If you love Mexican food, you know that enchiladas are a classic favorite. But what really takes enchiladas to the next level is the sauce — and green enchilada sauce is a vibrant, tangy, and flavorful twist that’s worth making from scratch. Wondering how do you make green enchilada sauce at home? You’re in the right place! This article will walk you through easy, tasty recipes and tips for creating your own homemade green enchilada sauce that beats anything store-bought.
What Is Green Enchilada Sauce?
Green enchilada sauce is a zesty, slightly tangy sauce made primarily from tomatillos and green chilies. Unlike the traditional red enchilada sauce made with dried red chilies and tomato sauce, the green version is bright and fresh, usually featuring roasted or sautéed green peppers, tomatillos, garlic, and herbs like cilantro. It’s perfect for chicken, cheese, or veggie enchiladas, and it can also double as a flavorful topping for tacos or burritos.
Ingredients You’ll Need
There are several ways to make green enchilada sauce, ranging from simple three-ingredient versions to more complex recipes with roasted veggies and spices. Here are the key ingredients commonly used:
– Tomatillos: These are the star, providing the tangy green base.
– Green Chilies: Poblano, Anaheim, jalapeño, or serrano peppers add heat and depth.
– Garlic and Onion: For savory flavor.
– Cilantro: Adds freshness and herbaceous notes.
– Spices: Cumin, chili powder, oregano, salt, and pepper.
– Broth or Water: To thin the sauce and add richness.
– Lime Juice: For brightness and acidity.
– Optional Dairy: Sour cream or heavy cream can be stirred in for a creamy version.
How Do You Make Green Enchilada Sauce? Step-by-Step
Here’s a straightforward method inspired by popular homemade recipes that yield a rich, flavorful sauce.
1. Roast the Veggies
– Preheat your oven to 350–400°F.
– Remove husks from about 1 pound of tomatillos, rinse, and halve them.
– Slice 2-3 poblano peppers (or a mix of poblano, jalapeño, and serrano) lengthwise and remove seeds if you want less heat.
– Place tomatillos, peppers, garlic cloves, and onion wedges on a baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil.
– Roast for 20-30 minutes until skins are charred and veggies are soft.
2. Peel and Prep
– Let the roasted veggies cool.
– Peel the skins off the peppers (optional but recommended for smooth sauce).
– Squeeze the soft garlic out of its skin.
3. Blend the Sauce
– In a blender or food processor, combine the roasted tomatillos, peppers, garlic, onion, and fresh cilantro (about 2 tablespoons).
– Add 1 ½ to 2 cups of chicken or vegetable broth.
– Season with 1 teaspoon cumin, 1 tablespoon chili powder, salt, and pepper to taste.
– Blend until smooth.
4. Simmer and Adjust
– Pour the sauce into a saucepan and simmer for 5-10 minutes to let the flavors meld.
– Add fresh lime juice (about ¼ cup) for brightness.
– If you want a creamy sauce, temper in some sour cream or heavy cream at this stage.
Quick and Easy Alternative: Using Salsa Verde
If you’re short on time, you can make a delicious green enchilada sauce using store-bought salsa verde as a base. Simply blend salsa verde with fresh cilantro and sour cream, then heat gently to combine. This shortcut delivers great flavor with minimal effort, perfect for busy weeknights.
Tips for the Best Green Enchilada Sauce
– Roasting is key: It develops smoky, deep flavors that canned sauces can’t match.
– Adjust heat: Control the spice by removing seeds from peppers or adding jalapeños gradually.
– Fresh herbs: Cilantro added at the end keeps the sauce bright and fresh.
– Simmer gently: Letting the sauce cook briefly helps thicken and deepen flavors.
– Make ahead: The sauce keeps well in the fridge for up to two weeks and freezes beautifully.
Why Make Your Own Green Enchilada Sauce?
Store-bought green enchilada sauces can be convenient but often lack the fresh, vibrant taste of homemade. Making your own allows you to customize the heat, thickness, and flavor profile exactly to your liking. Plus, it’s a satisfying way to bring authentic Mexican flavors into your kitchen with wholesome ingredients.
Green enchilada sauce is a game-changer for your Mexican dishes. Whether you go for a roasted veggie blend or a quick salsa verde shortcut, making it at home is easier than you think and infinitely more delicious than canned. Give it a try, and your enchiladas will never be the same!