Best 8 Ancho Chile Sauce For Enchiladas Recipes

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Embark on a culinary journey to create the perfect ancho chile sauce for your enchiladas, a dish that embodies the vibrant flavors of Mexican cuisine. With its rich, smoky, and slightly sweet taste, ancho chile sauce adds a unique depth of flavor to this classic dish. Whether you prefer a mild or spicy sauce, there are endless possibilities to tailor it to your taste preferences. This comprehensive guide will provide you with the essential knowledge and step-by-step instructions to craft an extraordinary ancho chile sauce that will elevate your enchiladas to the next level.

Here are our top 8 tried and tested recipes!

AUTHENTIC ENCHILADA SAUCE



Authentic Enchilada Sauce image

Great sauce and very authentic enchiladas. If you want a hotter sauce, just add some cayenne pepper when it's done. Ancho and pasilla chile peppers are dried chiles, and may be available at your grocery store, or a Mexican market.

Provided by Bill Echols

Categories     Side Dish     Sauces and Condiments Recipes     Sauce Recipes

Time 1h

Yield 12

Number Of Ingredients 11

3 ancho chile peppers
3 pasilla chile peppers
Water to cover
2 cloves crushed garlic
1 onion, chopped
4 tablespoons butter
4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
3 cups chicken stock
1 teaspoon dried oregano
½ teaspoon ground cumin
Salt to taste

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
  • Place chile peppers on a cookie sheet and roast in the oven until slightly toasted. (Note: When you can smell them, they're done.)
  • Remove from the oven and slit them open. Remove the seeds and veins, then put them in a bowl with boiling water to cover. Allow them to sit for 30 minutes, then remove them from the water, reserving the water. Scrape the pulp from the insides of the chile peppers and discard the skins. (Note: The skins will give the mixture a bitter flavor.) Return the pulp to the water and set aside for later.
  • In a large saucepan over medium heat, saute the garlic and onion in the butter or margarine for 5 minutes, or until onion is tender. Add the flour and mix well. Add the stock, stirring until thickened, and then add the reserved chile pulp mixture. Finally, add the oregano and the cumin.
  • In a blender or food processor, puree the mixture until smooth. Season with salt to taste.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 71.1 calories, Carbohydrate 6.5 g, Cholesterol 11.7 mg, Fat 4.7 g, Fiber 1.7 g, Protein 1.5 g, SaturatedFat 2.5 g, Sodium 335.7 mg, Sugar 0.7 g

CHICKEN ENCHILADAS WITH ANCHO CHILE CREAM SAUCE



Chicken Enchiladas With Ancho Chile Cream Sauce image

This is my "signature" dish. Always get raves on them. They are a bit time consuming, especially if you decide to make your own Pico de Gallo and Guacamole, but well worth it. I sip on a margarita to make the experience most authentic! * I find that I barely have enough cream sauce, you might consider doubling it for ease. * Here is a recommendation for the order of prepping things... *Start chiles soaking (30 minutes) *Cook chicken (I just boil chicken thighs in chicken stock...they need to cool before you can shred the meat) *Drink Margarita *Butter 13x9x2 baking dish *Preheat oven to 350°F *Slice and sauté mushrooms *Drink Margarita *Make sauce *Make filling *Assemble *Cook and eat (and drink Margarita)!

Provided by Mrs Goodall

Categories     Chicken

Time 3h

Yield 8 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 14

16 ounces light sour cream
1 (7 ounce) can diced green chilies
4 large green onions
1 cup cilantro, chopped
2 teaspoons cumin, ground fresh
2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
2 cups shredded extra-sharp cheddar cheese
2 medium tomatoes, seeded and chopped
1/2 lb button mushroom, sliced and sauteed
2 dried ancho chiles
4 large garlic cloves
2 cups whipping cream
4 teaspoons fresh lime juice
8 (8 inch) flour tortillas

Steps:

  • Ancho Chile Cream Sauce:.
  • Bring 2 cups water to boil in small sauce pan. Remove pan from heat, add Ancho chiles, soak 30 minutes. Reserve 6 Tbsp of liquid, drain rest of liquid.
  • Cut stems off of chiles, cut open and scrape out seeds. Combine Ancho chiles, reserve liquid and garlic in blender and puree.
  • Combine cream and chile puree in heavy skillet.
  • Bring to a boil, reduce heat, simmer for 3 minutes. Whisk in lime juice, season with salt. Strain sauce (not really necessary).
  • Enchilada Filling:.
  • Mix 1 3/4 cup sour cream, canned chiles, green onion, cilantro and cumin in large bowl.
  • Mix in shredded chicken, mushrooms, 1 cup of cheese, tomatoes, 3 Tbsp of Ancho Chile Cream Sauce, salt and pepper to taste.
  • Assembly:.
  • Bring remaining Ancho Chile Cream Sauce to a simmer, cook tortillas in sauce for 15 seconds, coating both sides. Place tortilla in baking dish, spoon 1/2 cup of filling down center of tortilla. Roll tortilla closed, arrange seam side down.
  • Repeat. May need another small glass dish for all enchiladas.
  • Cover with foil and bake 30 - 45 minutes. Uncover and sprinkle with 1 cup of cheese. Bake uncovered until cheese melts, approximately 5 minutes.
  • Serve with sour cream, guacamole and pico de gallo.

ANCHO CHILI SAUCE - RECIPE



Ancho Chili Sauce - Recipe image

This easy-to-make red chili sauce recipe is a flavor POWERHOUSE and essential for Mexican or Tex-Mex cuisine, made with lightly toasted ancho peppers. Perfect for enchiladas, chilaquiles, tacos and so much more.

Provided by Mike Hultquist

Categories     Main Course

Time 50m

Number Of Ingredients 12

5 ancho chili peppers
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
½ cup chopped white onion
½ cup chopped red onion
4 garlic cloves (chopped)
1 Roma tomato (chopped)
2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 tablespoon Mexican oregano
Salt and pepper to taste
1-2 tablespoons honey (optional)
Soaking water or stock for thinning

Steps:

  • Dry roast the ancho peppers on a hot pan about 1-2 minutes per side. The peppers will puff slightly and the skins will begin to turn red.
  • Set them into a large pot of boiling water and remove from heat. Let them soak covered in water for 30 minutes.
  • Remove the stems and coarsely chop the anchos. Reserve the soaking liquid.
  • Set the chopped anchos into a food processor.
  • Heat the oil in a pan to medium heat and add the onion. Cook about 5 minutes to soften.
  • Add the garlic and tomato and cook another minute or so, until you can smell the garlic. Add them to the food processor.
  • Add the vinegar, cumin, oregano and a bit of salt and pepper along with about 1 cup of the soaking liquid. Process until it smooths out.
  • The sauce will be thick at this point. You can add more soaking liquid to achieve your desired consistency.
  • Give it a taste. You can adjust with salt and pepper and this point, and if you feel it needs a touch of sweetness, add the honey and process a bit more.
  • Press the sauce through a coarse strainer into a bowl. I use a wooden spoon to push it through.
  • Store in the fridge in an airtight container.
  • As a tasty variation, add up to 15 ounces (1 can) of tomato sauce while cooking, or after you strain the ancho chili sauce to simmer. It makes for an outstanding final sauce. Or, swirl in anywhere from 1 tablespoon to a cup of the ancho chili sauce to tomato sauce to liven up any dish.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 43 kcal, Carbohydrate 8 g, Protein 1 g, Fat 1 g, Sodium 8 mg, Fiber 2 g, Sugar 4 g, ServingSize 1 serving

THE BEST RED ENCHILADA SAUCE



The Best Red Enchilada Sauce image

This smoky and savory enchilada sauce is simply delicious! My family won't eat out at Mexican restaurants anymore; they make me cook!

