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Enchilada Sauce

Enchilada Sauce


  • Author: Samuel
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: About 2 cups 1x
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Description

This authentic Mexican enchilada sauce recipe offers a bold, smoky, and richly spiced flavor made from natural and wholesome ingredients. Easy to prepare with simple pantry staples, it is versatile, dairy-free (plant-based), and perfect for enchiladas, tacos, burritos, or as a flavorful dipping sauce. Customize the heat to your liking and enjoy a vibrant sauce that enhances any Mexican-inspired dish.


Ingredients

Scale

Spices

  • 1 tablespoon ancho chili powder
  • 1 tablespoon chipotle chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder

Base and Liquids

  • 6 ounces tomato paste (natural)
  • 1 to 1 1/2 cups vegetable broth
  • 2 tablespoons vegetarian Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

Other

  • Pinch of natural gelling agent

Instructions

  1. Toast the Spices: In a dry skillet over medium heat, lightly toast the ancho chili powder, chipotle chili powder, ground cumin, and dried oregano for 1 to 2 minutes. This releases their essential oils and enhances the sauce’s aroma and depth.
  2. Combine Tomato Paste and Broth: In a medium saucepan, whisk together the tomato paste (natural) and vegetable broth, adding the broth gradually to control the thickness of the sauce.
  3. Add Spices and Flavorings: Stir the toasted spices into the saucepan along with garlic powder, onion powder, vegetarian Worcestershire sauce, and apple cider vinegar. Mix well to combine all the flavors.
  4. Simmer and Thicken: Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer over low heat. Add a pinch of natural gelling agent and stir constantly. Let the sauce cook for 10 to 15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly.
  5. Final Blend and Adjust: For a smooth texture, blend the sauce using an immersion blender or transfer to a regular blender and puree until silky. Taste the sauce and adjust salt or acidity as needed before serving.

Notes

  • Use fresh chili powders for the best flavor and color.
  • Add apple cider vinegar gradually to balance acidity without overpowering the sauce.
  • Adjust spice levels by varying chili powders to suit your preference.
  • Use natural gelling agent sparingly to avoid heaviness while achieving desired consistency.
  • Simmer the sauce gently to develop deep, balanced flavors without boiling aggressively.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Appetizers
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1/4 cup
  • Calories: 50
  • Sugar: 3g
  • Sodium: 300mg
  • Fat: 3g
  • Saturated Fat: 0.4g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 2.6g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 6g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 1g
  • Cholesterol: 0mg

Keywords: enchilada sauce, Mexican sauce, spicy sauce, smoky sauce, dairy-free sauce, plant-based sauce, enchiladas, tacos, burritos