Chile Verde (Green Chile Sauce)
A flavorful green chile sauce with smoky, spicy notes, perfect for enchiladas or burritos, appealing to those who enjoy bold, savory Mexican-inspired flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Heat shortening or oil in a medium-size skillet over medium heat.
- Saute chopped onion in the shortening.
- Add flour and cook for 1 minute.
- Add chopped green chili, broth, garlic powder, and salt.
- Simmer the mixture for 20 minutes before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using homemade broth or adding a splash of lime juice. If you prefer a spicier sauce, add diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper. You can substitute shortening with olive oil for a healthier option. This sauce pairs beautifully with various Mexican recipes, making it versatile for tacos or burritos.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Chile Verde sauce over grilled chicken or pork, or use it as a flavorful topping for tacos or nachos. It also works well as a base for enchiladas. For a complete meal, pair it with rice and beans or serve alongside tortilla chips for dipping.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, warm the sauce gently on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. You can also microwave it in short intervals, stirring in between, until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chile Verde (Green Chile Sauce) contains roughly 524 calories, with 7g protein, 54g carbohydrates, and 32g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (40% of the Daily Value) and iron (29% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1492mg per serving (65% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh green chiles instead of canned?
Yes, you can use fresh green chiles! Roast and peel them for a deeper flavor. Depending on the heat of the chiles, adjust the quantity to your taste.
Is this sauce suitable for vegans?
Absolutely! Just use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth, and ensure your shortening is plant-based. This recipe is easily adaptable for vegan recipes.
How can I thicken the sauce if it's too thin?
If your sauce is too thin, you can simmer it longer to reduce it or mix a little cornstarch with water to create a slurry and stir it in until the desired thickness is achieved.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).