Enchilada Sauce
Creamy and flavorful enchilada sauce with chili powder and garlic, perfect for enhancing Mexican dishes. Suitable for tacos, enchiladas, and more, adding authentic taste.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Heat oil in a saucepan and brown the flour in it.
- Add water to the chili powder and dissolve it.
- Pour the chili water mixture into the browned flour and mix well.
- Add seasonings and blend thoroughly.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring frequently.
- Reduce heat and simmer covered for 5 minutes.
- Optional: Add evaporated milk to soften the flavor.
Tips & Substitutions
For a spicier kick, consider adding diced jalapeños or cayenne pepper to the sauce. If you're out of chili powder, you can substitute with a mix of paprika and cumin. To thicken the sauce further, increase the flour slightly or let it simmer longer. This sauce is versatile and can easily be adjusted for different heat levels, making it a great addition to various Mexican recipes.
Serving Suggestions
This enchilada sauce pairs beautifully with dishes like Green Chile Chuck Roast or can be used as a base for enchiladas, burritos, and tacos. Serve it over a bed of rice or alongside beans for a complete meal. Drizzle some over nachos or use it to spice up your favorite Mexican recipes for an extra flavor boost.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover enchilada sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. To reheat, simply warm it on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally. If the sauce thickens too much, add a splash of water to reach your desired consistency. You can also freeze the sauce for up to three months in a freezer-safe container.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Enchilada Sauce contains roughly 245 calories, with 6g protein, 30g carbohydrates, and 14g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (26% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (25% of the Daily Value), and iron (23% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 684mg per serving (30% 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 make this enchilada sauce ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the enchilada sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to a week. It also freezes well, so feel free to make a larger batch and save some for later. Just remember to reheat it gently and adjust the consistency with a little water if necessary.
Is this enchilada sauce gluten-free?
To make this enchilada sauce gluten-free, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch. This will help thicken the sauce without compromising its flavor. Always ensure that your other ingredients, like broth or seasonings, are also gluten-free.
Can I use fresh ingredients instead of dried spices?
Absolutely! Fresh ingredients can enhance the flavor of your enchilada sauce. Use fresh garlic instead of garlic powder and fresh chili peppers instead of chili powder. Just remember that fresh ingredients may require adjustment in quantity, as they are generally more potent in flavor.
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).