Fiesta in a Pan: Authentic Homemade Enchilada Sauce

Recipe Introduction

Quick Hook

Fancy a flavour explosion? Honestly, this homemade enchilada sauce is leagues better than anything you'll find in a jar! It's rich, smoky, and has a bit of a kick – proper lush, innit?

Brief Overview

Enchilada sauce is a staple in mexican cooking. it adds so much depth. this is an easy enchilada sauce recipe that takes about 45 minutes from start to finish.

It makes enough for about 12-16 enchiladas.

Main Benefits

One of the best things? you control the ingredients! no dodgy additives! serve this for a cracking mexican night in.

It's one of those recipes with enchilada sauce so good you'll never go back.

Ready to ditch the shop-bought sauce? Thought so! I remember the first time I tasted real authentic Mexican enchilada sauce . My mind was blown! Seriously, the difference is night and day.

Let's Talk Ingredients: The Flavor Squad

First, you need the oil, flour, and spices for our flavour base. that's vegetable oil, plain flour, chili powder, dried oregano, cumin, garlic powder, cayenne pepper if you're brave, smoked paprika, cinnamon, salt, and pepper.

Honestly, the aroma when you toast the spices is unbelievable.

Then, for the sauce itself, we are using chicken broth (or vegetable for the veggies out there) , tomato paste, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, and worcestershire sauce.

Don't skip the worcestershire sauce. it adds such a depth of flavour.

Did you know the global enchilada sauce market is projected to reach millions? People are really getting wise to the taste of proper Mexican!

Fiesta in a Pan: Authentic Homemade Enchilada Sauce Recipe Card

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Preparation time:15 Mins

Cooking time:30 Mins

Servings:4 cups

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (30ml)
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (25g)
• ¼ cup chili powder (30g)
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano (2g)
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin (2g)
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder (1g)
• ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat) (0.5g)
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (1g)
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon (0.5g)
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt (3g)
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper (0.5g)
• 4 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth for a vegetarian option) (950ml)
• 1 (6 ounce) can tomato paste (170g)
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar (30ml)
• 1 tablespoon packed brown sugar (12g)
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce (or soy sauce for a deeper umami flavour) (5ml)

Instructions:

• Heat oil in the saucepan over medium heat. Add flour and cook, whisking constantly, until a light roux forms (about 1-2 minutes). Reduce heat to low, then add chili powder, oregano, cumin, garlic powder, cayenne pepper (if using), smoked paprika, cinnamon, salt, and pepper. Cook, stirring constantly, for 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn the spices.
• Gradually whisk in the chicken broth, ensuring no lumps form. Add the tomato paste, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, and Worcestershire sauce.
• Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce heat to low and cook, uncovered, for at least 20 minutes, or up to 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency.
• Taste the sauce and adjust seasonings as needed. Add more salt, pepper, or chili powder to your liking.
• Let the sauce cool slightly before using in your enchiladas or other favourite dishes.

Nutrition Facts

Calories:50-70

Fat:3-4g

Fiber:1-2g

Recipe Info

Category:Sauce

Cuisine:Mexican

Ingredients & Equipment for Fiesta in a Pan: Authentic Homemade Enchilada Sauce

Alright, let's talk ingredients for the best homemade enchilada sauce ever. forget that bottled stuff. we're going proper, you know? i remember the first time i tried making my own.

Oh my gosh! it was a disaster zone. lumpy, bland... but i persevered! now, i'm sharing my hard-won wisdom.

Main Ingredients: The Flavor Brigade

• Vegetable oil: 2 tablespoons ( 30ml )
• All-purpose flour: 2 tablespoons ( 25g )
• Chili powder: ¼ cup ( 30g ) (Ancho or New Mexico)
• Dried oregano: 1 teaspoon ( 2g )
• Ground cumin: 1 teaspoon ( 2g )
• Garlic powder: ½ teaspoon ( 1g )
• Cayenne pepper: ¼ teaspoon ( 0.5g ) (optional, for a kick)
• Smoked paprika: ½ teaspoon ( 1g )
• Ground cinnamon: 1/4 teaspoon ( 0.5g )
• Kosher salt: 1/2 teaspoon ( 3g )
• Black pepper: ¼ teaspoon ( 0.5g )
• Chicken broth: 4 cups ( 950ml ) (veggie broth works too!)
• Tomato paste: 1 (6 ounce) can ( 170g )
• Apple cider vinegar: 2 tablespoons ( 30ml )
• Brown sugar: 1 tablespoon ( 12g )
• Worcestershire sauce: 1 teaspoon ( 5ml )

For the chili powder, try Ancho or New Mexico for a milder taste. Quality chili powder makes all the difference. Avoid the dusty stuff.

