Fresh Enchilada Sauce

Transform your Mexican-inspired meals with this rich, homemade fresh enchilada sauce! Bursting with bold flavors, this recipe combines aromatic garlic, sautéed onion, and a medley of spices like chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika for a perfectly balanced kick. Simmering crushed tomatoes and a touch of sugar bring just the right amount of sweetness to complement the smoky heat. Ready in just 35 minutes, this easy-to-make sauce is perfect for topping enchiladas, burritos, or even as a dip for tortilla chips. Plus, with the option to blend for a silky smooth texture, it’s a versatile and customizable staple that will elevate your dishes while keeping artificial flavors and preservatives at bay.

Nutriscore Rating: 70/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:25 mins

Total Time:35 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 pieces garlic cloves, minced
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 28 ounces canned crushed tomatoes
• 2 cups water or chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons chili powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper

Directions

Step 1

Heat the olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat.

Step 2

Add the minced garlic and chopped onion. Sauté for 3-4 minutes, or until the onion begins to soften and turn translucent.

Step 3

Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1 minute, allowing it to caramelize slightly.

Step 4

Pour in the crushed tomatoes and water or chicken broth, stirring to combine.

Step 5

Add the chili powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, sugar, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to incorporate the spices.

Step 6

Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.

Step 7

Allow the sauce to simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until it slightly thickens and the flavors meld together. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

Step 8

If a smoother texture is desired, use an immersion blender or transfer the sauce to a blender (in batches if necessary) and blend until smooth.

Step 9

Use immediately in your favorite enchilada recipe, or let it cool completely and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1381.4 grams (1381.4g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	592

Total Fat 30.70g	39%
Saturated Fat 4.50g	23%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.70g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 3650mg	159%
Total Carbohydrate 76.20g	28%
Dietary Fiber 22.60g	81%
Total Sugars 41.60g
Protein 13.10g	26%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 273mg	21%
Iron 13mg	71%
Potassium 3145mg	67%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 43.6%

Protein: 8.3%

Carbs: 48.1%