Name: Easy Enchilada Sauce
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 10 min
Ingredients: 2 Tbsp cooking oil ($0.08); 2 Tbsp all-purpose flour ($0.02); 2 Tbsp chili powder ($0.60); 2 cups water ($0.00); 3 oz. tomato paste ($0.47); 1/2 tsp ground cumin ($0.05); 1/2 tsp garlic powder ($0.05); 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper ($0.02); 3/4 tsp salt or pepper (to taste) ($0.03)

Introduction to Easy Enchilada Sauce

Creating your own easy enchilada sauce at home is a game changer. Store-bought options often lack flavor and can be packed with preservatives. Why settle for bland when you can whip up a vibrant, homemade sauce in just 10 minutes? This quick recipe not only saves you time but is also incredibly cost-effective, coming in at just $1.32 for a batch that serves eight.

Why Make Your Own Enchilada Sauce?

Control Over Ingredients: Making your sauce allows you to choose quality ingredients. Plus, you can adjust the spice level to fit your tastes.
Flavor Boost: Homemade sauces often have more depth. With just a few spices like chili powder, cumin, and fresh ingredients, you can create a sauce that’s bursting with flavor.
Cost-Effective: For less than a couple of dollars, you can create a batch that will elevate your meals—far less than most store-bought sauces!

So, are you ready to dive into the world of homemade enchilada sauce? It's a fun, budget-friendly project that packs a punch with every bite! For more tips on cooking from scratch, check out resources from the USDA.

Ingredients for Easy Enchilada Sauce

Essential ingredients for the sauce

Creating a delicious easy enchilada sauce is surprisingly simple, requiring just a handful of everyday ingredients. Here's what you'll need:

Cooking oil (2 Tbsp): This serves as the base and adds richness.
All-purpose flour (2 Tbsp): Used for thickening the sauce and giving it a nice texture.
Chili powder (2 Tbsp): The star of the show! Choose a mild version for balanced flavor without overwhelming heat. Check out this chili powder guide for tips on selecting the best one.
Water (2 cups): You can substitute with vegetable or chicken broth for an upgraded flavor profile.
Tomato paste (3 oz.): This gives depth and richness to the sauce.
Ground cumin (½ tsp): Adds a warm, earthy note.
Garlic powder (½ tsp): Enhances the overall flavor.
Cayenne pepper (¼ tsp): For that extra kick, adjust according to your preference.
Salt or pepper (¾ tsp): Season to taste.

Cost breakdown

Making your own enchilada sauce is not only easy but also budget-friendly, with the total cost around $1.32 for the entire batch. Here's how the costs break down per ingredient:

Cooking oil: $0.08
All-purpose flour: $0.02
Chili powder: $0.60
Water: $0.00
Tomato paste: $0.47
Ground cumin: $0.05
Garlic powder: $0.05
Cayenne pepper: $0.02
Salt or pepper: $0.03

With such an affordable price point and quick preparation time, you'll be curious why you haven’t tried this tasty easy enchilada sauce sooner!

Preparing Easy Enchilada Sauce

Making your own easy enchilada sauce is not only simple, but it also allows you to tailor the flavors to your liking! With just a few ingredients and minimal time, you’ll be able to whip up a delicious sauce that will elevate your enchiladas and other dishes. Let’s explore how to prepare this sauce step by step.

Gather Your Ingredients

Before diving in, ensure you have all your ingredients on hand. You’ll need:

2 tablespoon cooking oil
2 tablespoon all-purpose flour
2 tablespoon chili powder
2 cups water (or broth for added flavor)
3 oz. tomato paste
½ teaspoon ground cumin
½ teaspoon garlic powder
¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
Salt and pepper to taste

Having everything prepped and ready will make the cooking process seamless, and you can focus on creating a fantastic sauce!

Mix the Base

Once you have your ingredients ready, it’s time to bring them together. In a medium saucepot, add the cooking oil, flour, and chili powder.

Tip: Turn the heat to medium, then gently whisk these ingredients together. Keep an eye on the mixture as it heats up; you want it to bubble just a bit. This creates a roux that will give your sauce a nice thickness.

Whisk It All Together

After whisking the roux for about a minute, you’ll want to add the rest of the ingredients. Gradually whisk in the water (or broth) and then the tomato paste, cumin, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper.

Expert Tip: If you're concerned about spice levels, start with a small amount of cayenne and taste as you go. This easy enchilada sauce can adapt to your preferences!

Bring to a Simmer

Put your sauce over medium heat and bring it to a gentle simmer. It should start thickening up in just a few minutes. Stir occasionally to avoid any sticking at the bottom, giving you a smooth sauce that’s perfect for enchiladas or even as a dip for chips!

Adjust Seasoning to Taste

Last but not least, tasting is essential! Start with about ½ teaspoon of salt, mixing it in and tasting as you go. You might find you prefer a bit more salt or pepper, depending on your palate.

Taste Tip: If you love a hint of acidity, consider squeezing a bit of lime juice into the sauce just before serving.

Congratulations, you now have a flavorful easy enchilada sauce ready to enhance your dishes! Store any leftovers in the fridge for up to a week, or freeze for future meals. Whether you're filling tortillas or using it as a base for a casserole, this sauce is sure to impress. Happy cooking!

