Description
This easy enchilada sauce recipe delivers a rich, authentic flavor with bold spices and a vibrant red hue. Made from simple, natural ingredients, it is perfect for elevating Mexican-inspired dishes like enchiladas, tacos, and roasted vegetables. Customizable to suit your spice preference, this versatile sauce provides a fresh, colorful addition to any meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Spices
- 2 tablespoons dried chili powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder (natural)
- 1 teaspoon onion powder (natural)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Base Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 tablespoons tomato paste (natural)
- 1 tablespoon vegetarian Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 cup vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon natural gelling agent
Instructions
- Toast Your Spices: Warm a skillet over medium heat and toast the dried chili powder, garlic powder (natural), and onion powder (natural) for about 1 minute, stirring constantly to enhance their aroma and intensify the flavor foundation.
- Mix the Base Ingredients: In a saucepan, combine olive oil, tomato paste (natural), and vegetarian Worcestershire sauce. Stir well over medium heat until the tomato paste darkens slightly and the mixture becomes fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add Liquids and Simmer: Slowly whisk in the toasted spices, apple cider vinegar, vegetable broth, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat and cook uncovered for 10-15 minutes to let the flavors meld and the sauce thicken.
- Finish with Natural Gelling Agent: Sprinkle in a small amount of natural gelling agent, whisking constantly to avoid clumps. Continue cooking for another 2-3 minutes until the sauce reaches your desired consistency to beautifully coat enchiladas or any dish.
Notes
- Use fresh chili powder and spices to maximize flavor intensity.
- For a thinner sauce, add more vegetable broth while simmering.
- Simmer the sauce gently and slowly to develop rich, layered flavors without burning.
- Adjust acidity by tasting and adding more apple cider vinegar as needed.
- Store leftover sauce in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Stovetop simmering
- Cuisine: Mexican-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tablespoons
- Calories: 35
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 3g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 0.5g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: enchilada sauce, Mexican sauce, spicy sauce, vegetarian sauce, gluten-free sauce, homemade enchilada sauce
