Satisfy Your Cravings with Our Enchilada Sauce Recipe
Fellow food enthusiasts, get your taste buds ready for a culinary journey to the land of Tex-Mex flavors. Today, I present to you my recipe for the best ever Mexican Gravy or Enchilada Sauce Recipe that will have you begging for more.
As a lover of Mexican food, I am always on the lookout for delicious recipes to try out, and this one has become a staple in my kitchen. Whether you’re looking to whip up some Chicken Enchiladas or Beef Enchiladas, this recipe is the perfect sauce for all your Mexican-inspired dishes.
This homemade Enchilada Sauce made from tomato sauce, chicken broth, cumin, oregano, chili powder, flour, and butter is easy to make and packed with authentic flavors. So why rely on store-bought sauces when you can whip up a delicious batch in minutes?
The beauty of Tex-Mex cuisine lies in its ability to combine bold flavors with simple ingredients. This recipe perfectly captures that essence by bringing together basic pantry items and turning them into a complex and delicious sauce that will leave your taste buds wanting more.
So let’s don our aprons and make some delicious homemade enchilada gravy that will take your dishes to the next level. Join me on this flavorful journey as we explore the world of Mexican cuisine together!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Are you in the mood for some Tex-Mex comfort food? Look no further, this Mexican Gravy or Enchilada Sauce recipe is everything you’ve been craving and more. Not convinced yet? Let me tell you why you’ll love this recipe.
Firstly, this recipe is incredibly versatile. Whether you’re making enchiladas, chili or just need a savory sauce to spice up your meal, this Mexican gravy does it all. With a combination of tomato sauce, chicken broth and flavorful spices such as cumin, oregano, and chili powder, this recipe packs a punch.
Secondly, this dish is very easy to make with common ingredients that you probably already have on hand. The flour and butter mixture creates a roux that thickens the sauce beautifully while also giving it a velvety texture.
Finally, this homemade enchilada sauce has an amazing flavor that you can’t find in store-bought options. By making it at home, you can customize the spice level to your liking, making it perfect for all taste buds.
Overall, this recipe provides the best of both worlds – convenience and flavor – all in one dish! So go ahead and give it a try; I promise it won’t disappoint.
Ingredient List
Making homemade enchilada sauce may sound intimidating, but it’s actually quite easy! This recipe requires simple ingredients that you may already have in your pantry. To prepare, you’ll need:
- Tomato sauce, preferably plain, unsalted
- Chicken broth to balance the flavors and provide moisture to the sauce
- Cumin gives flavor to the dish
- Oregano, an herb essential in Mexican cuisine
- Chili powder, use powder 1 tbsp for a mild version or powder 1/4 cup if you like your sauce hot
- Flour, this will help thicken the sauce
- Butter, use unsalted for best result
- Onion powder adds depth to the gravy/enchilada sauce
- Salt, aim for salt together small bowl or salt 2 teaspoons ground cumin 1/2 tsp
- Optional: vegetable oil, garlic powder
With these ingredients ready, you’re now set to follow through the instructions to make your homemade and flavorful enchilada sauce!
The Recipe How-To
Step 1: Prepare the ingredients
Before starting the cooking process, it’s important to have all the ingredients ready. Gather a can of tomato sauce, chicken broth, ground cumin, oregano, chili powder, all-purpose flour, and butter.
Step 2: Make the Roux
In a large saucepan over low heat, melt 1/4 cup of butter. Once melted, whisk in 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour until smooth to create a roux. Continue mixing for about two minutes or until the mixture turns light brown.
Step 3: Add spices
Combine 1 tablespoon of chili powder, 1 teaspoon of onion powder, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of ground cumin, and 1/2 teaspoon of oregano in a small bowl. Mix well and add to the roux.
Step 4: Mix
Whisk the spice mixture until combined with the roux.
Step 5: Add liquids
Gradually stir in one can (14-16 ounces) of tomato sauce and one cup of chicken broth into the mixture.
Step 6: Cook
Cook over low heat for about 10 to 15 minutes or until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency.
Congratulations! You’ve just made delicious authentic Mexican gravy or enchilada sauce that you can use in enchilada recipes or as a dip for your favorite snacks.
Substitutions and Variations
There are a few variations you can make to this enchilada sauce recipe to suit your taste preferences or ingredient availability. Here are some suggestions:
– Spice level: Adjust the spice level by adding more or less chili powder. If you prefer a milder sauce, use only a small amount of chili powder or use mild chili powder instead.
