Description
A rich and flavorful homemade enchilada sauce made with tomatoes, chilies, and spices. This sauce is perfect for smothering over enchiladas, tacos, or even as a dipping sauce for your favorite Mexican dishes.
Ingredients
Scale
- For the Enchilada Sauce:
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (6 oz) can tomato paste
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, drained
- 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp oregano
- 1 tsp sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- 1 tbsp fresh lime juice (optional, for added freshness)
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, and sauté for 3–4 minutes, until softened and fragrant.
- Add the tomato paste, diced tomatoes, and chicken or vegetable broth to the saucepan. Stir well to combine.
- Stir in the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, sugar (if using), salt, and pepper. Add red pepper flakes if you like a little heat in your sauce.
- Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Let the sauce simmer for 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens and the flavors meld together.
- Once the sauce has reached your desired consistency, taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or lime juice if needed.
- Remove from heat and use immediately to smother your favorite enchiladas, tacos, or as a dipping sauce. You can also store the sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Notes
- This sauce can be made spicier by adding more chili powder, red pepper flakes, or even a diced jalapeño pepper to the mix.
- If you prefer a smoother sauce, you can use an immersion blender to blend it to your desired texture.
- The sugar is optional and can help balance the acidity of the tomatoes, but you can omit it if you prefer a more savory sauce.
- This sauce can also be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator or freezer for later use. Just reheat it on the stovetop when you’re ready to use it.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Sauce
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tbsp
- Calories: 40 kcal
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 2g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg