Rich & Smoky Homemade Enchilada Sauce
This deeply flavorful, homemade enchilada sauce is so good, you might just want to eat it with a spoon. And yes, the secret ingredient is chocolate—adding a subtle richness that takes this sauce to the next level. Make it ahead because it stores beautifully in the fridge and freezer!
Servings: 8 servings
Calories: 72kcal
Cost: $5
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 cup onion diced
- 3 tbsp fresh garlic chopped
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- ¼ tsp ground cinnamon
- 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 5 tbsp chili powder mild or hot, depending on preference
- 4 ½ cups chicken broth or substitute vegetable broth
- ½ square ½ oz. semisweet chocolate
Instructions
- Heat oil in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat. Add onion and sauté until softened, about 3–4 minutes.
- Stir in garlic, oregano, cumin, and cinnamon and cook for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
- Stir in flour and chili powder, whisking continuously to create a smooth paste. Cook for 1 minute to remove any raw flour taste.
- Slowly whisk in the chicken broth, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Reduce heat to low and let simmer until the sauce thickens, about 20 minutes (adjust to your preferred consistency).
- Stir in the chocolate until fully melted and well blended. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Use this sauce in enchiladas, tacos, burritos, or even as a dip.
Notes
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Substitutions:
- Swap vegetable broth for chicken broth to make it vegetarian.
- Use cocoa powder (1 tsp) instead of chocolate for a slightly different depth of flavor.
- Add a pinch of smoked paprika for a smoky twist.
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Storage & Freezing:
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
- Freeze in small portions (ice cube trays work great!) for up to 3 months.
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Serving Ideas:
- Use as a classic enchilada sauce with tortillas and cheese.
- Drizzle over grilled chicken, beef, or roasted vegetables.
- Mix with sour cream for a spicy dipping sauce.
- Add a spoonful to soups and stews for an extra kick.
Nutrition
Calories: 72kcal | Carbohydrates: 9g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 4g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Trans Fat: 0.01g | Cholesterol: 3mg | Sodium: 574mg | Potassium: 183mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 1494IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 40mg | Iron: 2mg