– Tomato sauce: If you don’t have tomato sauce, you can use crushed tomatoes or diced tomatoes instead. Just pulse them in a blender until smooth before adding to the recipe.
– Flour: You can use all-purpose flour or gluten-free flour if needed. You could also use cornstarch instead of flour for a gluten-free and grain-free option.
– Butter: Instead of butter, you could use vegetable oil or olive oil.
– Broth: Use chicken broth as called for in the recipe, but vegetable or beef broth can be used as well, depending on your preference.
– Oregano: Replace dried oregano with fresh oregano if available.
– Cumin: Don’t have ground cumin? Toast and grind whole cumin seeds for an even stronger flavor.
With these substitutions and variations, you’ll still end up with a delicious sauce that will be perfect for your homemade enchiladas or any other Tex-Mex dish you’re making. So get creative and make it your own!
Serving and Pairing
Now that you’ve made this delicious Mexican Gravy or Enchilada Sauce Recipe, it’s time to think about how best to serve and pair it for a complete and satisfying meal.
The most popular way to use this sauce is in the traditional dish of enchiladas, where it is smothered over rolled tortillas filled with cheese, chicken or beef. Garnish with fresh cilantro, avocado slices, or a dollop of sour cream for an extra indulgent touch. You’ll never go wrong serving up these crowd-pleasers at your next dinner party.
However, don’t limit yourself to just enchiladas – this sauce can be used in other Tex-Mex dishes such as tacos, burritos, quesadillas, or even as a marinade for meats like chicken or pork. The possibilities are endless with this versatile sauce.
To elevate the flavors of your meal, try pairing it with some Mexican rice, black beans or refried beans on the side. These sides will absorb the rich flavors of the gravy and add depth to your overall meal (not to mention they’re easy to prepare!).
For a refreshing dessert that complements the savory and spiced flavors of this gravy recipe, try a light and fruity option such as homemade mango salsa, fresh fruit salad or churros with cinnamon sugar.
Whether you’re hosting a large gathering or whipping up a weeknight dinner for your family, this Mexican Gravy or Enchilada Sauce recipe will take your cooking game to the next level. So go ahead and indulge in some homemade Tex-Mex goodness!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
Once you’ve made this delicious Mexican Gravy or Enchilada Sauce recipe, you might want to know how to store the leftovers for later. This versatile sauce can be made ahead and stored in various ways depending on your needs.
To start, allow the sauce to cool down completely before storing it in an airtight container. You can keep the sauce in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or freeze it for a longer shelf life.
If you’re making enchiladas, you can assemble them ahead of time and store them in the fridge until ready to bake. To prevent the enchiladas from getting too soggy, avoid pouring the sauce over them until right before baking. When ready to eat, simply pour the refrigerated or frozen sauce over the enchiladas and bake as usual.
When reheating the Mexican gravy or enchilada sauce, there are a few options depending on your preferences. You can reheat it on the stovetop over low heat until heated through or microwave it in 30-second intervals, stirring in between until heated thoroughly.
For best results, I recommend avoiding reheating this sauce in the oven as it may dry out and lose its original texture and taste.
Now that you know how to store and reheat this delicious Mexican Gravy or Enchilada Sauce recipe, feel free to make an extra batch and enjoy it whenever you’d like!
Tips for Perfect Results
Preparing the perfect Mexican Gravy or Enchilada Sauce is all about balance. And here are some tips to help you achieve a rich sauce that will elevate your Tex-Mex dishes.
First, one essential tip is measuring accurately the ingredients. Always use measuring cups and teaspoons to get precise amounts. The balance of tomato sauce, chicken broth, flour, and spices is crucial for the flavor of your gravy.
Secondly, be sure to mix the dry ingredients well before adding them to the saucepan. This way, salt, cumin, chili powder, onion powder, and oregano will dissolve evenly into the sauce.
Thirdly, if you want a less thick sauce, add less flour or substitute flour with cornstarch. Mixing flour and chili powder before adding it to the sauce helps prevent lumps from forming.
Fourthly, after heating the oil in the pan and mixing in the dry ingredients while constantly whisking over low heat for a couple of minutes. This step is crucial for removing any raw flavor from the spices.
Fifthly, know your stove’s heating ability; some stoves require higher heat than others to bring liquids to a boil. Usually, medium-low heat works best for simmering until getting those robust flavors.
Sixthly, add a little bit of sugar – this helps round out the flavors and tone down any excess acidity in tomato sauces.
