Enchiladas are a staple of Mexican cuisine, with a rich history dating back centuries. The dish typically consists of corn tortillas filled with ground beef, beans, vegetables, cheese, and traditional spices, rolled up and served side by side with a generous serving of spicy sauce and melted cheese. The name ‘enchilada’ literally translates to ‘seasoned or decorated with chili,’ reflecting the importance of this hot and flavorful addition.
While store-bought condiments can be convenient, making your own enchilada sauce at home allows for endless possibilities in terms of flavor and spiciness. You can choose from a range of options, including herby and tangy varieties, warm and earthy styles, and even incorporate unexpected ingredients like chocolate or honey to add an element of surprise.
This list features a diverse selection of enchilada sauces that not only complement enchiladas but also work well with burritos, Mexican skillets, and soups. Whether you prefer the traditional green enchilada sauce or the bold flavor of Ancho Chile Enchilada Sauce, there’s something on this list to suit every taste. So why settle for bland when you can have bold? Let’s get cooking!
Spicy Enchilada Sauce
Creating a staple condiment at home is a great place to start, especially with this easy recipe that utilizes common kitchen ingredients. By taking shortcuts, you can achieve a thick and mildly spicy condiment perfect for serving large crowds. Its versatility is another major plus – simply pour it over fried tortillas, enchiladas, meat, or Mexican casseroles to add an extra layer of flavor.
Green Enchilada Sauce
For those who prefer a more subtle heat, this aromatic enchilada sauce is an excellent alternative. Its flavorful blend of jalapenos and Poblano peppers strikes the perfect balance between mildness and richness. To enhance its depth, simmer it in chicken broth for added complexity. A sprinkle of fresh cilantro and thinly sliced white onion adds a bright, fresh quality to the dish. By mastering this recipe, you’ll be well-equipped to elevate your Mexican-inspired cuisine.
Plus, this sauce freezes beautifully, allowing you to enjoy it for up to a year.
Homemade Enchilada Sauce
When it comes to pairing enchilada sauces with your main course, you’ll find that there’s a world beyond the traditional red and green options. The real magic happens when you experiment with unique flavor combinations. Take, for instance, this golden sauce recipe that elevates the taste experience with an array of spices including cumin and cinnamon. What sets it apart from other recipes is its use of honey as a natural sweetener, adding a depth of flavor that will leave you wanting more.
To bring out the best in this mixture, be sure to whisk in some apple cider vinegar just before removing it from the heat. Allow the sauce to thicken and come together after it’s been taken off the flame, and you’ll be rewarded with a harmonious blend of flavors that will perfectly complement your meal.
Enchilada Tomato Sauce
This recipe diverges from traditional enchilada sauce formulas by incorporating tomato sauce to thicken the mixture and introducing a tangy element to the final product. It’s crucial to use a high-quality, mild tomato sauce or marinara variety to avoid overpowering the dish. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity, requiring just a few key ingredients: tomato sauce, olive oil, and flour.
As you combine these elements, the aromatic spices – including onion and garlic powders, cumin, and chili powder – will meld together to create a rich, savory flavor profile that perfectly complements meat-and-beans-loaded corn tortillas. Furthermore, this recipe’s versatility allows for batch production, making it easy to freeze the sauce for up to six months and have it readily available whenever you crave an added layer of flavor on your enchiladas.
Tex Mex Chili Gravy
Looking to create an authentic Texan-Mexican condiment that perfectly complements meats and tortilla wraps? This recipe is the answer. By opting for butter as its fat of choice, this version takes a unique approach compared to other recipes. The addition of oregano adds a distinct depth of flavor, while a touch of tomato paste helps thicken the mixture without overpowering its original essence.
When it comes to storing this condiment, however, it’s essential to note that it doesn’t keep well in the freezer for extended periods. In fact, you can expect to enjoy your homemade enchilada sauce for up to three months before needing to whip up a fresh batch.
Sour Cream Enchilada Sauce
Sour cream is a trusted companion to many Mexican dishes, but it’s also a versatile ingredient that shines in its own right. This recipe showcases sour cream’s creamy texture and mild flavor, which can be tailored to suit your taste. A crucial step in the preparation process is ensuring the butter doesn’t brown, as this can affect the overall consistency of the mixture. The addition of cheese enhances the flavor and helps thicken the base, making it even more delectable.
