Enchilada Sauce(Chili)

Cook: 15 min Cuisine: Mexican

A rich and flavorful enchilada sauce with smoky chili and aromatic spices, perfect for enhancing Mexican dishes and adding depth to enchiladas, tacos, or burritos.

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Ingredients

  • 1/2 tsp. garlic juice
  • 2 Tbsp. bacon drippings
  • 3 Tbsp. all-purpose flour
  • 2 Tbsp. chili powder
  • pinch of ground oregano
  • dash of ground cumin
  • dash of ground red pepper
  • 3 bouillon cubes
  • 2 c. hot water

Instructions

  1. Saute garlic juice in bacon drippings.
  2. Add flour and cook for 1 minute.
  3. Prepare bouillon by adding cubes to hot water.
  4. Add bouillon mixture and all seasonings (chili powder, oregano, cumin, red pepper) to the sauteed flour and bacon drippings.
  5. Simmer the mixture for 15 minutes.
  6. If the sauce needs thickening, add small amounts of cornmeal up to 1 tablespoon.
  7. Add salt to taste.

Tips & Substitutions

For a richer flavor, consider using homemade chicken or vegetable broth instead of bouillon cubes. If you prefer a spicier sauce, increase the amount of ground red pepper or add a splash of hot sauce. You can also substitute bacon drippings with olive oil for a lighter option. This sauce is perfect for recipes like Mom'S Enchiladas or Taco Casserole(For Microwave).

Serving Suggestions

This enchilada sauce is ideal for drizzling over enchiladas, but it can also be used as a zesty topping for tacos or burritos. Pair it with sides like Mexican Rice And Bean Soup or a fresh green salad. For a complete meal, serve with warm tortillas and a dollop of sour cream.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftover enchilada sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. To reheat, gently warm it on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. For longer storage, freeze in portion-sized containers for up to three months and thaw in the fridge before reheating.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Enchilada Sauce(Chili) contains roughly 90 calories, with 4g protein, 16g carbohydrates, and 4g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (54% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (28% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and potassium. It also contributes 8g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.

90 kcal 4% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 3.9g 8% DV
Total Fat 3.8g 5% DV
Carbs 15.9g 6% DV
Fiber 7.9g 28% DV
Sugar 1.5g 3% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 350.4mg 15% DV
Potassium 454.5mg 10% DV
Cholesterol 0.2mg

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 179.3mcg 20% DV
Vitamin C 1.6mg 2% DV
Calcium 229.4mg 18% DV
Iron 9.8mg 54% DV
Diet fit Keto-friendly High-fiber Under 400 cal
Contains Wheat/Gluten

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 sauce ahead of time?

Absolutely! This enchilada sauce can be made a day in advance, allowing the flavors to meld together. Simply store it in the fridge and reheat before using. This is a great time-saver for busy weeknights or when preparing for gatherings.

What can I use if I don't have chili powder?

If chili powder is unavailable, you can create a substitute by combining paprika, cumin, and a bit of cayenne pepper for heat. Adjust the quantities to suit your taste. This will give you a similar flavor profile to the original recipe.

How can I make this sauce vegan?

To make this enchilada sauce vegan, simply replace bacon drippings with vegetable oil or vegan butter. Use vegetable bouillon cubes instead of chicken bouillon. The rest of the recipe remains the same, ensuring a delicious, plant-based sauce.

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).

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