Description
This homemade enchilada sauce is a rich, flavorful, and easy-to-make sauce that enhances any Mexican dish. Made with diced tomatoes, aromatic spices, and a blend of herbs, it delivers the perfect balance of warmth, depth, and a hint of sweetness. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s the best sauce you’ll ever make at home to elevate your enchiladas or other Mexican-inspired meals.
Ingredients
Scale
Basic Ingredients
- 1 can diced tomatoes (14 oz)
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 cup chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 tsp sugar
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Olive oil for sautéing (about 1-2 tbsp)
Instructions
- Prepare the onion: Heat olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the diced onions and sauté for about 5 minutes until translucent and fragrant.
- Add spices and garlic: Add the minced garlic, chili powder, ground cumin, and dried oregano to the onions. Stir continuously for 1 minute to toast the spices and bring out their aromas.
- Add tomatoes and broth: Pour in the can of diced tomatoes along with their juices, then add the chicken or vegetable broth. Stir to combine, then bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Season and simmer: Stir in the sugar, salt, and pepper to taste. Let the sauce simmer uncovered for about 20 minutes, allowing it to thicken and flavors to meld.
- Blend for smoothness: Use an immersion blender directly in the saucepan or carefully transfer to a regular blender to puree the sauce until smooth and silky.
Notes
- Adjust chili powder to control the level of heat in the sauce.
- Use vegetable broth to make this sauce vegetarian or chicken broth for a richer flavor.
- For a smoky flavor, substitute regular chili powder with chipotle chili powder.
- The sauce can be refrigerated for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
- Use an immersion blender for easy blending directly in the pot, minimizing cleanup.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Sauce
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican
Keywords: enchilada sauce, homemade enchilada sauce, Mexican sauce, enchilada recipe, chili powder sauce, easy enchilada sauce
