This silky, mild enchilada sauce recipe will elevate your next Mexican dish to restaurant level! Using simple ingredients and spices, you will have a quick and easy enchilada sauce that is homemade and delicious.
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These Aldi recipes and Aldi meal ideas are going to take your homemade dishes to another level. Not all recipes require expensive or overpriced ingredients to be delicious. Check out this recipe and more to create restaurant-quality meals at home on a budget!
Enchilada sauce is a chili/spice-based sauce that can be red (salsa roja), green (Verde), or cheese-based (chile con queso). Every sauce variation provides a specific flavor profile that creates those saucy Mexican dishes you know and love.
An authentic red enchilada sauce recipe can take some time to make and master. It requires soaking dried chiles and even using Mexican chocolate. I love recipes that you can make with ingredients you already carry in your kitchen. So, this recipe will give you a just as tasty sauce in half the time.
This post is all about Quick and Easy Enchilada Sauce.
Aldi Enchilada Sauce Ingrdients
Oil & Flour
This creates a roux that will thicken the sauce.
Spices
Using a few staple spices to add heat, depth, and complexity to the sauce.
Broth
We will be using chicken broth, but you may use low-sodium chicken broth, or vegetable broth for a vegetarian option.
Tomato Paste
A tomato element will give the sauce depth and a more robust flavor.
Can i substitute tomato sauce for tomato paste: Reduce the broth to 1 cup and add 1 cup of tomato sauce. I recommend cooking the sauce a bit longer to develop and thicken the tomato flavor.
How to Use enchilada sauce?
The best part of making homemade enchilada sauce is when you get to use it! Here are a few serving suggestions to get you started:
Enchiladas: Use the sauce to smother your favorite fillings (such as chicken, cheese, or vegetables) in tortillas, and bake until bubbly and golden brown.
Check this homemade recipe here >>> Easy Chicken Enchiladas
Tacos: Spoon the sauce over your favorite proteins (such as grilled steak or shrimp), and top with lettuce, tomato, and cheese.
Burritos: Wrap your favorite fillings (like rice, beans, and cheese) in a tortilla, smother with sauce, and serve with guacamole and salsa.
Casseroles: Use the sauce as a base for a casserole, layering cooked rice, beans, and vegetables on top and baking until bubbly.
Dip: Warm up the sauce and serve as a flavorful dip for chips, veggies, or chicken wings.
Making this homemade enchilada sauce is super easy, and the results are so much better than store-bought varieties.
How to store Homemade enchilada sauce
This recipe makes about 2 cups of enchilada sauce, which should be plenty for most dishes.
To Store:
- Let the sauce cool to room temperature.
- Transfer the sauce to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 1 week.
To Freeze:
- Let the sauce cool to room temperature.
- Transfer the sauce to a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag.
- Label the container or bag with the date and contents.
- Freeze for up to 3 months.
To thaw frozen enchilada sauce, transfer it to the refrigerator and let it thaw overnight.
Or, you can thaw it in the microwave or by placing the container in a bowl of warm water.
Keep in mind that when you thaw and reheat the sauce, it may separate or thicken slightly. Just whisk it to combine and thin it with a little broth or water if needed.
sauce Variations
is enchilada sauce gluten-free or vegan?
The above recipe is neither. But we can switch out a few ingredients to change that!
Gluten-Free
Use a gluten-free flour blend, such as almond flour, rice flour, or a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend, instead of all-purpose flour.
Use gluten-free chicken to ensure that the entire recipe is gluten-free.
Vegan
Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
Tips and Tricks for Perfect Enchilada Sauce
Substituting with tomato sauce for paste: Reduce the broth to 1 cup and add 1 cup of tomato sauce.
Toast the spices: To enhance the flavor of the spices, you can toast them in a dry skillet over medium heat for a few minutes before adding them to the sauce. This will help release their essential oils and make the sauce even more flavorful.
Adjust the thickness: If the sauce is too thin, simmer it for a few more minutes until it thickens to your liking. If it’s too thick, add a little more broth or water to thin it out.
Adjust the spiciness: If you prefer a spicier sauce, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some chopped jalapenos to the mix. If you prefer a milder sauce, reduce the amount of chili powder or omit it altogether.
Strain the sauce: For a smoother sauce, you can strain it through a fine-mesh sieve after blending. This will remove any lumps or chunks and give you a perfectly smooth sauce.
Quick and Easy Enchilada Sauce
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 tbsp flour
- 4 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1½ tsp salt, kosher
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 2 cups broth, chicken or vegetable
Instructions
- Heat oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk to combine. Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the mixture turns a light golden brown.
- Add chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, cumin, and salt to the saucepan. Whisk to combine and cook for an additional minute.
- Add tomato paste, whisk until well combined.
- Slowly pour in the broth, whisking constantly to prevent lumps from forming.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has thickened and the flavors have melded together.
- Once the sauce has thickened, remove it from the heat and allow it to cool slightly.
- Use the enchilada sauce immediately or store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.