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Best Enchilada Sauce

Best Enchilada Sauce

This Best Enchilada Sauce recipe is a rich, authentic Mexican sauce that delivers bold flavor with simple pantry ingredients. Perfect for enchiladas, tacos, burritos, or as a dip, it is easy to customize from mild to spicy and ready in under 30 minutes without special equipment. Its deep, smoky, and tangy taste elevates every meal, making it a versatile staple for Mexican cuisine lovers.

Ingredients

Scale

Spices

  • 2 tablespoons dried chili powder (ancho or chipotle recommended)
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Base and Thickening

  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (or cornstarch for gluten-free)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil or vegetable oil
  • 1 cup tomato sauce
  • 1 cup chicken broth or vegetable broth

Instructions

  1. Toast the Spices: Heat oil in a saucepan over medium heat and add chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and onion powder. Toast the spices for about 30 seconds to release their aroma and deepen the flavor.
  2. Add Flour: Sprinkle the flour into the oil and spices mixture, stirring continuously to form a roux. This step helps thicken the sauce evenly without lumps.
  3. Stir in Tomato Sauce and Broth: Slowly whisk in tomato sauce and chicken or vegetable broth, ensuring the mixture stays smooth while beginning to thicken.
  4. Simmer and Season: Reduce heat and let the sauce simmer gently for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add salt and pepper to taste, adjusting the seasoning as you go.
  5. Finish and Serve: Once the sauce has thickened to your liking and flavors are well combined, remove from heat. It’s now ready to pour over enchiladas or your favorite Mexican dishes.

Notes

  • Use fresh chili powder for the best vibrant flavor.
  • Adjust broth quantity to control sauce thickness—start with less and add more as needed.
  • Do not skip toasting spices to achieve deep, smoky flavor.
  • Simmer sauce gently to meld flavors without burning.
  • Taste frequently and season gradually to avoid over-salting.
  • To make gluten-free, replace flour with cornstarch or another gluten-free thickener.
  • For vegan version, use vegetable broth and olive oil only.

Nutrition

Keywords: enchilada sauce, mexican sauce, homemade enchilada sauce, authentic enchilada sauce, spicy enchilada sauce, vegan enchilada sauce, gluten free enchilada sauce