Provided by Fox Woadhill Rogers

Categories     Side Dish     Sauces and Condiments Recipes     Sauce Recipes

Time 1h25m

Yield 14

Number Of Ingredients 8

6 dried ancho chiles
1 (6 ounce) can tomato paste
¼ cup corn oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 ½ teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon dried oregano
¼ teaspoon ground cumin
3 cups beef broth

Steps:

  • Preheat an oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).
  • Arrange the ancho chiles on a baking sheet and toast in the preheated oven 3 to 4 minutes; remove the stems, pulp, and seeds from the toasted peppers. Place peppers in a bowl and pour enough hot water into bowl to cover completely; allow to soak for 1 hour.
  • Combine the ancho chiles, tomato paste, corn oil, garlic, salt, oregano, cumin, and about 1 cup of the beef broth in a blender; blend until smooth. Pour the mixture into a saucepan with the remaining beef broth and place over medium heat; simmer until heated through, about 10 minutes.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 69.9 calories, Carbohydrate 6.3 g, Fat 4.7 g, Fiber 2.1 g, Protein 2 g, SaturatedFat 0.6 g, Sodium 517.4 mg, Sugar 1.5 g

CHILE-RAISIN ENCHILADA SAUCE



Chile-Raisin Enchilada Sauce image

The combo of ancho chiles and raisins create a mouthwatering sauce. Try it on our Cheese Enchilada Casserole for spicy flavor with a hint of sweetness.

Provided by Martha Stewart

Categories     Casserole Recipes

Yield Makes 2 1/2 cups

Number Of Ingredients 10

6 ancho chiles
1 cup diced white onion
2 garlic cloves
1 cup water
Coarse salt and ground pepper
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1/4 cup minced golden raisins
1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
1 teaspoon white vinegar
Pinch of sugar

Steps:

  • In a medium bowl, cover chiles with boiling water. Let stand until softened, 15 minutes. Drain, stem, and seed chiles, then transfer to a blender with onion, garlic, and water. Puree until smooth. Season with salt and pepper. Pour through a fine-mesh sieve and discard solids. In a medium pot, heat oil over high until shimmering. Add chile mixture, raisins, and broth and simmer, stirring occasionally, until thickened, 5 to 10 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in vinegar and sugar. Season to taste with salt and pepper.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 250 g, Fat 50 g, Fiber 2 g, Protein 1 g

ANCHO CHILE SAUCE FOR ENCHILADAS



Ancho Chile Sauce for Enchiladas image

Number Of Ingredients 10

8 , large ancho chile kimmy
2 medium tomatoes, peeled and coarsely chopped
2 cloves garlic (medium), chopped
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano (Mexican variety preferred), crumbled
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon dried marjoram
1 cup beef broth or chicken broth, canned or homemade (depending on the meat that's used for the enchiladas)
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
3/4 cup heavy cream

Steps:

  • 1. Wipe the chiles with a damp paper towel. Cut the chiles open and remove the stems and seeds. Heat a dry skillet over medium heat and toast the chiles, turning, until they are aromatic, about 10 seconds. Do not burn, or chiles will be bitter. Put the chiles in a bowl, add hot water to cover, and soak about 20 minutes. Drain, discarding the water. 2. Put the chiles, tomatoes, onion, garlic, oregano, cumin, marjoram, and broth in a blender. Blend, in batches if necessary, to a smooth purée. The sauce should have the consistency of heavy cream. If too thick, add about 1 tablespoon water at a time, to reach the desired consistency. 3. In a saucepan, heat the oil over medium heat. Add the chile purée. Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer the sauce, stirring frequently to blend the flavors, about 15 minutes. Stir in the cream and heat through completely, 3 to 4 minutes. The sauce is ready to use, or store in a covered container, refrigerated up to 3 days or freeze up to 3 months. From "1,000 Mexican Recipes." Copyright 2001 by Marge Poore. Used with permission of the publisher, Wiley Publishing, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Nutrition Facts : Nutritional Facts Serves

STACKED BEEF ENCHILADAS WITH ANCHO CHILE SAUCE



Stacked Beef Enchiladas with Ancho Chile Sauce image

I found this recipe in my new Mexican cookbook "1,000 Mexican Recipes" by Marge Poore. If you love Mexican food, I would highly recommend this cookbook! This recipe is rather labor intensive but so worth the effort! I commend all of you that cook Mexican meals on a regular basis! Hard work but oh so good! I felt like we were eating in a fine Mexican Restuarant! My photo

