Green Enchilada Sauce Recipe
As a food enthusiast and a registered dietitian, there’s something uniquely satisfying about creating a dish that is both delicious and healthy.
Prep Time: 15 minutes minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes minutes
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Green Enchilada Sauce Recipe
Servings: 4
Calories: 76kcal
- 2 cups of fresh tomatillos
- 2 poblano peppers
- 4 cloves of garlic
- 2 jalapeño chiles
- 1 serrano pepper
- 1 tablespoon of ancho chili powder
- 1/2 tablespoon ground cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1 tablespoon diced white onion
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable stock
- Juice of 1 fresh lime
- Salt and freshly cracked black pepper
- 2 tablespoons freshly chopped cilantro leaves
Step 1: Prepare Your Peppers
Start by roasting the poblano and jalapeño peppers. I place them on a baking sheet under the broiler for about 10 minutes, turning them occasionally until they’re charred. The smell is heavenly, and you'll want to keep an eye on them. Once they're well-roasted, place them in a bowl and cover it with plastic wrap for about 10 minutes. This step helps loosens the skin, making it easier to peel.
Step 2: Husk the Tomatillos
While your peppers are cooling, you can prep the tomatillos. Remove the husks and rinse them well under cold water to get rid of any sticky residue. This is the tangy base of your sauce, so don’t skip this step!
Step 3: Sauté the Aromatics
Next, heat a bit of oil in a medium-sized saucepan over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until translucent, about 3–4 minutes. Toss in the garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant. This combination sets the stage for the flavor profile of your sauce.
Step 4: Blend It All Together
Once the roasted peppers are cool enough to handle, peel off the skins, remove the seeds, and chop them roughly. In a blender, combine the roasted peppers, tomatillos, sautéed onion and garlic, chicken stock, lime juice, and the spices. Blend until smooth. The consistency should be thick yet pourable.
Step 5: Season and Serve
Finally, take a moment to taste your sauce. Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper to your liking. If you prefer it spicier, feel free to add more jalapeño or serrano peppers. Blend again if you make adjustments.
Your green enchilada sauce is ready! But wait, before you dive in, let’s go through some tips to ensure you get the most out of this sauce.
- Roasting Matters: Always roast your peppers first. It adds layers of flavor that you won’t get from simply blending raw peppers.
- Tomatillo Substitution: If tomatillos are hard to find, you can use green tomatoes, but the flavor will not be the same.
- Bring on the Heat: Want a whopper of flavor? Don’t shy away from additional spices. Consider adding smoked paprika for a deeper flavor profile.
- Make It Ahead: This sauce freezes beautifully. Make a double batch, and store it in an airtight container. You’ll thank yourself when the craving hits on a busy weeknight.
- Fresh Herbs Rule: Don’t underestimate the power of fresh cilantro. It adds an extra brightness that can elevate your dish.
Serving: 248g | Calories: 76kcal | Carbohydrates: 16g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 1.6g | Saturated Fat: 0.3g | Sodium: 133mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 8g