Green Enchilada Sauce Recipe for Fresh and Flavorful Homemade Meals

Why You’ll Love This Green Enchilada Sauce

This green enchilada sauce brings a burst of fresh flavors to your kitchen, making it a go-to for anyone eager to try something new. It’s simple to whip up with easy steps that fit into your busy day, perfect for home cooks who want delicious results without much effort. Plus, the sauce offers great health perks from its fresh ingredients, helping you enjoy meals that feel good and taste amazing.

The recipe uses everyday items like tomatillos and peppers, which are packed with nutrients and low in calories, making it a smart choice for staying healthy. This sauce stands out because it’s versatile, adapting to various diets while delivering a tangy, spicy kick that elevates simple dishes. Whether you’re cooking for family or just yourself, this sauce adds excitement to your meals and encourages fun in the kitchen.

One reason this green enchilada sauce shines is its quick preparation time of just 55 minutes total, including 15 minutes of prep. For more on healthy ingredients, check out Health Benefits of Tomatillos. It’s not only easy but also customizable, so you can tweak it to suit your tastes while keeping meals nutritious and fun.

Key Benefits and Features

• It’s simple and quick, ideal for busy parents and students who need fast meals.
• The fresh ingredients provide antioxidants and vitamins, supporting a balanced diet for diet-conscious folks.
• You can adapt it for vegan or gluten-free needs, making it great for various lifestyles.
• Its unique flavor from tomatillos and herbs adds a fresh twist to classic dishes.

With this sauce, you can explore new flavors without stress, turning everyday cooking into a joyful adventure: for more pepper tips, see our roasting peppers guide. Let’s dive into what makes this recipe a kitchen favorite.

Essential Ingredients for Green Enchilada Sauce

Gathering the right ingredients is the foundation of any great sauce, and this green enchilada sauce relies on fresh, vibrant picks. Each item plays a key role in building layers of flavor and texture. Below is a complete list of everything you need, based on the exact recipe details provided to ensure you get it just right.

Main Ingredients List

• 1 pound tomatillos
• 4 cloves garlic
• 2 jalapeno peppers
• 2 poblano peppers
• 2 serrano peppers
• 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro
• ½ tablespoon cumin
• 1 tablespoon spicy chili powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 cups chicken broth
• Juice from 1 lime

This list covers all the essentials for a flavorful sauce, with precise measurements to help you measure out exactly what’s needed. For special options, like making it vegan, swap chicken broth for vegetable broth to keep things plant-based. Remember, these ingredients come together to create a sauce that’s both hearty and fresh.

How to Prepare the Perfect Green Enchilada Sauce: Step-by-Step Guide

Creating this green enchilada sauce at home is straightforward and rewarding, starting with simple prep work that sets the stage for great flavor. Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F, which helps roast the ingredients for that smoky taste. Follow the steps carefully to ensure your sauce turns out just right every time.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. First, remove the dry husks from the tomatillos, rinse them, and cut them in half. Place them skin side up on a lightly oiled baking sheet.
2. Next, slice the peppers in half lengthwise, remove the seeds from the poblanos, and arrange all the peppers along with the garlic cloves on the baking sheet.
3. Bake for 20-30 minutes until the pepper skins are charred, or broil carefully for a quicker char. Let everything cool slightly, then optionally peel the skins from the peppers.
4. Add the tomatillos, peppers, and garlic (squeezed from skins) to a food processor. Include the cilantro, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper, then process to combine.
5. Pour in the chicken broth and lime juice and blend until smooth. Finally, simmer the sauce in a pan for 5 to 10 minutes to enhance the flavors.

Once done, your sauce is ready to use, and it takes about 55 minutes total, with 15 minutes for prep and 40 for cooking. This method ensures a smooth, flavorful result that’s easy to adapt for dietary needs, like using vegetable broth for a meat-free version.

this …

Dietary Substitutions to Customize Your Green Enchilada Sauce

Making this sauce work for your diet is simple with a few smart swaps, allowing everyone from vegans to gluten-free eaters to enjoy it. For example, if you want to keep it plant-based, trade chicken for tofu in your final dish. These changes help maintain the sauce’s core taste while fitting different lifestyles.

