Homemade Enchilada Sauce

User Reviews

4.8

144 reviews
Excellent
  • Prep Time

    5 mins

  • Cook Time

    12 mins

  • Total Time

    17 mins

  • Servings

    8 (about 2 cups)

  • Calories

    75 kcal

  • Course

    Condiments

  • Cuisine

    Mexican

Homemade Enchilada Sauce

This traditional enchilada sauce blends chili powder with tomato paste and spices to create a smooth, richly flavored sauce that thickens upon simmering. The roux base provides body, allowing the sauce to coat enchiladas nicely and add a mildly spicy, savory depth that complements various fillings.

Description

The Homemade Enchilada Sauce starts with a roux made from vegetable oil and flour, which thickens the sauce and gives it a smooth texture. Chili powder, cumin, oregano, onion powder, garlic, and a pinch of salt build the classic enchilada flavor profile, with optional cayenne pepper for added heat. Tomato paste adds body and a concentrated tomato taste, balanced by vegetable broth that loosens the sauce to the desired consistency.

Simmering the sauce allows the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly, becoming ideal for coating enchiladas or other Mexican dishes. The sauce's moderately thick texture and spice level can be adjusted to taste, making it versatile for various meals.

Using less chili powder or omitting cayenne results in a milder sauce, suitable for sensitive palates. It can be seasoned further with salt after cooking to suit individual preferences.

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Ingredients

Servings
  • 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 3 tablespoons flour (can use gluten-free flour or cornstarch)
  • 2 tablespoons chili powder (can use less for a milder sauce)
  • 1 teaspoon cumin ground
  • ½ teaspoon kosher salt
  • Pinch cayenne pepper optional
  • 1/4 teaspoon oregano dried
  • 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 clove garlic minced
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 2 cups vegetable broth

Instructions

  1. In a large saucepan, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk for one minute. Add all the spices and garlic; stir for about a minute. Whisk in the tomato paste, then slowly pour in the vegetable broth, whisking constantly until the mixture is smooth.
  2. Let the sauce simmer over medium low heat for 10-12 minutes or until slightly thickened. The sauce will thicken as it cools. Taste and season with additional salt, if necessary.

Notes

  • Reduce chili powder and avoid cayenne to make the sauce milder.
  • Start with less chili powder and add more gradually to control spice level.

Nutrition Information

Show Details
Calories 75kcal (4%) Carbohydrates 6g (2%) Protein 1g (2%) Fat 6g (9%) Saturated Fat 4g (20%) Sodium 478mg (20%) Potassium 123mg (3%) Fiber 2g (8%) Sugar 1g (2%) Vitamin A 1398IU (28%) Vitamin C 1mg (1%) Calcium 17mg (2%) Iron 1mg (6%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 8(about 2 cups)

Amount Per Serving

Calories 75 kcal

% Daily Value*

Calories 75kcal 4%
Carbohydrates 6g 2%
Protein 1g 2%
Fat 6g 9%
Saturated Fat 4g 20%
Sodium 478mg 20%
Potassium 123mg 3%
Fiber 2g 8%
Sugar 1g 2%
Vitamin A 1398IU 28%
Vitamin C 1mg 1%
Calcium 17mg 2%
Iron 1mg 6%

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

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User Reviews

Overall Rating

4.8

144 reviews
Excellent

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