Provided by Diane Atherton @DeeDee2011

Categories     Beef

Number Of Ingredients 34

2 1/2 pound(s) beef stew meat, cut in 1-inch pieces
5 tablespoon(s) vegetable oil (plus for for frying)
3 medium garlic cloves, chopped
1 - bay leaf
1 teaspoon(s) dried oregano (mexican varietty preferred)
1/2 teaspoon(s) salt, or to taste
- freshly ground pepper to taste
- ancho chile sauce (recipe below)
1 large onion, chopped
1 - (7-oz) can diced green chiles (i used two 4-oz cans)
1/2 teaspoon(s) ground cumin
2 medium tomatoes, peeled and finely chopped
12 - (6 to 7-inch) corn tortillas
1 cup(s) grated monterey jack cheese
3 - thinly sliced green onions, green and white parts
1/2 cup(s) sliced black olives
1/2 cup(s) mexican cream or sour cream
3 teaspoon(s) fresh chopped clilantro
- diced tomatoes
ANCHO CHILE SAUCE
8 large ancho chiles
2 medium tomatoes, peeled and coarsely chopped
2 medium garlic cloves, chopped
1/2 teaspoon(s) dried oregano, mexican variety preferred
1/2 teaspoon(s) ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon(s) dried marjoram
1 cup(s) beef broth or chicken broth
1 tablespoon(s) vegetable oil
1/2 teaspoon(s) salt, or to taste
3/4 cup(s) heavy cream
HOMEMADE BASIC CORN TORTILLAS
2 cup(s) masa harina (flour for corn tortillas)
1 1/3 cup(s) warm water
1/4 teaspoon(s) salt

Steps:

  • Trim any fat and gristle from meat; cut in 1-inch pieces. Heal oil over medium-high heat in a large skillet. Brown meat and then add garlic, bay leaf,oregano,salt, pepper, and 2 cups of water. Bring to a boil; reduce heat to low and simmer for 1 1/2 hours or until meat is tender. Remove pot from heat and cool meat until lukewarm in the broth. Once warm enough to handle, remove meat from broth and shredd using hands to break up meat. Reserve the broth for Ancho Chile Sauce and other uses. NOTE: no need to wash pan yet.
  • Prepare the Ancho Chile Sauce (instructions below). To make this dish easier, I made this sauce the day before. This sauce will keep in the refrigerator for 3 days and in the freezer for 3 months.
  • Heat the remaining oil in the same skillet beef was cooked in and cook onion over a meduim high heat, stirring, unti onion starts to brown (about 5 to 6 minutes). Add diced green chiles, cumin, and tomatoes. Bring to a boil and cook, stirring, an additional 3 minutes; add meat and remove from heat.
  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease a 11 X 16-inch pan. Make sure your pan is large enough that the enchiladas don't overlap. Heat oil to depth of 1/2-inch in a medium skillet and soften the tortillas 1 at a time by passing through hot oil, holding edge with tongs until limp, about 3 seconds. Drain on paper towels. Stack and cover to keep soft and warm. NOTE: I made fresh tortillas so I did not fry mine as they were still soft.
  • Ladle a thin film of the Ancho Chile Sauce in pan. Place 4 tortillas side by side in pan, do not overlap. Top each with 3 tablespoons of the meat mixture. Top each with another tortilla and meat mixuter. Repeat for a third layer. Top each with cheese, olives and green onions. Cover each with the Ancho Chile Sauce.
  • Bake uncovered for 15 to 20 minutes until cheese melts and sauce bubbles. Remove from oven and cut into wedges. Serve with crema or sour cream, some diced tomatoes and sprinkle with cilantro.
  • INSTRUCTIONS FOR ANCHO CHILE SAUCE FOR ENCHILADAS Wipe the chiles with a damp paper towel. Cut open and remove stems and seeds. Heat a dry skillet over medium heat and toast the chiles, turning until they are aromatic, just a few seconds should do it. Do not burn or they will be bitter. Place chiles in a bowl and cover with hot water for about 20 minutes; drain and discard water.
  • Put chiles, tomatoes, onion, garlic, oregano, marjoram and broth in a blender. Blend to a smooth puree. This should be the consistency of a heavy cream. If too thick, add 1 tablespoon water at a time unitl desired consistency.
  • Heat oil over medium heat; add chile puree. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, simmer (stirring frequently to blend flavors)for about 15 minutes. Stir in cream and heat completely, about 3 minutes. Sauce is now ready to use or you can refrigerate for 3 days or will keep in freezer for 3 months.
  • HOMEMADE BASIC CORN TORTILLAS You will need a tortilla press (unless you know how press them another way) and plastic wrap. Also, you could use already made corn tortillas.
  • In a large bowl, mix all ingredients together using your hands. Knead dough well until moist and smooth, not crumbly and not sticky, about 5 minutes. If dough is crumbly, moisten hands and continue to knead. If it's sticky, add 1 tablespoon of the masa flour at time until desired consistency (a smooth moist dough).
  • Cover bowl with plastic and allow dough to rest 20 minutes before using. NOTE: You can refrigerate up to 3 days or freeze up to 3 months.
  • Form dough into 12 equal balls about the the size of a golf ball. Keep dough covered while working to keep it from drying out. Heat a Mexican cornal of mediou skillet over medium-high heat.
  • Open tortilla press and line with a piece of plastic, place dough ball in middle and cover with another piece of plastic, press firmly to form a round tortilla. Remove from press, place in palm of your hand and carefully remove plastic wrap, flip over in your hand and remove other piece of plastic.
  • Lay tortilla on hot pan; cook 20 to 30 seconds, or until edges look dry. With spatula, flip and cook about 1 minute. Turn again and cook 15 seconds. Remove and stack between layers of paper towels to keep warm. Repeat to make 12 tortillas.