Options for Everyone

• Substitute shredded chicken with tofu or tempeh for a vegan option.
• Use black beans or lentils as plant-based proteins for hearty versions.
• Replace jalapeños with milder poblano peppers for less heat.
• Add spinach or kale to boost nutrients and texture.
• Use lime juice to increase acidity if tomatillos aren’t available.
• Experiment with fresh oregano for new herbal notes.

These tweaks let you personalize the sauce without losing its charm, making it ideal for busy professionals or seniors who need quick, adaptable meals.

Mastering Green Enchilada Sauce: Advanced Tips and Variations

Taking your green enchilada sauce to the next level involves some pro techniques that add depth and excitement. For instance, toast cumin seeds before adding them for a richer, earthier flavor that makes a big difference. Don’t forget to simmer the sauce longer if you want those flavors to meld even more.

Expert Advice

• Toast cumin seeds and grind them fresh for better taste.
• Add roasted poblano peppers for a smoky hint.
• Incorporate a splash of lime juice and honey for sweetness.
• Garnish with fresh cilantro or diced avocado for appeal.
• Prepare ahead and refrigerate for up to a week or freeze for months.

These tips, combined with the nutritional info below, show how versatile this sauce can be. Per serving, it has 83 calories, 14 grams carbohydrates, and plenty of vitamins like 72 milligrams of vitamin C.

How to Store Green Enchilada Sauce: Best Practices

Proper storage keeps your green enchilada sauce fresh and ready for use, helping you save time on future meals. After cooling, pop it in the fridge for up to 5 days in a sealed container. For longer keeps, freezing works wonders, lasting up to 3 months in freezer-safe bags.

Storage Tips

• Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Freeze in portion sizes for easy access.
• Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
• Warm gently on the stove to keep flavors intact.

Meal prep with this sauce means less stress during the week, perfect for working professionals and baking enthusiasts alike.

FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions About Green Enchilada Sauce

Green Enchilada Sauce

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

🌶️ Transform your homemade meals with this vibrant green enchilada sauce that brings authentic Mexican flavors straight to your kitchen
🥗 Master the art of fresh, flavorful cooking with this versatile sauce that elevates everything from enchiladas to tacos and beyond

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: About 3 cups

Ingredients

– 1 pound tomatillos

– 4 cloves garlic

– 2 jalapeno peppers

– 2 poblano peppers

– 2 serrano peppers

– 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro

– ½ tablespoon cumin

– 1 tablespoon spicy chili powder

– Salt and pepper to taste

– 2 cups chicken broth

– Juice from 1 lime

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

1-First, remove the dry husks from the tomatillos, rinse them, and cut them in half. Place them skin side up on a lightly oiled baking sheet.

2-Next, slice the peppers in half lengthwise, remove the seeds from the poblanos, and arrange all the peppers along with the garlic cloves on the baking sheet.

3-Bake for 20-30 minutes until the pepper skins are charred, or broil carefully for a quicker char. Let everything cool slightly, then optionally peel the skins from the peppers.

4-Add the tomatillos, peppers, and garlic (squeezed from skins) to a food processor. Include the cilantro, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper, then process to combine.

5-Pour in the chicken broth and lime juice and blend until smooth. Finally, simmer the sauce in a pan for 5 to 10 minutes to enhance the flavors.

Last Step:

Please leave a rating and comment letting us know how you liked this recipe! This helps our business to thrive and continue providing free, high-quality recipes for you.

Notes

🌶️ Adjust the heat level by varying the number and type of peppers used – remove all seeds for mild sauce or add extra serranos for more spice
🥄 For a thinner consistency, add extra chicken broth or water until you reach your desired thickness
🧊 Store leftovers in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to five days or freeze for up to six months for future use

• Author: Brandi Oshea
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Sauce
• Method: Roasting and Blending
• Cuisine: Mexican
• Diet: Gluten-Free

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1/4 cup
• Calories: 83
• Sugar: 7g
• Sodium: 73mg
• Fat: 2g
• Saturated Fat: 1g
• Unsaturated Fat: 1g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 14g
• Fiber: 4g
• Protein: 5g
• Cholesterol: 0mg