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READY IN 20 mins

Mrs Espy's Enchilada Sauce

Read Reviews (161)

"An easy, chile powder-based sauce that is very tasty, and can be varied depending on the kind of chile powder you use - hot or mild!" — Brenda Espinoza

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Original recipe makes 2 cups Change Servings

2 tablespoons vegetable oil
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1/4 cup chili powder
2 cups water

1/4 cup tomato sauce
salt to taste
garlic powder to taste

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Directions

Heat the oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook for 1 minute, then add the chili powder and cook for 1 more minute. Gradually stir in the water, mixing well with a whisk to make sure you get out all the lumps, then stir in the tomato sauce and season with salt and garlic powder to taste.
Reduce heat to low and simmer for 10 to 15 minutes. (Note: If sauce thickens too much, just add a little water to thin it out a bit.)

Kitchen-Friendly View

PREP 5 mins
COOK 15 mins
READY IN 20 mins

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Muy bien! It is a very easy recipe to follow. However, one should be aware of the type of chili powder they are using. I am quite experienced in Mexican cooking & I use a home made chili powder so cut down the amount of chili powder to 3 tbsp. But for the less experienced cook may take a little time adjusting the amount to their particular taste. This is definately a recipe one should try if they want a true home made Mexican enchilada sauce. It is well worth the effort of experimenting with various chili powders. Once one masters this part of the recipe it is really easy to make.

—SILVERWOLF

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Most Helpful Critical Review

Feb 23, 2005

I'm only going to rate this a 3 for one reason. The recipe as listed is not very good. However, with the help of other reviewers - it becomes one of the best enchilada sauces EVER. First off, I used half California Chili Powder and half New Mexico Chili Powder (available in the Mexican food section of your grocery store in little baggies.) I used chicken broth instead of water, 8 oz. of tomato sauce instead of 4 oz, and added 1 tsp. oregano, 1 tsp. cumin, and 2 tsp. turbinado sugar. I made beef enchiladas and they were AWESOME! So don't be afraid to try this recipe - just doctor it up a bit!

—LADYHEN76

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192 Ratings

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Oct 28, 2003

This is real close to a recipe I make. I use 3 T veg. oil and only 1 T flour. Same amount chili powder. Get a good quality chili powder and add slowly to get to your liking. I use 2 C low sodium chicken broth instead of water.Gives a richer flavor. I use 10 oz. tomato paste,1 tsp oregano, 1 tsp. ground cumin and 1/2 tsp salt. Cook oil and flour 1 min. add chili powder and cook 30 seconds. add rest of ingredients and cook 10-15 min. This makes a bit thicker sauce and is really good. Thanks Brenda!

—awesome in tummy

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Sep 16, 2007

WOW! I was really nervous about this. I usually use the can sauce, but I couldn't find my regular brand. I took the advice from another review- using 3TBS oil (but I used butter instead) and 1 TBS flour, but I sauteed some minced garlic in the butter first, then instead of 1/4 can tomato sauce, I used 1/2 can. I was so scared I was going to have to throw out my veggie and chicken enchiladas, but not only did it taste wonderful, my husband had three servings that night, then polished of the rest the next day. I only got to have one serving! He said it was better than the can kind! I'll be making it again this week. Thanks so much for the recipe and the tips! Just a note, even if it doesn't taste that great by itself, it's incredible when on your enchilads.

—RUCIFEY

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May 26, 2003

I took the advice of the other rater's and to this recipe added 2 tsps of sugar and 2 tsps of chicken boullion powder since it was a bit bitter. It was excellent. Put it over homemade enchilada and backed ....was wonderful. Will make over and over again. Thank you.

—THE SOUP NAZI

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May 26, 2003

The consistancy and appearance of this sauce is almost identical to what you find in the canned sauce, and tastes every bit as good or better. The flavor is going to depend on what you use for "chili powder". Many commercial products add spices to ground chili and chiles vary in taste and heat. I used pure ground chili (chile rojo) found in the Mexican section. Be prepared to experiment a little. I added 2 tsp. of sugar as I thought the flavor of mine was a little bitter.

—MRSPOLLY

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Apr 16, 2003

I will never buy can sauce again. My family is Hispanic and they love Mexican food. It seems the can sauce is always too spicy for my little ones. Now I can decide how spicy it is by putting a little less Chili Powder. It is fast and easy.

—MYRA LUNA

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Jan 24, 2007

I was actually quite surprised. This was VERY good, and I am very hard to please when it comes to enchilada sauce. I did change it a little. I doubled the recipe. Like others, I used chicken broth. I used crushed garlic. But most importantly I used El Pato Jalapeno tomato sauce and a can of Herdez red salsa. I was a little hesitant to use the Jalapeno tomato sauce since it is very hot, and hubby hollers when I use it in anything (and he's of Mexican heritage, go figure.) I would have used El Pato hot style tomato sauce (in the yellow can) but didn't have any. But actually, with the chicken broth and water, it was perfect and hubby really liked it. Oh, and come to think of it, I didn't double the chili powder! An oversight on my part while I was doubling the recipe. Thanks Brenda. I will no longer use the can or packaged stuff, and the ingredients are things I almost always have in my kitchen.

—RAINYDAYWOMAN

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Nutrition

Calories
52 kcal
3%

Carbohydrates
4.1 g
1%

Cholesterol
0 mg
0%

Fat
4.1 g
6%

Fiber
1.5 g
6%

Protein
0.8 g
2%

Sodium
80 mg
3%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.

Nutritional Information

Mrs Espy's Enchilada Sauce

Serving Size: 1/8 of a recipe
Servings Per Recipe: 8
Amount Per Serving
** Calories: 52
** Calories from Fat: 37

% Daily Value *
** Total Fat 4.1g 6 %
** Saturated Fat 0.6g 3 %
** Cholesterol 0mg 0 %
** Sodium 80mg 3 %
** Potassium 104mg 3 %
** Total Carbohydrates 4.1g 1 %
** Dietary Fiber 1.5g 6 %
** Protein 0.8g 2 %
** Sugars 0.6g
** Vitamin A 24 %
** Vitamin C 5 %
** Calcium 2 %
** Iron 7 %
** Thiamin 3 %
** Niacin 4 %
** Vitamin B6 10 %
** Magnesium 3 %
** Folate 5 %

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
** Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available nutrient data.
(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption.