Homemade Enchilada Sauce
Homemade Enchilada Sauce
Making your own enchilada sauce at home is simple and brings a fresh, vibrant flavor to your dishes. This sauce is perfect for smothering over enchiladas, tacos, or even for dipping.
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/4 cup chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, for a smoky flavor)
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
- 1/2 cup tomato paste
- 2 cups water or chicken broth (for a richer flavor)
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
- Salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
Instructions:
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Heat the Oil:
- In a medium saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
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Cook the Spices:
- Once the oil is heated, add the chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika (if using), and cayenne pepper (if using). Stir for about 30 seconds until the spices become fragrant. This step helps to bloom the spices and intensify their flavors.
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Add Tomato Paste:
- Add the tomato paste and stir to combine with the spices. Cook for about 2 minutes to deepen the flavor of the tomato paste.
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Add Liquid:
- Slowly pour in the water (or chicken broth for a richer flavor) while stirring. This will help to loosen the tomato paste and create a smooth sauce. Bring to a simmer.
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Season the Sauce:
- Stir in the apple cider vinegar and sugar (if using). Add salt and pepper to taste. Let the sauce simmer for about 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally. The sauce should thicken slightly.
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Taste and Adjust:
- Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning if necessary, adding more salt, pepper, or cayenne if you prefer it spicier.
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Blend (Optional):
- For a smoother texture, you can blend the sauce using an immersion blender or in a regular blender for a minute or so.
Serving Suggestions:
- Use this enchilada sauce in your favorite enchilada recipes.
- It’s also great for smothering over tacos, burritos, or as a dip for chips.
- You can store any leftover sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week.
Tips:
- Adjust Spice Level: Feel free to adjust the level of heat by adding more or less cayenne pepper, or using a milder chili powder.
- Make it Ahead: The sauce can be made in advance and stored in the fridge. The flavors will continue to develop as it sits.
- Smoky Flavor: If you want to enhance the smoky flavor, add a bit more smoked paprika or even a small amount of chipotle powder.
This Homemade Enchilada Sauce is a perfect way to bring homemade flair to your Mexican-inspired dishes!
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