Enchilada Sauces – All You Need to Know | Instacart’s Guide to Groceries

What is enchilada sauce?

Enchilada sauces are smooth, chili-based sauces that include salsa roja (red enchilada sauce), chile con queso (cheese-based sauce), verde sauce (green enchilada sauce), and mole sauces. As the name suggests, enchilada sauces are one of the key ingredients in the Mexican dish enchilada, which is a tortilla rolled around a filling and covered with sauce.

The word “enchilada” literally means “with chili,” and it defines the sauce perfectly.

Where did enchilada sauce originate from?

Enchiladas originated in Mexico. During the preclassical period, early Mayans of the Yucatán Peninsula rolled corn tortillas around chopped hard-boiled eggs, dipped them in pumpkin seeds, and then covered them with a tomato sauce. 

However, the Aztecs are the first to develop a proper enchilada, which was known as chīllapīzzali in the native Nahuatl language, literally meaning “chili-flute.” At that time, chili pepper was ground up to produce a hot and spicy paste into which they dipped tortillas and then filled them with fish, game, eggs, beans, or squash.

How hot is enchilada sauce?

The heat of the enchilada sauces can range from mild to hot, depending on the type of chili used in the recipe. For example, Ancho chili base sauces can be mild, while the ones with serrano pepper will be hot.

What is the difference between red enchilada sauce and green enchilada sauce?

Red enchilada sauce is a classic enchilada sauce made with red chilis such as ancho chilies, pasilla peppers, chipotle peppers, New Mexico chile, and Cascabel chilies. Also known as salsa roja, salsa roja para enchiladas, or mole rojo, red enchilada sauce also contains vinegar, onions, and garlic, including spices like cumin. Some red enchilada sauces may use crushed tomato or tomato paste as a base.

Green enchiladas sauces are made with fresh green chilies, tomatillos, onions, and garlic. They also contain vinegar and other spices like cumin and cilantro. Some green enchilada sauces contain jalapeno peppers and or serrano peppers for extra heat.

Green sauces will have a fresher flavor, while red enchiladas sauces can have a slightly sweeter flavor with an earthy tone. You may want to use a green enchilada sauce with fish or crab, while red sauces may work well with beef and chicken. 

What is a white enchilada sauce?

White enchilada sauce is a cheese-based creamy sauce with green chilies in it. Chili con queso, also known as queso, is a type of warm white sauce that can be used as a condiment on top of enchiladas and other Tex-Mex dishes. It is typically made with a blend of cheeses, cream, and chili peppers.

What should you look for when buying enchilada sauce?

When choosing enchilada sauce, consider the flavor of the sauce, which will depend on the type of chilies used in the sauce along with other ingredients. Different brands will present a different flavor profile, and what you choose to buy will ultimately depend on the recipe you are making.

Make sure you check the “best before” and “use-by” dates on the cans and jars to make sure you are not buying expired products. Also, check that the lids of the jars are sealed and not opened.

If you are looking to have your groceries delivered, you can easily shop for enchilada sauce via Instacart. After adding a product to your cart, use the “Instructions” option to notify your Instacart shopper about any preferences or specific directions on how to choose the best products.

How to store enchilada sauce

Store unopened cans and jars of enchilada sauce in a dry and cool place like the pantry.

Once opened, store the enchilada sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator. You can also freeze enchilada sauce for longer storage, including any sauces you make at home.

How long does enchilada sauce last?

A can of enchilada sauce has a long shelf life and can typically last for up to 2 years without spoiling, providing that the can is unopened with no damage. Once opened, the sauce will last for 2 to 3 days at room temperature. If you store it in the fridge, it will last for a week, while it will keep in the freezer for 3 months.

Homemade enchilada sauce will last for 5 to 7 days when stored in the fridge in an airtight container.

How to tell if enchilada sauce is bad

If the enchilada sauce has an unpleasant odor, it has gone bad. A taste test can also tell you if the enchilada sauce is bad, especially when it doesn’t taste like enchilada sauce. Other signs of spoilage include the appearance of mold on the surface or a runny texture, which indicates that the sauce is going sour.

What can you substitute for enchilada sauce?

Enchilada sauce is quite unlike other sauces used in Mexican cuisine, and no sauce really matches the distinct flavors of this sauce. However, if you don’t have any enchilada sauce available and are looking for substitutes, then here are a few to try:

• Taco sauce
• Chiltomate sauce
• Ranchero sauce
• Picante sauce
• Yucatan sofrito sauce

Cook with your favorite enchilada sauce today

As you now know, there is a range of enchiladas sauces available for you to try, from mild to spicy hot. But it really depends on your personal taste and the recipes you are making. If you’re looking for a variety of enchilada sauces, you can shop for them at Instacart.

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