Enchilada Sauce From Scratch

User Reviews

5

42 reviews
Excellent
  • Prep Time

    3 mins

  • Cook Time

    7 mins

  • Total Time

    10 mins

  • Servings

    2 cups

  • Calories

    263 kcal

  • Course

    Condiments

  • Cuisine

    Mexican

Enchilada Sauce From Scratch

This Enchilada Sauce From Scratch is a smooth, thick sauce made with a blend of common spices, tomato paste, and vegetable stock. It uses olive oil and flour to build a roux base that is flavoured with cumin, chili powder, garlic, and onion powders, among others. The sauce simmers to develop thickness and is finished with a splash of apple cider vinegar for a slight tang that balances the rich tomato and spices.

Description

The recipe begins by combining various ground spices—cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, paprika—and flour to create a flavorful dry mix. Olive oil is heated in a saucepan, and the dry spices are whisked in to form a roux, which cooks briefly to avoid burning. Tomato paste is added and incorporated before gradually whisking in vegetable stock to create a smooth sauce. The mixture simmers gently to thicken, resulting in a rich, aromatic base. Finally, apple cider vinegar is added to brighten the sauce and enhance the depth of flavor.

This sauce is intended for use on enchiladas but can be adapted for other Mexican dishes that require a robust, slightly spicy tomato-based sauce. The thickened texture helps it cling to tortillas and fillings. The balance of smoky, earthy spices paired with the acidity from the tomato paste and vinegar makes it versatile for various savory applications.

Variations include substituting gluten-free flour for the roux to make the sauce gluten free and using any neutral oil in place of olive oil. The spices can be adjusted to personal preference for heat and flavor intensity. The sauce stores well refrigerated for up to five days or frozen for up to three months, allowing convenient make-ahead use.

I Made This!

Be the first!

Save this

Be the first!

Ingredients

Servings
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 tablespoons flour all purpose or whatever you have
  • 2 1/4 teaspoons cumin ground
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon oregano dried
  • 1/4 teaspoon paprika
  • 3/4 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 tablespoon ground chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt to taste
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 2 cups vegetable stock make your own! http://www.servedfromscratch.com/vegetable-stock-from-scratch/, or chicken stock
  • 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar

Instructions

  1. Get everything mise en place by preparing the vegetable stock and tomato paste and then add all of the spices and flour into a small bowl.
  2. In a medium sized sauce pan, heat olive oil over medium. Add the dry ingredients and immediately whisk constantly for about 30 seconds. Be careful it doesn't burn. Add tomato paste and whisk until mostly combined.
  3. Slowly add the vegetable stock, about 1 cup at a time and whisk until it's all well combined until adding the second cup. Whisk until all of the clumps are gone.
  4. Bring heat to medium high to bring to a simmer, once simmering, lower the heat so that it's at a gentle simmer. Cook for 5-7 minutes, whisking often. This will thicken the sauce.
  5. Remove from heat and whisk in the vinegar. Let cool. This is when it will begin to thicken.
  6. Slather it on your favorite enchiladas, or let cool and store in fridge or freezer.

Notes

  • Make the sauce gluten free by using gluten free flour instead of regular flour.
  • Use any neutral-flavored oil if olive oil isn't preferred.
  • Adjust spices to your taste preferences for heat and flavor balance.
  • Store enchilada sauce in the fridge for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 3 months for easy future use.

Nutrition Information

Show Details
Calories 263kcal (13%) Carbohydrates 16g (5%) Protein 2g (4%) Fat 22g (34%) Saturated Fat 3g (15%) Sodium 2234mg (93%) Potassium 228mg (5%) Fiber 1g (4%) Sugar 4g (8%) Vitamin A 778IU (16%) Vitamin C 4mg (4%) Calcium 36mg (4%) Iron 3mg (17%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 2cups

Amount Per Serving

Calories 263 kcal

% Daily Value*

Calories 263kcal 13%
Carbohydrates 16g 5%
Protein 2g 4%
Fat 22g 34%
Saturated Fat 3g 15%
Sodium 2234mg 93%
Potassium 228mg 5%
Fiber 1g 4%
Sugar 4g 8%
Vitamin A 778IU 16%
Vitamin C 4mg 4%
Calcium 36mg 4%
Iron 3mg 17%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.

Genuine Reviews

User Reviews

Overall Rating

5

42 reviews
Excellent

Write a Review

Drag & drop files here or click to upload
Other Recipes

You'll Also Love

Chicken Burrito

Mexican
5.0 (24 reviews)

Chile Relleno

Mexican
5.0 (9 reviews)

Chile Relleno Casserole

Mexican
5.0 (24 reviews)

Taco Casserole

Mexican
5.0 (15 reviews)

Shrimp Ceviche

Mexican
5.0 (15 reviews)

Breakfast Burrito

Mexican
5.0 (18 reviews)

Chicken Quesadillas

American, Mexican, Tex-Mex
5.0 (144 reviews)

Pico de Gallo

Mexican, Tex-Mex
5.0 (3 reviews)

Beer Cheese Dip

American
5.0 (18 reviews)

Chipotle Guacamole (Copycat)

Mexican
5.0 (18 reviews)

Buffalo Wing Sauce

American
5.0 (24 reviews)

One Pot Mexican Chicken and Rice

Mexican
5.0 (102 reviews)