Enchiladas are a beloved Mexican dish, and the key to truly amazing enchiladas lies in the sauce. This comprehensive guide will walk you through how to make delicious enchilada sauce from scratch, covering different types and offering tips for the best flavor. Whether you prefer a mild, red, or green enchilada sauce, you'll find the perfect recipe here.
Understanding the Basics of Enchilada Sauce
Before we dive into specific recipes, let's understand what makes a great enchilada sauce. The foundation of most sauces is a blend of chiles, spices, and liquids. The type of chile used will significantly impact the flavor and heat level. Common chiles include:
- Ancho chiles: These dried poblanos offer a rich, earthy flavor with a mild heat. They're perfect for a base or a milder sauce.
- Guajillo chiles: These dried mirasol chiles provide a fruity, slightly sweet flavor with medium heat.
- Pasilla chiles: Similar to ancho chiles, but with a slightly more intense flavor and heat.
- Chipotle chiles: These smoked jalapeños add a smoky, intense heat to your sauce. Use sparingly!
Recipe 1: Classic Red Enchilada Sauce (Mild)
This recipe utilizes ancho chiles for a mild, flavorful sauce. It's perfect for those who prefer a less spicy enchilada.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound dried ancho chiles
- 4 cups water
- 1 large onion, roughly chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, roughly chopped
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
Instructions:
- Clean the chiles: Remove stems and seeds from the ancho chiles. Rinse thoroughly.
- Rehydrate the chiles: Combine the chiles and water in a large bowl. Let them soak for at least 30 minutes, or until softened.
- Sauté aromatics: Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic and sauté until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
- Blend the ingredients: Carefully transfer the softened chiles and water (reserve some of the soaking liquid) to a blender. Add the sautéed onion and garlic, cumin, oregano, and salt. Blend until smooth. Add more soaking liquid if needed to achieve desired consistency.
- Simmer the sauce: Pour the blended mixture into the pot. Bring to a simmer and cook for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has thickened.
Recipe 2: Spicy Red Enchilada Sauce (Medium Heat)
This recipe incorporates guajillo chiles for a spicier kick.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound dried guajillo chiles
- 4 cups water
- 1 large onion, roughly chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, roughly chopped
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (or to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt to taste
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
Instructions: Follow the same instructions as Recipe 1, substituting guajillo chiles and adding cayenne pepper for extra heat.
Recipe 3: Green Enchilada Sauce (Mild to Medium)
This recipe uses tomatillos for a vibrant green sauce.
Ingredients:
- 2 pounds tomatillos, husked and rinsed
- 4 serrano peppers (adjust to your spice preference), stems removed
- 1 large white onion, quartered
- 4 cloves garlic, peeled
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
- Salt to taste
Instructions:
- Roast the ingredients: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the tomatillos, serrano peppers, onion, and garlic on a baking sheet and roast for 20-25 minutes, or until the tomatillos are softened and slightly charred.
- Blend the ingredients: Transfer the roasted ingredients to a blender along with the cilantro and salt. Blend until smooth.
- Simmer (optional): For a thicker sauce, you can simmer the blended mixture for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Tips for the Best Enchilada Sauce
- Adjust the heat: Control the spice level by adding more or fewer chiles or adjusting the amount of cayenne pepper.
- Adjust the consistency: Add more or less soaking liquid to achieve your desired thickness.
- Taste and adjust: Always taste your sauce and adjust the seasoning as needed.
- Make it ahead: Enchilada sauce tastes even better the next day! Make it ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator.
Making your own enchilada sauce is incredibly rewarding. It allows you to control the flavor and heat level to perfectly suit your preferences. Experiment with different chile combinations to discover your own signature sauce! Now, go forth and create delicious enchiladas!