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Homemade Green Enchilada Sauce Recipe

Homemade Green Enchilada Sauce Recipe

This Homemade Green Enchilada Sauce Recipe is a game-changer for anyone who loves authentic Mexican flavors at home. It features zesty tomatillos roasted peppers and fresh cilantro for a bright tangy finish.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Course Sauce, Condiment
Cuisine Mexican
Servings 3
Calories 45 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound fresh tomatillos husks removed and rinsed well
  • 2 large poblano peppers seeded and halved
  • 1 to 2 jalapeño peppers depending on your heat preference
  • 1 medium white onion cut into thick wedges
  • 4 cloves fresh garlic left in their skins for roasting
  • 1 cup fresh cilantro leaves packed tightly
  • 2 cups chicken broth or vegetable broth for a thinner sauce
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil or avocado oil
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt plus more to taste
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice for extra brightness

Instructions
 

Prep the Tomatillos

  • Remove the papery husks from the tomatillos and wash off the sticky residue with warm water. Pat them dry and place them whole onto your large rimmed baking sheet.

Roast the Vegetables

  • Place the peppers, onion wedges, and unpeeled garlic cloves on the sheet with the tomatillos. Broil for five to seven minutes until the skins are charred and blistered black.

Steam the Peppers

  • Place the hot roasted peppers in a bowl and cover it with plastic wrap for five minutes. This helps the skin peel off easily so your sauce stays smooth and silky.

Peel the Garlic

  • Squeeze the softened garlic out of their roasted skins directly into your blender jar. The roasting process makes the garlic taste sweet, mild, and very savory instead of sharp.

Blend the Base

  • Add the roasted tomatillos, onions, and peeled peppers into the blender with the fresh cilantro. Pulse a few times to break everything down into a thick, green vegetable mash.

Add the Liquids

  • Pour in the chicken broth, lime juice, cumin, and salt into the blender with the vegetables. Blend on high speed for one minute until the sauce is completely liquefied and smooth.

Sauté the Spices

  • Heat a tablespoon of oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat on your stove. Carefully pour the blended green sauce into the hot oil to deepen the overall flavor.

Simmer the Sauce

  • Bring the sauce to a gentle boil, then turn the heat down to low. Let it simmer for ten to fifteen minutes until it thickens slightly and looks rich.

Season to Taste

  • Dip a spoon into the warm sauce and check if it needs more salt or cumin. You can add a pinch of sugar if the tomatillos taste too tart for you.

Cool and Store

  • Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the sauce cool to room temperature. Pour it into glass jars or use it immediately to smother your favorite chicken enchiladas.

Notes

  • Use roasted serrano peppers instead of jalapeños if you want a much spicier sauce.
  • Add a half-cup of sour cream or heavy cream at the end for "Enchiladas Suizas."
  • Roast the vegetables on an outdoor grill to add a deep, smoky campfire flavor.
  • Swap the chicken broth for vegetable broth to keep the recipe completely vegan-friendly.
  • Add a small piece of corn tortilla to the blender to help thicken the sauce.
  • Always wear gloves when handling hot peppers to avoid burning your skin or eyes.
Keyword Homemade Green Enchilada Sauce Recipe