Authentic Mexican Enchilada Sauce with Cocoa
This rich and flavorful enchilada sauce recipe is a cherished family secret passed down from my grandmother-in-law, who spent her life mastering traditional Mexican cuisine in the heart of Mexico City. The unique addition of cocoa powder gives the sauce a depth of flavor that beautifully balances the heat from the chilies. It's perfect for enchiladas but also works wonders as a versatile sauce for a variety of Mexican dishes. Whether you're cooking for the family or entertaining guests, this sauce will transport your taste buds to a bustling Mexican kitchen.
3
Servings
N/A
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
Chili Powder
3 tablespoons (measured)
Flour
3 tablespoons (measured)
Cocoa Powder
1 teaspoon (measured)
Garlic Salt
1/2 teaspoon (measured)
Oregano
1 teaspoon (measured)
Water
3 cups (measured)
Tomato Sauce
1 (8 ounce) can (opened)
Instructions
1
In a small bowl, combine the chili powder, flour, cocoa powder, garlic salt, and oregano. Mix well to ensure even distribution.
2
Gradually add enough of the water to the dry mixture to form a smooth, thin paste, stirring continuously to avoid lumps.
3
Transfer the paste into a medium-sized saucepan. Add the remaining water and stir until well combined.
4
Cook the mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly until it begins to thicken, about 5-10 minutes.
5
Once thickened, stir in the tomato sauce until thoroughly incorporated, allowing the sauce to simmer for an additional 5 minutes.
6
Adjust the seasoning and spice level to your liking; you can reduce the chili powder for a milder sauce and increase the tomato sauce for a sweeter flavor.
7
For quick meal preparation, lightly fry corn tortillas in hot oil until soft. Dip each tortilla in the enchilada sauce before laying them on a plate.
8
Top with generous amounts of grated cheddar cheese, diced onions, and sliced black olives. Finish with another sauced tortilla on top and melt the cheese in the microwave for 1 minute on high.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the secret ingredient in this authentic Mexican enchilada sauce?
The secret ingredient is a small amount of cocoa powder, which adds a unique depth of flavor and balances the heat from the chili powder.
Where did this enchilada sauce recipe originate?
This is a cherished family secret passed down from a grandmother-in-law who mastered traditional Mexican cuisine in Mexico City.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe is designed to yield approximately 3 servings.
Is this enchilada sauce recipe vegetarian?
Yes, based on the ingredients provided, this sauce is vegetarian-friendly.
How do I prevent lumps in the enchilada sauce?
To prevent lumps, combine the dry ingredients first and then gradually add water to form a smooth, thin paste before heating.
Can I adjust the spiciness of the sauce?
Yes, you can reduce the amount of chili powder for a milder sauce or increase it if you prefer more heat.
What type of tomato sauce should I use?
The recipe calls for one standard 8-ounce can of tomato sauce.
How long does it take for the sauce to thicken?
The sauce usually takes between 5 to 10 minutes of stirring over medium heat to begin thickening.
Does the cocoa powder make the sauce taste like chocolate?
No, the cocoa powder provides a savory depth and richness rather than a sweet chocolate taste.
How much chili powder is required?
The recipe requires 3 tablespoons of chili powder.
What should I do with the tortillas before adding the sauce?
Lightly fry the corn tortillas in hot oil until they are soft before dipping them into the sauce.
What toppings are recommended for these enchiladas?
Recommended toppings include grated cheddar cheese, diced onions, and sliced black olives.
How do I melt the cheese on the final dish?
You can melt the cheese by placing the assembled enchiladas in the microwave for 1 minute on high.
What role does the flour play in this recipe?
The flour acts as a thickening agent to give the sauce its proper consistency.
Is this a quick meal to prepare?
Yes, it is tagged as a quick meal and can be prepared efficiently for family dinners.
How much water is needed for the recipe?
The recipe uses a total of 3 cups of water.
Can I make the sauce sweeter?
Yes, you can increase the amount of tomato sauce used to achieve a sweeter flavor profile.
What is the first step in making the sauce?
The first step is to mix the chili powder, flour, cocoa powder, garlic salt, and oregano in a small bowl.
How long should the sauce simmer after adding tomato sauce?
Once the tomato sauce is incorporated, allow the mixture to simmer for an additional 5 minutes.
Does this recipe use fresh garlic?
This specific traditional recipe uses 1/2 teaspoon of garlic salt rather than fresh garlic.
What type of tortillas are best for this sauce?
The recipe suggests using corn tortillas for the best results.
Can this sauce be used for dishes other than enchiladas?
Yes, it is a versatile sauce that works wonders for a variety of Mexican dishes.
Is the sauce spicy?
The sauce has heat from the chili powder, but the spice level is customizable by adjusting the ingredients.
How do I achieve even distribution of the spices?
By mixing all dry ingredients together in a small bowl before adding any liquid, you ensure the spices are evenly distributed.
What size saucepan is needed?
A medium-sized saucepan is sufficient for preparing this amount of sauce.
How much cocoa powder is in the recipe?
The recipe calls for exactly 1 teaspoon of cocoa powder.
What kind of cheese is traditional for this recipe?
The recipe specifically recommends using generous amounts of grated cheddar cheese.
Can I use this for meal prep?
Yes, the sauce can be made ahead of time and used for quick assembly of enchiladas later.
How much oregano should I add?
The recipe requires 1 teaspoon of oregano.
Is this a traditional Mexico City style sauce?
Yes, it is based on traditional methods used by home cooks in the heart of Mexico City.