Prep
Cook
Serves
5 mins.
10 mins.
4 plus
I used to buy canned enchilada sauce and then I realized it’s made with items that I always have hanging out in my pantry and spice cabinet, so I gave it a try and I haven’t looked back.
There are some really good canned enchilada sauces in grocery stores, but since I love Mexican food and developing recipes based on restaurant flavors, I like making my own enchilada sauce.
This Enchilada Sauce is less about the chili powder and more about the cumin. I kept trying recipes online and never really loved the taste profiles. I finally realized it was because the finished sauces were all too thick and reminded me too much of a bowl of chili whereas my local Mexican restaurant’s enchilada sauce was thinner and has a milder flavor. I decided to tone down the chili powder and bump up the cumin powder and the result has become my favorite enchilada sauce to date.
If you prefer a spicy Enchilada Sauce add more cayenne pepper and likewise omit this ingredient if you prefer an extremely mild enchilada sauce.
Obviously, I love using this Enchilada Sauce over enchiladas, but it’s also great with Burritos, Mexican pizzas, Tamale Pie, and as pictured with my Stuffed Poblano Peppers. I usually make a large batch of the sauce and freeze half for quick weeknight meals.
I hope that you’ll try this recipe today and when you do, please leave a comment below. Also, follow @lifeabovethecafe on Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest for daily updates!
In a non stick sauce pot add all of the ingredients and stir everything together.
Bring the sauce up to a boil and then turn it down to a low simmer.
Cover and continue simmering for 10 minutes, stirring often with a whisk.
I prefer a thinner enchilada sauce and will adjust it with extra chicken broth or water if it begins to thicken up too much, but if you like a thicker sauce cook it for 15 minutes.
Use this enchilada sauce for enchiladas, burritos, or Mexican pizzas. Store leftovers in the refrigerator or freeze in a freezer safe container.
Note* I prefer a sauce with less chili powder but if you prefer more then add 1 – 2 Tbsp. of chili powder. Taste the sauce after it has cooked for 10 minutes and adjust the spices and salt as needed. I sometimes add 1 more tsp. of cumin powder and a little more salt if needed since I start with 1/2 tsp. of salt. Fresh cilantro is a nice addition, but can brown, so I add it to my food when plating.