The Best Homemade Enchilada Sauce Recipe You'll Ever Try

Gather the Ingredients.

Before you can start making the best homemade enchilada sauce, you'll need to gather all the necessary ingredients. Here's what you'll need: - 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil - 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour - 4 tablespoons of chili powder - 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder - 1/2 teaspoon of onion powder - 1/2 teaspoon of dried oregano - 1/2 teaspoon of ground cumin - 2 cups of chicken or vegetable broth - 1 teaspoon of salt - 1/4 teaspoon of ground black pepper Make sure you have all these ingredients ready before you start cooking. Once you have everything, you're ready to move on to the next step and start making your delicious homemade enchilada sauce.

Heat the Oil and Saute the Onion and Garlic.

To start making your homemade enchilada sauce, heat the vegetable oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the diced onion and minced garlic. Saute them for about 2-3 minutes, or until they become soft and translucent. This will help to release their flavors and add a delicious aroma to your sauce. Make sure to stir them occasionally to prevent them from burning. Once the onion and garlic are sauteed, you're ready to move on to the next step in creating your flavorful enchilada sauce.

Add the Tomato Sauce and Spices.

After sauteing the onion and garlic, it's time to add the star ingredient - tomato sauce. Pour the tomato sauce into the saucepan and stir it well with the onion and garlic mixture. This will create a rich and tangy base for your enchilada sauce. Next, it's time to add the spices that will give your sauce its delicious flavor. Start by adding chili powder, cumin, oregano, and salt. These spices will add a smoky and savory taste to your sauce. Adjust the amount of spices according to your preference for spiciness and flavor intensity. Stir the tomato sauce and spices together until they are well combined. Allow the sauce to simmer for about 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally. This will allow the flavors to meld together and the sauce to thicken slightly. Once the sauce has simmered and thickened, it's ready to be used in your enchilada recipe. Pour it over your enchiladas, or use it as a dipping sauce for chips. The homemade flavor and bold spices will take your enchiladas to the next level. Enjoy!

Simmer and Blend.

After the sauce has simmered for about 10-15 minutes, it's time to blend it to achieve a smooth and creamy consistency. You can use an immersion blender or transfer the sauce to a blender or food processor. Be careful when blending hot liquids, as they can splatter. Start on a low speed and gradually increase to blend until the sauce is smooth. Once the sauce is blended, you can return it to the saucepan and continue to simmer for a few more minutes to allow the flavors to further develop. This step is optional, but it can enhance the overall taste of the sauce. Now that your enchilada sauce is simmered and blended to perfection, it's ready to be used in your favorite enchilada recipe. Whether you're making chicken, beef, or vegetarian enchiladas, this homemade sauce will elevate the flavors and make your dish truly memorable. Enjoy the deliciousness!

Adjust the Seasonings and Serve.

After blending the enchilada sauce, it's important to taste and adjust the seasonings to your preference. You can add more salt, pepper, or spices like cumin or chili powder if desired. Remember, everyone's taste buds are different, so feel free to customize the sauce to suit your palate. Once you're satisfied with the flavor, you can serve the enchilada sauce immediately or store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for later use. It can last for up to a week, allowing you to enjoy homemade enchiladas whenever you crave them. So go ahead and impress your family and friends with this amazing homemade enchilada sauce. They won't believe it's not store-bought!