Green Chile Sauce
A flavorful green chile sauce with smoky, spicy, and savory notes, perfect for enhancing enchiladas, tacos, or grilled meats with a mild to medium heat profile.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Heat 1 tablespoon of shortening in an electric skillet over medium heat.
- Add 1/2 cup chopped onions and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
- Stir in 2 tablespoons flour and cook for 1 minute to make a roux.
- Add 1 cup chopped green chile and cook for another 2 minutes, stirring constantly.
- Pour in 2 cups cooking tomatoes or 1 cup chicken broth and stir well.
- Add 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder and 3/4 teaspoon salt.
- Simmer the sauce for 10-12 minutes until thickened and flavors meld.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using homemade chicken broth instead of store-bought. If you're short on time, canned green chiles work well as a substitute for fresh. You can also adjust the heat level by choosing milder or spicier green chiles. If you prefer a thicker sauce, add more flour gradually until you reach your desired consistency.
Serving Suggestions
This green chile sauce pairs beautifully with tortillas de harina and can be served over enchiladas or as a topping for grilled meats. It also complements dishes like Sam's Chili (A Vegetarian Weight Watchers Recipe) or as a dip for tortilla chips. For a refreshing side, consider serving it with salsa slaw.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover green chile sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. To reheat, gently warm it on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally. If the sauce thickens too much, add a splash of water or broth to achieve the desired consistency.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Green Chile Sauce contains roughly 822 calories, with 16g protein, 90g carbohydrates, and 48g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (31% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (29% of the Daily Value), and iron (29% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 844mg per serving (37% 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 sauce ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the green chile sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. The flavors will meld beautifully as it sits, making it even tastier. Just reheat it gently before serving.
What can I substitute for green chiles?
If you can't find green chiles, you can use roasted poblano peppers or even jalapeños for a spicier kick. Just be sure to adjust the quantity based on your heat preference.
Is this sauce suitable for vegan diets?
Absolutely! To make it vegan, simply replace the chicken broth with vegetable broth and use a plant-based shortening. This way, you can enjoy a delicious green chile sauce that fits into vegan recipes.
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).