Shredded cheddar cheese is a great option for this recipe. To achieve your desired level of thickness, you can also adjust the amount of broth used. Aromatics like garlic and onions bring an added layer of depth to the dollops, making them irresistible. Enjoy these creamy treats on their own or paired with toasted bread, gnocchi, roasted vegetables, or pasta for a satisfying meal.
Mexican Red Sauce (Smoky Spicy Enchilada Sauce)
This recipe offers a delightful fusion that caters to both vegetarians and meat enthusiasts. The tangy finish ensures the sauce doesn’t become bland despite its spicy nature, while the smoky undertones create an irresistible mouthwatering appeal. A unique twist is introduced by substituting chipotle powder for smoked jalapeno chili pepper, capturing the essence of the original flavors.
This condiment proves to be an excellent choice for those seeking a non-traditional taste experience without venturing too far from familiar flavors.
Ancho Chile Enchilada Sauce
To add a distinct twist to your enchilada sauce, experiment with various chili types. For this recipe, ancho sauce is the ideal choice, as it lends a smoky depth that elevates any dish. Its versatility allows you to pair it with a wide range of cuisines and cooking styles. The flavor profile of ancho sauce is characterized by hints of cherries and raisins. To achieve authentic results, take the time to hydrate the ancho chiles before using them in your cooking.
Alternatively, look for Mulatos or Guajillos at local markets or grocery stores, as they share similar flavor profiles with ancho peppers.
Chipotle Enchilada Sauce
When preparing this unique fusion, you’ll find delight in combining the various ingredients. The recipe takes an unexpected turn by incorporating adobo sauce, infusing the mixture with rich flavor. In contrast to relying on powdered forms, home cooks can utilize fresh and vibrant ingredients. To create a savory blend, add aromatic garlic cloves, diced onions, and natural chipotle peppers – even canned options are acceptable.
Don’t forget to incorporate herbs like cumin and oregano, which will elevate the dish with their aromatic properties.
Authentic Enchilada Sauce
This condiment is a masterclass in flavor balance, with sweet, smoky, spicy notes that harmonize perfectly. The addition of granulated sugar adds just the right amount of sweetness, while also enhancing the acidity. What’s more, you won’t need to worry about gluten in this recipe – it’s all about cleverly combining flavors without any unwanted additives. This sauce is so versatile, you can serve it to guests with dietary restrictions and they’ll be none the wiser. And the best part?
It cuts the time needed to make traditional enchilada sauce in half, making it a game-changer for busy home cooks. To take it to the next level, try making the mix dairy-free by substituting vegan butter – it’s that easy!
Chipotle & Ancho Cocoa Enchilada Sauce
Adding a dash of cocoa powder can surprisingly elevate the typical condiment’s role in enchilada making. To give it an extra boost, incorporate ancho and chipotle chilies for their smoky undertones. Opt for soft-dried chilies to ensure the maximum flavor payoff. Don’t forget to add a medley of herbs like onion, garlic, oregano, and cumin, which will complement the dish nicely. Fire-roasted tomatoes also make an appearance, bringing a rich depth to the mixture.
Finally, thicken it all up with rendered fat from roasted meat or smoky bacon grease, allowing each bite to be truly satisfying.
The bottom line
To elevate the flavor of your enchiladas, you’ll need a rich and savory sauce. The good news is that creating these tasty toppings is as easy as mixing together aromatic ingredients like tomatoes, spices, herbs, and even chocolate, honey, or sugar to balance out the acidity. Experiment with red, green, or golden-yellow sauces to find the perfect accompaniment to your Mexican dish.
Not only will these homemade sauces add a new level of scrumptiousness to your enchiladas, but they’re also incredibly easy to make using ingredients readily available at your local grocery store. And who knows? You might just discover a new favorite flavor combination that you and your guests will love. For even more unique and authentic sauce options, look beyond the classics and explore the many flavors of Mexican cuisine.