Variations on Easy Enchilada Sauce

Red versus Green Enchilada Sauce

When it comes to easy enchilada sauce, do you prefer red or green? Red enchilada sauce typically features tomatoes and chili powder, offering a rich, robust flavor. On the other hand, green enchilada sauce is made from tomatillos, giving it a tangy and slightly fruity taste. Both sauces bring unique qualities to your enchiladas, so why not try both and see which is your favorite?

Spice It Up: Adding Heat

Love a little kick? Elevate your easy enchilada sauce by adjusting the spice levels to suit your taste. If you’re feeling adventurous, consider adding diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce for an extra zing. Not a fan of too much heat? Start slow; you can always add more cayenne or chili powder as you taste-test. For further tips on managing spice levels, you can check out this guide from Chili Pepper Madness.

Cooking tips and notes for Easy Enchilada Sauce

Choosing the Right Chili Powder

When making this easy enchilada sauce, selecting the right chili powder is key! Opt for a mild, store-bought chili powder blend, as it adds rich flavor without overwhelming your dish. Brands like McCormick offer a perfect balance. If you're feeling adventurous or prefer a kick, try experimenting with a spicier variety! Just remember, you can adjust the heat by adding less cayenne pepper.

How to Store Leftovers

If you find yourself with extra sauce, no worries—this enchilada sauce stores beautifully! Simply let it cool to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container. It can be kept in the fridge for up to a week or frozen for up to three months. When you're ready to enjoy it again, just reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of water if you prefer a thinner consistency.

Serving suggestions for Easy Enchilada Sauce

Pairing with enchiladas and more

The beauty of easy enchilada sauce lies in its versatility. While it’s a staple for classic enchiladas, you can also drizzle it over a layer of cheesy nachos or use it as a zesty base for a savory enchilada casserole. Feeling adventurous? Use it to spice up your breakfast burritos or breakfast tacos—your morning routine will thank you!

Creative uses in other dishes

Don’t stop at traditional applications! This sauce can bring flavor to:

Tacos: Spread it over your taco filling for added zest.
Quesadillas: Pair with gooey cheese and fillings for a delightful twist.
Baked potatoes: Add a scoop for a delightful southwestern flavor.
Soups and stews: Stir in for a mild kick.

Experimenting with this sauce won't disappoint. It’s all about personal creativity in the kitchen—dare to make it your own!

Time Breakdown for Easy Enchilada Sauce

Preparation Time

Making this delicious easy enchilada sauce is a breeze! Set aside just 5 minutes for preparation. This includes gathering your ingredients and measuring them out, ensuring that you're ready to go when you start cooking.

Cooking Time

Once you're prepped, it’s time to cook! The actual cooking process takes about 5 minutes. You'll just whisk the ingredients together, allow them to simmer, and voilà — you’ve got a rich, flavorful sauce.

Total Time

In total, you’ll spend only 10 minutes from start to finish. It’s incredible how such a delicious sauce can come together so quickly! This makes it a perfect choice for those busy weeknight dinners or spontaneous taco nights.

Want to learn more about adding variety to your sauce? Check out this guide on sauces for enchiladas. It could inspire your next kitchen adventure!

Nutritional Facts for Easy Enchilada Sauce

Calories per Serving

Each serving of this easy enchilada sauce contains approximately 53 calories. That's perfect if you're looking for a flavorful addition to your meals without adding too many calories!

Key Nutritional Values

In addition to being low in calories, this sauce offers:

Carbohydrates: 5g
Protein: 1g
Fat: 4g
Sodium: 338mg
Fiber: 1g

This easy enchilada sauce is not only delicious but also packs a punch with its balanced nutritional profile, making it a great addition to your weeknight dinners. If you want to explore more about ingredient benefits, sites like Healthline can provide you with more insights on spices and their health properties.

Feel free to modify the spice levels to fit your taste preferences while keeping its nutritional values in check!

FAQs about Easy Enchilada Sauce

Can I make this sauce ahead of time?

Absolutely! This easy enchilada sauce can be made in advance and stored in the fridge for up to a week. Just make sure to let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. When you’re ready to use it, simply reheat on the stove or in the microwave. This makes meal prep a breeze, letting you enjoy your favorite enchiladas on a busy weeknight without stress!

What if my sauce is too spicy?

If you find your easy enchilada sauce has turned out a bit too spicy, don’t fret! You can balance the heat by adding a dollop of sour cream or yogurt when serving. You can also add a little extra tomato paste or a splash of cream to mellow out the spice level. For next time, consider reducing the cayenne pepper or using a milder chili powder.

Can I substitute ingredients?

Definitely! The beauty of this easy enchilada sauce is its flexibility. You can swap out water for vegetable or chicken broth for more depth of flavor. Don’t have chili powder? Try a combination of paprika and cumin instead. The key is to keep tasting and adjusting according to your palate! For more ideas, check out this recipe substitution guide.

Conclusion on Easy Enchilada Sauce

Making your own easy enchilada sauce is both rewarding and simple. In just 10 minutes, you can whip up a flavorful sauce that elevates any dish with a burst of zest. Whether you keep it mild or add a kick, this sauce is your new secret weapon in the kitchen. Enjoy!