ANCHO CHILE SAUCE



Ancho Chile Sauce image

A most flavorful sauce that can be used on brisket, chicken or any bbq. Note: You can substitute 1 tablespoon Ancho Chile Powder for the dried chile and then add enough water to make it the consistency you want. Start with at least 1/2 cup water. From Bon Appetit.

Provided by gailanng

Categories     Mexican

Time 45m

Yield 1 1/2 cups

Number Of Ingredients 13

1 dried ancho chile, stemmed, seeded, coarsely torn (no ancho chile, see note in description)
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 cup chopped onion
1 tablespoon tomato paste
3 garlic cloves, minced
1/2 cup dry red wine
1/2 cup ketchup
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
1 tablespoon dark brown sugar, packed
2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
salt
pepper

Steps:

  • Place chile in medium bowl. Pour enough boiling water over to cover; let soak until soft, about 30 minutes. Drain, reserving soaking liquid.
  • Heat oil in heavy medium saucepan over medium heat. Add onion and saute until soft, stirring often, about 4 minutes. Add tomato paste; stir 2 minutes. Add garlic and stir 30 seconds. Add wine and softened chile; simmer 2 minutes. Add 3 tablespoons reserved chile soaking liquid, ketchup and all remaining ingredients. Simmer 3 minutes, stirring often. Season with salt and pepper. Remove from heat and cool slightly.
  • Puree sauce in blender, adding more reserved soaking liquid by tablespoonfuls if too thick. May be made 3 days ahead; cover and chill.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 441, Fat 19.6, SaturatedFat 2.5, Sodium 1066.8, Carbohydrate 52.7, Fiber 5.1, Sugar 34.3, Protein 4.9

Tips:

  • For a smoky flavor, roast the chiles over an open flame or in a hot oven before blending.
  • Remove the seeds and ribs from the chiles before blending for a milder sauce.
  • Add a bit of vinegar or citrus juice to the sauce for a tangy kick.
  • Use a combination of different types of chiles to create a complex flavor profile.
  • Simmer the sauce for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
  • Season the sauce to taste with salt, pepper, and other spices.
  • Use a high-quality tomato sauce for the best flavor.
  • Add some chopped fresh cilantro or parsley to the sauce for a pop of color and flavor.
  • Serve the sauce immediately or store it in the refrigerator for later use.

Conclusion:

With these tips in mind, you can easily make a delicious and authentic chile sauce for enchiladas at home. Whether you like your sauce mild or spicy, smoky or tangy, there is a recipe in this article that is sure to please your taste buds. So get creative and experiment until you find the perfect sauce for your next enchilada night.

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