Easy Enchilada Sauce

This straightforward selfmade enchilada sauce is full of taste and comes collectively in simply quarter-hour with pantry staples. It’s so significantly better than something from the shop!

When you attempt making your personal enchilada sauce, it’s arduous to return to the store-bought stuff.

This model is wealthy, smoky, and completely spiced due to chipotle peppers and adobo sauce. Every part simmers collectively in a single pot and it solely takes about quarter-hour from begin to end, however the taste tastes prefer it’s been cooking all day.

I really like utilizing this sauce for hen enchiladas! It’s freezer-friendly, meal-prep authorized, and far more flavorful than something from the shop.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There’s rather a lot to like about this straightforward selfmade sauce—right here’s why it’s a staple in my kitchen:

Simple to make – You solely want one pot and about quarter-hour to make this selfmade enchilada sauce.
Clear substances – No added sugars or preservatives like many store-bought variations.
Versatile – Use it in enchiladas, casseroles, rice bowls, or as a sauce for tacos and burritos.
Freezer-friendly – Make a batch, freeze it, and also you’re set for future meals.

Substances Wanted

You solely want a handful of pantry staples and some taste boosters to make this wealthy, smoky enchilada sauce at residence.

olive oil – only a splash to sauté the garlic and assist convey out the flavour.
garlic – recent and aromatic, garlic provides the proper base of taste for the sauce.
chipotle peppers – search for the canned form in adobo sauce. They add smoky warmth and depth—don’t skip these!
adobo sauce – a spoonful from the can of chipotle peppers provides additional richness and spice.
tomato sauce – creates the physique of the sauce and offers it that traditional enchilada base.
vegetable or hen broth – helps skinny the sauce to the proper consistency whereas including additional savory taste.
spices – you’ll want dried oregano, chili powder, floor cumin, salt and pepper.

Simple Recipe Substitutions

This sauce is simple to customise relying on what’s in your pantry or how spicy you prefer it. Listed here are some recommendations:

Tomato sauce different: Crushed tomatoes or tomato puree will work for those who don’t have sauce available. Simply consider the feel could also be a bit thicker, so regulate with broth as wanted.
Completely different broth: You should use hen or vegetable broth right here, relying on what you’re making. I normally go together with low-sodium to maintain the salt stage in test.
Spice stage swap: If you need a milder model, use only a small spoonful of adobo sauce or skip the chipotles altogether. For additional warmth, toss in an additional pepper or a splash of cayenne.

Tips on how to Make Enchilada Sauce

Step 1: In a medium saucepan over medium warmth, add oil. As soon as sizzling, add garlic and sauté till aromatic, about 1-2 minutes.

Step 2: Add remaining substances to the saucepan.

Step 3: Carry to a boil. Scale back the warmth to low and simmer for 5-10 minutes.

Step 4: Both use the sauce immediately or retailer within the fridge for as much as 5 days or within the freezer for as much as 3 months.

Brittany’s Ideas for the Finest Enchilada Sauce

A number of fast suggestions to assist your enchilada sauce prove wealthy, flavorful, and simply the best way you prefer it:

Finely chop the chipotles: These little peppers pack a punch, so chopping them properly helps distribute the warmth evenly all through the sauce.
Style and tweak: Don’t be afraid to regulate the salt, pepper, or broth to get the flavour and consistency simply best for you.
Mix it (non-compulsory): In the event you choose a totally clean sauce, mix it after simmering. That is particularly good in case your chipotles weren’t tremendous finely chopped.

Tips on how to Use Enchilada Sauce

This enchilada sauce is tremendous versatile and provides a smoky, spicy kick to so many dishes. Listed here are a few of my favourite methods to make use of it:

Enchiladas – Clearly! Use it in my hen enchiladas, these vegan enchiladas, or swap it in for store-bought sauce in any enchilada recipe you like.
Casseroles – Drizzle it over layered dishes like my Mexican quinoa casserole so as to add additional taste and moisture.
Burrito bowls – Spoon some over rice, beans, grilled veggies, or protein for a simple burrito bowl improve.
Tacos and wraps – Use it as a saucy base inside tacos, wraps, or quesadillas for a smoky taste enhance.
Eggs or tofu scrambles – Add a spoonful to scrambled eggs or tofu scramble for a spicy breakfast twist.
Soup starter – Stir it into broth with beans and veggies for a fast, enchilada-inspired soup. You would additionally use it in my hen enchilada soup!

Tips on how to Retailer

This sauce retains very well, so it’s good for making forward:

Fridge: Let the sauce cool utterly, then retailer it in an hermetic container or jar within the fridge. It’ll hold for as much as 5 days.
Freezer: Pour the cooled sauce right into a freezer-safe container or silicone dice tray for straightforward portioning. Freeze for as much as 3 months. Thaw in a single day within the fridge or heat gently on the stovetop when prepared to make use of.

Steadily Requested Questions

Is enchilada sauce spicy?

This model has a smoky, medium warmth due to the chipotle peppers in adobo. You possibly can simply regulate the spice through the use of much less adobo or only one pepper.

Extra Sauces/Dips to Attempt

Remember to try the total assortment of sauces and condiments on EBF!

In the event you loved this recipe, please contemplate leaving a ⭐ star ranking and let me know the way it went within the 📝 feedback beneath.