Are you tired of bland, store-bought enchilada sauces that barely whisper of flavor? Get ready to transform your home cooking with this mind-blowing Smoky Spicy Enchilada Sauce that packs a punch of authentic Mexican taste in every single spoonful! This homemade sauce is not just a condiment—it's a culinary adventure that will elevate your dishes from ordinary to extraordinary, bringing the vibrant street food flavors of Mexico right into your kitchen.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Mexican
Serves: 2 cups
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add finely chopped onion and sauté until soft and translucent, approximately 4-5 minutes.
- Add minced garlic and cook for an additional 30-45 seconds, stirring constantly to prevent burning and release the aromatic flavors.
- Sprinkle chili powder and smoked paprika into the pan, stirring quickly to coat the onions and garlic. Toast the spices for about 30 seconds to enhance their depth of flavor.
- Pour in the tomato sauce and apple cider vinegar. Stir thoroughly to combine all ingredients and create a smooth, uniform sauce.
- Reduce heat to low and simmer the sauce for 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together and the sauce to slightly thicken.
- Taste the sauce and season with salt and pepper as needed. Adjust spices to your preferred level of heat and flavor intensity.
- Remove from heat and let the sauce cool slightly. For a smoother consistency, blend the sauce using an immersion blender or transfer to a standard blender.
- Use immediately in your enchilada recipe or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Tips
- Use fresh spices: Ensure your chili powder and smoked paprika are fresh for maximum flavor intensity.
- Toast spices carefully: When toasting spices, watch closely to prevent burning, which can make the sauce bitter.
- Simmer slowly: Allow the sauce to simmer gently to develop deep, rich flavors.
- Customize heat level: Adjust chili powder quantity to control spice intensity.
- Smooth texture trick: For an ultra-smooth sauce, strain through a fine-mesh sieve after blending.
- Make ahead: This sauce freezes beautifully for up to 3 months, perfect for meal prep.
- Experiment with variations: Try adding a splash of Mexican beer or a pinch of cumin for extra complexity.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 25kcal
Carbohydrates: 4g
Protein: 1g
Fat: 2g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
