Unraveling The Secret: How To Enjoy Enchilada Sauce Without The Heat

Enchiladas, a beloved Mexican dish, are known for their flavorful sauce. However, for those who prefer a milder taste, the traditional enchilada sauce can be too spicy. This blog post will provide a step-by-step guide on how to make enchilada sauce that is not spicy, allowing you to enjoy the delicious flavors of enchiladas without the heat.

Understanding Enchilada Sauce:

Enchilada sauce is a versatile sauce used in various Mexican dishes, including enchiladas, tacos, and burritos. It is typically made with a base of chili peppers, tomatoes, and spices. The level of spiciness in enchilada sauce can vary depending on the type of chili peppers used.

Choosing the Right Chili Peppers:

The key to making a mild enchilada sauce is choosing the right chili peppers. There are many varieties of chili peppers, each with its own unique flavor and heat level. For a mild sauce, it is best to use mild chili peppers such as Anaheim peppers, poblano peppers, or bell peppers. These peppers have a mild, slightly sweet flavor without the intense heat of hotter chili peppers.

Ingredients for Mild Enchilada Sauce:

• 6 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/2 cup chopped onion
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons chili powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 3 cups chicken broth or vegetable broth
• 2 cups tomato sauce
• 1/2 cup chopped cilantro

Instructions:

1. Sauté Aromatics:

• Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat.
• Add the chopped onion and sauté until softened and translucent.
• Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, or until fragrant.

2. Add Spices:

• Stir in the chili powder, cumin, oregano, salt, and black pepper.
• Cook for a minute or two, or until the spices are fragrant.

3. Add Liquid:

• Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth and tomato sauce.
• Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 15 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly.

4. Blend for Smoothness:

• If desired, blend the sauce using an immersion blender or a regular blender until smooth.
• This step is optional but will result in a smoother sauce.

5. Add Cilantro:

• Stir in the chopped cilantro and cook for an additional minute.
• Remove the sauce from heat and allow it to cool slightly before using.

6. Use in Enchiladas or Other Dishes:

• Use the mild enchilada sauce to make enchiladas, tacos, burritos, or any other Mexican dish that calls for enchilada sauce.

Tips for Making a Mild Enchilada Sauce:

• Choose mild chili peppers such as Anaheim peppers, poblano peppers, or bell peppers.
• Remove the seeds and ribs from the chili peppers before using them. This will help reduce the spiciness of the sauce.
• Use a combination of chili peppers to create a more complex flavor.
• Add a bit of sugar or honey to the sauce to help balance out the spiciness.
• Serve the enchilada sauce with sour cream, guacamole, and shredded cheese to help cool down the heat.

Variations:

• Roasted Tomato Enchilada Sauce: Roast tomatoes in the oven before adding them to the sauce for a richer flavor.
• Creamy Enchilada Sauce: Add a cup of heavy cream or sour cream to the sauce for a creamy and decadent texture.
• Cheese Enchilada Sauce: Add a cup of shredded cheese to the sauce for a cheesy and flavorful twist.

Serving Suggestions:

• Enchiladas: Fill corn tortillas with your favorite fillings, top with enchilada sauce, and bake until bubbly.
• Tacos: Use enchilada sauce as a topping for tacos, along with your favorite taco fillings.
• Burritos: Fill burritos with rice, beans, meat, and vegetables, top with enchilada sauce, and fold them up.
• Nachos: Top nachos with enchilada sauce, cheese, and your favorite toppings.

“It’s Not Spicy, It’s Flavorful”: Embracing Mild Enchilada Sauce

Mild enchilada sauce is a delicious and versatile sauce that can be enjoyed by people of all ages and spice preferences. By using mild chili peppers and adjusting the ingredients, you can create a flavorful enchilada sauce that is perfect for enchiladas, tacos, burritos, and other Mexican dishes. So, embrace the mild enchilada sauce and enjoy the delicious flavors of Mexican cuisine without the heat.

Answers to Your Most Common Questions

1. Can I use canned enchilada sauce to make it milder?

• Yes, you can use canned enchilada sauce as a base and then adjust the spiciness by adding mild chili peppers or reducing the amount of chili powder.

2. What can I add to enchilada sauce to make it sweeter?

• You can add a bit of sugar, honey, or maple syrup to the sauce to balance out the spiciness and add a touch of sweetness.

3. How can I store leftover enchilada sauce?

• Store leftover enchilada sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, or freeze it for up to 3 months.