Finally, let your Mexican Gravy or Enchilada Sauce rest before serving. Like most sauces and soups, it will continue to thicken as it cools down. If it gets too thick while resting, you can always reheat it on low heat while stirring continuously.
By being patient while cooking your sauce and following these tips precisely, you will create an incredible homemade gravy that enriches your favorite Tex-Mex dishes like never before!
FAQ
As I conclude this recipe article, I want to address some commonly asked questions from beginners and enthusiasts alike. Understanding the finer points of a recipe can make all the difference when it comes to cooking success. With that in mind, I have compiled a few frequently asked questions (FAQs) about this Mexican Gravy or Enchilada Sauce Recipe that I hope will help you on your culinary journey.
What is Mexican gravy made from?
Let’s start by preparing the flavorful gravy. In a small bowl, combine the flour, chili powder, onion powder, oregano, and salt to create a well-balanced mixture of spices.
Next, heat up some oil in a large saucepan on low heat. Slowly whisk in the flour mixture into the hot oil until it forms a silky smooth consistency. Gradually pour in small amounts of water while continually whisking until the mixture blends seamlessly each time. Once all the water is mixed in, let the gravy simmer for about 5 minutes to extract all the flavors.
What is enchilada gravy made of?
The base of enchilada gravy comprises a mixture of savory seasonings like onions, garlic, chili peppers, cumin, and oregano. Flour or cornstarch is employed to thicken the gravy, while chicken broth or tomato sauce may also be added depending on the recipe.
Is there a difference between red enchilada sauce and enchilada sauce?
When it comes to enchilada sauce, there are two main types: red and green. The primary distinction between the two is the type of chili pepper utilized. Red enchilada sauce is created using red chilies, while green enchilada sauce is made using green chilies, tomatillos, and sometimes jalapeños. This means that green enchilada sauce can have a more extensive range of heat levels than the milder red enchilada sauce.
What is the closest thing to enchilada sauce?
If you’re looking to switch up the traditional enchilada sauce, there are various tasty alternatives available in the market. These options include taco sauce, salsa, ranchero sauce, Picante sauce, and sofrito sauce. Depending on your preference, you can experiment with these flavorful substitutes to enhance the taste of your dish. So, go ahead and explore these delicious options to enjoy a delectable and satisfying meal.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, this Mexican gravy or enchilada sauce recipe is truly the best Tex-Mex chili gravy you will ever taste. This homemade sauce will elevate your enchiladas to the next level, and bring an explosion of authentic Mexican flavors to your table.
By using a combination of basic pantry ingredients like tomato sauce, chicken broth, cumin, oregano, chili powder, flour and butter – seasoned with some onion powder and garlic powder – you can easily create a rich and flavorful sauce that will make your family’s taste buds dance with joy.
Additionally, the versatility of this enchilada sauce recipe is unparalleled. You can adjust the amount of chili powder depending on your personal preference for spiciness or add other spices like smoked paprika or cayenne pepper to make it even more complex.
Whether you’re making Tex-Mex enchiladas or smothering it over a plate of rice and grilled chicken – this recipe for Mexican gravy or enchilada sauce has got you covered. Give this recipe a try, and I guarantee it will become your go-to recipe for any Mexican food cravings!
So what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients and let’s start cooking! Your family and guests will be amazed by the authentic Mexican flavors you’ll be able to bring to the table thanks to this delicious recipe.
Mexican Gravy or Enchilada Sauce Recipe
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1/3 cup flour
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic salt
- 1/2 cup chili powder (yes, that's the right amount)
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon cumin
- 3 1/2 cups chicken broth (or 3 - 15 oz. cans)
- 1 (12 ounce) can tomato sauce
Instructions
- In a large frying pan, melt the butter.
- While that's melting, mix the dry ingredients, then slowly add them to the melted butter, stirring CONSTANTLY.
- Gradually add the broth (there will be some sizzling & hissing), stir until smooth; when it begins to bubble, add the tomato sauce.
- This will be thick and is ready to use now or can be transferred to a crock-pot to keep it warm.
- Use "as is" or add to other recipes.
Your Own Notes
Nutrition
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Mishra Vikas is a digital nomad who loves to explore the world and learn about its cultures. As a programmer, backpacker, and cook, he enjoys sharing his adventures and cooking up delectable dishes. Writing about his experiences, creating tasty recipes, and discovering new places are some of his favorite activities. He’s an avid traveler and passionate chef, always on the lookout for an exciting new journey.