Description
This authentic enchilada sauce recipe brings the bold, smoky, and rich flavors of traditional Mexican cooking right into your kitchen. Made with real dried chiles, garlic, onion, and spices, it’s perfect for enchiladas, tacos, casseroles, and more. Simple to make and packed with flavor, this sauce will become a favorite in your dinner routine.
Ingredients
Ingredients
Dried Chiles
- 3 dried ancho chiles
- 2 dried guajillo chiles
Aromatics & Spices
- 3 garlic cloves, peeled
- ½ white onion, chopped
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon Mexican oregano
- Salt to taste
Liquids
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (optional for brightness)
Instructions
Instructions
-
Prepare the Dried Chiles
Cut the chiles open with scissors and remove stems and seeds. Toast in a dry skillet over medium heat for about 30 seconds on each side until fragrant. Soak them in hot water for 15 minutes until soft. -
Sauté Aromatics
In a skillet, heat oil and cook chopped onion and garlic until golden and fragrant. This adds depth and flavor to the sauce. -
Blend the Sauce
In a blender, combine soaked chiles, sautéed onion and garlic, cumin, oregano, and 1 cup of broth. Blend until smooth and creamy. -
Strain and Simmer
Strain the blended mixture through a fine sieve into a saucepan. Add the remaining broth and bring to a gentle simmer. Cook for 15 to 20 minutes until thickened. -
Adjust to Taste
Add salt to taste. Stir in vinegar at the end if desired. Let cool slightly before serving or storing.
Notes
- Make Ahead: You can make this sauce up to 5 days in advance and store it in the fridge. It also freezes well for up to 3 months.
- No Dried Chiles? Use chili powder in a pinch (not traditional, but workable).
- Spice Level: This recipe is mild, but you can add a dried chile de árbol for heat.
- Straining Tip: Use a fine mesh strainer to get a silky smooth sauce, this step makes a big difference!
- Add a Twist: A pinch of cinnamon or cocoa powder can create a mole-style variation.
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 25
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop, Blending
- Cuisine: Mexican
Keywords: authentic enchilada sauce recipe, homemade enchilada sauce, red enchilada sauce, Mexican sauce, enchilada chili sauce, gluten free enchilada sauce, enchilada sauce from scratch