Seasoning Notes: The Secret Sauce to Simple Enchilada Sauce

Oregano and cumin are a must! they give that authentic mexican vibe. worcestershire adds a lovely depth of flavour. if you want that spicy enchilada sauce recipe , you can totally up the cayenne pepper.

Smoked paprika adds some smokiness and depth.

Equipment Needed: Keep it Basic

• Large saucepan or Dutch oven
• Whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons

Honestly, that's it. a whisk is key for lump-free sauce. if you don't have a saucepan, a pot will do.

Basically, you don't need fancy gadgets to how to make homemade enchilada sauce . it’s all about the love you put in.

Now you know what ingredients and equipment you need to recipes with enchilada sauce , and homemade enchilada sauce recipe .

Fiesta in a Pan: Authentic Homemade Enchilada Sauce

Fancy ditching that bland, shop-bought stuff? let's get real and make some proper homemade enchilada sauce . trust me, once you’ve tried this, you’ll never go back.

It's inspired by traditional mexican flavours and so much better. honestly, you will want to use recipes with enchilada sauce for everything

Prep Steps for Enchilada Nirvana

First, let's get our mise en place sorted. Chop nothing, as no chopping is required, just get everything lined up. It's like prepping for a proper cooking showdown!

Essential stuff

Grab 2 tablespoons vegetable oil, ¼ cup chili powder, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, 1 teaspoon ground cumin, and all the other goodies.

Make sure you have 4 cups of stock handy. oh, and tomato paste is essential.

Step-by-Step: Easy Enchilada Sauce Recipe

Right, time to get cooking! This is how to make homemade enchilada sauce without any fuss.

1. Spice Bloom: Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add 2 tablespoons flour and whisk for 1- 2 minutes till it's a light roux.
2. Spice Power: Reduce the heat, then add chili powder, oregano, cumin, garlic powder, cayenne pepper (if using), smoked paprika, cinnamon, salt, and pepper . Cook for 1 minute , stirring like crazy.
3. Sauce Magic: Slowly whisk in 4 cups of chicken broth. Add tomato paste, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, and Worcestershire sauce .
4. Simmer Time: Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low. Cook, uncovered, for 20- 30 minutes , stirring every now and then.
5. Taste Sensation: Give it a taste and adjust seasonings as needed. More salt? More spice? You're the boss!

Pro Tips: Best Homemade Enchilada Sauce Hacks

• Spice King (or Queen): Control the heat by adjusting the chili powder and cayenne pepper . Start small and add more to taste. It's always a good idea to taste every once in a while.
• Smooth Operator: For a super smooth sauce, use an immersion blender or carefully transfer to a regular blender once cooled.

This vegetarian enchilada sauce recipe can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 5 days or frozen for up to 3 months .

So handy, you know? it's perfect with a nice mexican beer. enjoy your own fiesta in a pan - your authentic mexican enchilada sauce is ready for the enchiladas !

Recipe Notes for Your Epic Homemade Enchilada Sauce

Right, so you're about to embark on making the best homemade enchilada sauce ever! i'm genuinely excited for you. before you dive in, let's chat about some things i've learned making this sauce, like, a million times.

This is gonna be your simple enchilada sauce recipe, elevated!

Ace Serving Suggestions: Plating and Drink Pairings

Honestly, the most obvious thing is enchiladas , duh! but consider this: warm your serving plates in the oven for a restaurant-worthy touch.

For a vibrant plating, sprinkle with fresh cilantro and a dollop of sour cream or greek yogurt. i swear, it makes all the difference.

To drink? forget the fizzy pop. a mexican beer (corona with lime, anyone?) or try a proper margarita. you know, something that cuts through the richness of the enchiladas.

Savvy Storage Tips

Refrigeration guidelines are simple. if you are not using your easy enchilada sauce recipe soon, let the homemade enchilada sauce recipe cool completely, then stash it in an airtight container in the fridge.

It'll be good for up to 5 days. for freezing options , i often double the recipe (because why not?).

Freezes like a dream for up to 3 months. just thaw it in the fridge overnight and reheat gently on the stove.

My reheating instructions are don't boil it! low and slow wins the race.

Remix Recipe: Dietary Adaptations and Seasonal Swaps

Fancy going vegetarian enchilada sauce recipe ? swap out the chicken broth for veggie broth. boom! if you want to go lower-carb, try serving it over cauliflower rice instead of in tortillas.

Speaking of seasonal, you know, if tomatoes are amazing in summer, roast a few fresh ones and blend them in with the tomato paste! adds a great sweetness.

Nutrition Nuggets

Okay, i'm no nutritionist. roughly, a quarter cup of this sauce is about 50-70 calories. you are also getting a bit of fibre and some vitamins from the spices and tomatoes.

The real magic is that it's homemade . you control the salt and sugar!

So there you have it. All my little secrets for seriously awesome red enchilada sauce recipe . Go on, give it a whirl!