Description
A classic enchilada sauce recipe that is rich, flavorful, and perfect for traditional Mexican dishes. This homemade sauce combines tomato passata, aromatic spices, and a smooth roux base for a thick and delicious topping for enchiladas, tacos, and more.
Ingredients
Scale
Base
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
Sauce
- 700 g / 24 oz tomato passata (1 bottle) or 16 oz (2 cans) US tomato sauce
- 1 1/2 cups chicken broth, low sodium (or vegetable broth, or water + bouillon cube)
Spices
- 1 tbsp dried oregano
- 2 tsp cumin
- 2 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: cayenne pepper (for spiciness)
- Optional: ground chipotle
Instructions
- Heat the oil: Heat vegetable oil in a saucepan over medium heat to prepare the base for the sauce.
- Create the roux: Add the flour to the hot oil and whisk continuously for about 1 minute until the mixture is well combined and slightly golden to remove the raw flour taste.
- Add remaining ingredients: Pour in the tomato passata (or tomato sauce), chicken broth, and add dried oregano, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and brown sugar. Whisk everything together thoroughly, bring the mixture to a boil.
- Simmer the sauce: Reduce heat to low and let the sauce simmer gently for about 10 minutes, whisking occasionally to prevent lumps and to thicken the sauce.
- Season to taste: Add salt and pepper according to your preference. Optionally, add cayenne pepper or ground chipotle for extra heat.
- Store: Allow the sauce to cool and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week or freeze for longer storage.
Notes
- This sauce can be made with vegetable broth to keep it vegetarian.
- Adjust the spice level with cayenne or chipotle powder depending on your preference.
- Ensure to whisk constantly when adding flour to oil to prevent clumping.
- The sauce thickens as it simmers; if it becomes too thick, add a little more broth or water to reach desired consistency.
- Perfect for enchiladas, tacos, burritos, or as a base for other Mexican dishes.
