Enchiladas are one of the most popular dishes in Mexican cuisine. They are loved for their bold flavors, rich fillings, and the sauce that ties everything together. At the heart of any great enchilada is its sauce. Making enchilada sauce at home is easy and lets you control the flavors, spiciness, and ingredients. In this guide, we’ll show you how to prepare a delicious, homemade enchilada sauce step by step.
What is Enchilada Sauce?
Enchilada sauce is a smooth, flavorful blend of chilies, tomatoes, and spices. It coats the enchiladas, giving them their signature taste. There are two main types of enchilada sauce:
- Red Enchilada Sauce: Made from dried red chilies and tomatoes, it has a deep, smoky flavor.
- Green Enchilada Sauce: Made from green chilies and tomatillos, it has a fresh and tangy taste.
Why Make Enchilada Sauce at Home?
Store-bought enchilada sauce is convenient, but homemade sauce offers unmatched flavor and quality. By making it at home, you can control the ingredients, avoid preservatives, and adjust the heat level to suit your preference. Homemade enchilada sauce also has a fresher taste, making your dishes more authentic and enjoyable.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make traditional red enchilada sauce, you’ll need these simple ingredients:
- Dried Red Chilies: Ancho and guajillo chilies are best for a smoky, mild flavor.
- Tomatoes or Tomato Sauce: Adds a natural sweetness and tanginess.
- Garlic and Onion: These aromatics create depth in the sauce.
- Spices: Cumin, oregano, and chili powder for authentic Mexican taste.
- Broth: Chicken or vegetable broth to balance the flavors and adjust consistency.
- Oil or Butter: Used to sauté ingredients and enhance flavor.
Step-by-Step Recipe for Red Enchilada Sauce
1. Toast the Chilies
Place the dried chilies in a hot skillet and toast them lightly. This step releases their natural oils and enhances their flavor. Don’t skip this—it’s what gives the sauce its smoky depth.
2. Rehydrate the Chilies
After toasting, soak the chilies in hot water for about 15 minutes. This softens them and makes them easier to blend.
3. Blend the Ingredients
In a blender, combine the rehydrated chilies, tomatoes, garlic, onion, spices, and a small amount of broth. Blend until smooth. If the mixture is too thick, add more broth little by little.
4. Cook the Sauce
Pour the blended mixture into a saucepan. Cook over medium heat for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. This step lets the flavors combine and thickens the sauce.
Tips for Perfecting Your Enchilada Sauce
Homemade enchilada sauce is easy to customize based on your taste preferences. If you want a spicier sauce, include hotter chilies like arbol or chipotle. For a milder sauce, remove the seeds and membranes from the chilies before blending.
To add more depth to the flavor, you can include a pinch of Mexican chocolate or a splash of vinegar. These ingredients add complexity and balance the chili’s heat.
If your sauce feels too thick, thin it with more broth. Conversely, if you prefer a thicker sauce, simmer it longer to let some of the liquid evaporate.
How to Use Enchilada Sauce
Once your sauce is ready, it’s time to use it. Here are some ideas:
- Traditional Enchiladas: Pour the sauce over rolled tortillas filled with your choice of meat, beans, or cheese.
- Chilaquiles: Toss crispy tortilla chips in the sauce for a quick, flavorful breakfast or brunch.
- Dips and Toppings: Use it as a dip for nachos or as a topping for eggs, tacos, or burritos.
- Tamales: Drizzle the sauce over tamales for an authentic Mexican touch.
If you’ve made more sauce than you need, you can store it for future use. Keep it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze the sauce in small portions. When ready to use, thaw it in the refrigerator and reheat it on the stove.
Green Enchilada Sauce: A Quick Guide
If you prefer green enchilada sauce, the process is similar. Here’s what you need:
- Green Chilies: Fresh or canned green chilies, like poblano or hatch chilies.
- Tomatillos: These small green fruits add a tangy flavor.
- Onion and Garlic: Essential for any good sauce.
- Cilantro: Adds freshness and a vibrant green color.
- Broth: Helps create a smooth consistency.
Blend the ingredients and cook as you would with red enchilada sauce. This sauce pairs beautifully with chicken or vegetarian enchiladas.
Why Enchilada Sauce Matters
The sauce is what makes enchiladas so delicious. It soaks into the tortillas, enhances the fillings, and creates a comforting, flavorful dish. By making it at home, you’re ensuring a better taste and a healthier meal for your family.
For more inspiration on how to use your homemade enchilada sauce, check out our guide to Mexican Enchiladas.
Now that you know how to make enchilada sauce at home, get creative and enjoy this essential part of Mexican cooking!