Description
This homemade enchilada sauce recipe delivers a rich, smoky, and authentic Mexican flavor using simple pantry staples. Perfect for enchiladas, dipping, smothering, or marinades, this versatile sauce is easily customizable for heat and dietary preferences, made entirely from scratch to ensure fresh, vibrant taste.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons chili powder (rich, smoky)
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon Mexican oregano
- 2 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or vegetable oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional: 1 tablespoon cornstarch or flour (for thickening)
Instructions
- Toast the spices: Warm a pan over medium heat and lightly toast the chili powder, ground cumin, oregano, garlic powder, and onion powder for about 30 seconds until fragrant—this intensifies their flavors.
- Create the base: In the same pan, heat the olive oil and stir in the tomato paste. Cook for 1–2 minutes to deepen the tomato’s earthy richness.
- Combine broth and spices: Slowly whisk in your choice of vegetable or chicken broth, adding the toasted spices back into the pan. Bring to a simmer, stirring often, to marry all the flavors.
- Thicken the sauce (optional): If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix cornstarch or flour with cold water and stir into the simmering sauce. Cook for another 2–3 minutes until it reaches your desired consistency.
- Season and finish: Add salt and pepper to taste. Remove from heat and let the sauce cool slightly before using it to smother enchiladas or store for later.
Notes
- Toast your spices to unlock vibrant, fresh flavors.
- Simmer gently to prevent bitterness or burning.
- Use quality, preferably organic chili powder for the best taste.
- Adjust sauce thickness by adding broth to thin or cornstarch/flour to thicken.
- Taste the sauce as you go and balance acidity, heat, and salt gradually.
- The sauce can be customized with additions like chipotle peppers, sour cream, or extra spices.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 cup
- Calories: 40
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 3g
- Saturated Fat: 0.4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: enchilada sauce, homemade enchilada sauce, Mexican sauce, enchiladas, smoky sauce, gluten free sauce, authentic enchilada sauce