Fiery Homemade Enchilada Sauce
Elevate your Mexican dishes with this Fiery Homemade Enchilada Sauce! Crafted from simple pantry ingredients, this rich and smoky sauce adds an unforgettable flavor to enchiladas, burritos, tacos, and more. With adjustable spice levels to suit your taste, it’s perfect for those who love a kick. This sauce is not only quick to whip up but is also customizable to make your dishes shine. Get ready to impress your family and friends with your enchilada game!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
oil
3 tablespoons (Heat in a saucepan)
cornstarch
3 tablespoons (Mix with oil)
chili powder
1/8-1/4 cup (Adjust to taste)
chicken broth
2 cups (Gradually stir into mixture)
tomato sauce
1/2 cup (Stir into the mixture)
salt
1/2 teaspoon (Add to sauce)
cumin
1 teaspoon (Add to sauce)
oregano
1 teaspoon (Add to sauce)
sugar
2 teaspoons (Add to sauce)
cayenne pepper
to taste (Add for extra spice)
Instructions
1
In a medium saucepan, heat the oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the cornstarch and whisk it vigorously for about 1 minute to create a roux.
2
Stir in the chili powder and cook for an additional minute, allowing the spices to bloom and release their aromatic flavors.
3
Gradually pour in the chicken broth while continuously whisking to ensure there are no lumps. This will create a smooth sauce base.
4
Add in the tomato sauce, salt, cumin, oregano, and sugar. Mix well until all the ingredients are well combined.
5
Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer, stirring occasionally, until it thickens to your desired consistency, about 10-15 minutes.
6
For an extra kick, sprinkle in cayenne pepper to taste before serving.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Fiery Homemade Enchilada Sauce?
It is a rich, smoky, and customizable Mexican-style sauce made from pantry staples like oil, cornstarch, chili powder, and chicken broth.
How long does it take to cook this sauce?
The preparation takes only a few minutes, followed by 10-15 minutes of simmering to reach your desired consistency.
Is this enchilada sauce spicy?
The heat level is adjustable. It uses 1/8 to 1/4 cup of chili powder and can be made extra fiery by adding cayenne pepper to taste.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, this recipe uses cornstarch as a thickener instead of flour, making it naturally gluten-free if your spices and broth are certified.
Can I make this enchilada sauce vegetarian?
Yes, simply substitute the chicken broth with vegetable broth to make the recipe fully vegetarian.
What can I use this sauce for besides enchiladas?
This versatile sauce is perfect for burritos, tacos, tamales, Mexican-style casseroles, or even as a base for a spicy soup.
How do I prevent lumps in my sauce?
The key is to whisk the oil and cornstarch vigorously for one minute to create a smooth roux, then gradually pour in the broth while continuing to whisk.
Why is sugar included in the recipe?
A small amount of sugar (2 teaspoons) helps balance the acidity of the tomato sauce and the bitterness of the chili powder.
Can I store leftovers of this sauce?
Yes, you can store the sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5-7 days.
Is this sauce freezer-friendly?
Absolutely! This sauce freezes well for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge and whisk well while reheating.
What type of oil should I use?
Any neutral-flavored oil works best, such as vegetable oil, canola oil, or light olive oil.
Can I use flour instead of cornstarch?
Yes, you can substitute flour for cornstarch in the roux, but the sauce will no longer be gluten-free.
How do I make the sauce thicker?
Let the sauce simmer longer on low heat (up to 15-20 minutes) to allow more moisture to evaporate and the cornstarch to fully set.
What if the sauce becomes too thick?
Simply stir in a splash of additional chicken broth or water until you reach your preferred consistency.
What does it mean to 'bloom' the spices?
Cooking the chili powder in the oil for a minute before adding liquid releases the fat-soluble compounds, deepening the flavor and aroma.
Can I use fresh oregano instead of dried?
Yes, but use three times the amount of fresh oregano since dried herbs are more concentrated than fresh ones.
How much sauce does this recipe make?
Based on 2 cups of broth and 1/2 cup of tomato sauce, this recipe yields approximately 2.5 cups of enchilada sauce.
Can I add garlic to this recipe?
Yes, you can add 1 teaspoon of garlic powder or sauté minced fresh garlic in the oil before adding the cornstarch.
Is this sauce better than canned versions?
Many find homemade sauce superior because it lacks preservatives and allows for total control over the sodium and spice levels.
What if I don't have chicken broth?
You can use water with a bouillon cube or even plain water, though you may need to add a bit more salt and cumin for flavor.
Can I use this for 'wet' burritos?
Yes, this sauce is perfect for pouring over burritos before topping with cheese and baking.
How much salt should I add?
The recipe calls for 1/2 teaspoon, but it is best to taste the sauce after simmering and adjust according to your preference.
What kind of tomato sauce is best?
A standard plain tomato sauce (canned) works best. Avoid flavored pasta sauces or chunky marinara.
Can I use this for red chilaquiles?
Yes, this sauce is excellent for simmering tortilla chips to make traditional red chilaquiles.
Why is the sauce simmering for 10-15 minutes?
Simmering allows the flavors to meld together and gives the cornstarch time to fully thicken the liquid into a silky sauce.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, you can easily double all the ingredients to make a larger batch for parties or meal prepping.
What is the serving size for this sauce?
A typical serving size is about 1/4 cup, which is enough to coat one or two large enchiladas.
Does this sauce contain dairy?
No, this recipe is naturally dairy-free as it uses oil and broth instead of butter or cream.
Can I use smoked paprika instead of chili powder?
Smoked paprika can be added for extra smokiness, but it should not replace the chili powder entirely as the flavor profile is different.
How spicy is the 'Fiery' version?
The 'Fiery' level is achieved by using the higher end of the chili powder measurement and adding significant cayenne pepper.