Craving a vibrant, flavorful vegetarian meal that's both comforting and satisfying? Look no further! This homemade vegetarian enchilada sauce recipe is your ticket to deliciousness. Forget those bland, store-bought versions; this recipe delivers a rich, complex sauce that will elevate your enchiladas, burritos, or even tacos to a whole new level. It’s incredibly easy to make, perfect for busy weeknights, and packed with healthy ingredients. This quick dinner idea is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, proving that healthy meals can also be incredibly delicious.
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
- 1 (4-ounce) can diced green chilies (mild or hot, to your preference)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon chili powder
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
Instructions:
-
Sauté the aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and red bell pepper and cook for another 3-5 minutes, until slightly tender. This step builds the foundation of the sauce's flavor.
-
Combine the ingredients: Add the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, diced green chilies, oregano, cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and pepper to the saucepan. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
-
Simmer the sauce: Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the saucepan and let the sauce simmer for at least 20 minutes, or up to an hour for a deeper, richer flavor. Stir occasionally. The longer it simmers, the more the flavors meld together.
-
Adjust the seasoning: After simmering, taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning as needed. Add more salt, pepper, or brown sugar to balance the acidity and achieve your desired level of spice. This step is crucial for customizing the sauce to your taste preferences.
-
Serve and enjoy: Your homemade vegetarian enchilada sauce is ready! Serve it immediately over your favorite enchiladas, burritos, tacos, or use it as a dipping sauce.
Cooking Tips for the Best Enchilada Sauce:
- For a smoother sauce: Blend the sauce with an immersion blender or in a regular blender after simmering for a completely smooth texture.
- Roasted vegetables: For an even deeper flavor, roast the onion and bell pepper before adding them to the sauce.
- Spice it up: Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper to control the heat level. For a milder sauce, omit it altogether.
Variations:
- Chipotle Enchilada Sauce: Add 1-2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce for a smoky, spicy kick.
- Mole Enchilada Sauce: Incorporate some Mexican chocolate and ancho chilies for a rich, complex mole-inspired sauce.
- Creamy Enchilada Sauce: Stir in a dollop of sour cream or Mexican crema at the end for a creamier consistency.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This will vary based on serving size and specific ingredients used. For a precise nutritional analysis, use a nutrition calculator and input your exact ingredients and measurements. Generally, this recipe is a relatively healthy option, providing a good source of vitamins and antioxidants from the vegetables.
This recipe is a great example of homemade cooking at its finest – simple, delicious, and versatile. Try this easy recipe tonight and experience the joy of creating a truly special meal from scratch. It’s a delicious dish that’s perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a casual weeknight dinner or a more formal gathering. It's a testament to how even the simplest ingredients can come together to create something extraordinary.