiment
- Cuisine: Mexican
By mastering this enchilada sauce recipe, you’ve unlocked a gateway to a world of flavorful mexican sauces. Enjoy the satisfaction of creating authentic, homemade taste that surpasses anything store-bought. Get creative, experiment with variations, and savor the delicious results in your next Mexican-inspired meal!
