Key Ingredients in Homemade Enchilada Sauce & Tips to Store It

When it comes to crafting the perfect enchiladas, one element reigns supreme: the sauce. While store-bought options are readily available, there’s an undeniable magic that unfolds when you create your own homemade enchilada sauce. By incorporating the right combination of key ingredients, you can unlock a world of rich flavors and authentic Mexican taste that elevate your enchiladas to new heights. In this blog post, we will talk about the ingredients used to prepare this sauce and tips for accurately storing and preserving it for longer use. 

Ingredients to Make Enchilada Sauce at Home

Chili Peppers: The Heart of Spiciness

At the core of any enchilada sauce recipe are chili peppers, which bring the signature heat and flavor to the dish. The choice of chili peppers can vary, but commonly used varieties include ancho, guajillo, and chipotle peppers. These peppers are known for their smoky and earthy notes, which add depth to the sauce. Dried chili peppers are typically used, and they can be rehydrated and blended to create a smooth and velvety sauce base.

Tomatoes: The Foundation of Flavor

Tomatoes form the foundation of this sauce, providing a tangy and slightly sweet taste that complements the spiciness of the chili peppers. Fresh or canned tomatoes can be used, depending on availability and preference. To enhance the flavor, the tomatoes are often roasted or sautéed before being blended with the chili peppers. This step brings out the natural sweetness and intensifies the overall taste of the sauce.

Onions and Garlic: Aromatic Allure

No enchilada sauce recipe is complete without the aromatic combination of onions and garlic. These ingredients provide a savory and aromatic base that enhances the complexity of flavors in the sauce. The onions add a subtle sweetness, while the garlic infuses a distinctive and robust taste. Sautéing the onions and garlic before incorporating them into the sauce helps release their flavors and adds depth to the final product.

Spices: Layers of Flavor 

To elevate the enchanting flavors of this sauce, a blend of spices is essential. Commonly used spices include cumin, oregano, coriander, and paprika. These spices contribute earthiness, warmth, and smokiness to the sauce, creating a harmonious balance with the chili peppers and tomatoes. The precise combination of spices can be adjusted to suit individual preferences, allowing you to tailor the sauce to your desired taste.

Broth or Stock: Moisture and Depth

To achieve the desired consistency and depth of flavor, a liquid element such as vegetable or chicken broth is often added to the red enchilada sauce. The broth not only provides moisture but also enhances the overall richness of the sauce. Homemade broth or high-quality store-bought options can be used, ensuring the sauce maintains its homemade authenticity. Additionally, using broth instead of water adds an extra layer of savory goodness.

Steps to Store & Preserve the Sauce

Cool and Refrigerate: Allow the sauce to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Place it in the refrigerator, where it can stay fresh for up to 5 days.

Freezing: For longer storage, consider freezing the sauce. Pour it into freezer-safe containers or ice cube trays for portioned servings. Once frozen, transfer the sauce to freezer bags, removing any excess air. The frozen sauce can be stored for up to 3 months.

Thawing and Reheating: To use the frozen sauce, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator. Reheat it gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring occasionally until heated through. 

The Bottom Line

The key ingredients in homemade enchilada sauce are the building blocks of flavor and authenticity. By understanding the role of chili peppers, tomatoes, onions, garlic, spices, and broth, you can create a sauce that unlocks the magic in your enchiladas.