Homemade Green Enchilada Sauce with Tomatillos and Roasted Chiles
A vibrant, tangy green enchilada sauce made from scratch with fresh tomatillos, roasted green chiles, and aromatic spices. This versatile sauce delivers authentic Mexican flavors with a perfect balance of heat and acidity. Ideal for enchiladas, chilaquiles, or as a base for green chili dishes. The combination of fresh tomatillos and canned green chiles creates a complex flavor profile that's both bright and earthy, while the cumin adds warmth and depth.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 whole yellow onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 whole jalapeno pepper, diced
- 3 4 ounce cans diced green chiles
- 6 tomatillos, peeled, washed, and dicedcanned tomatillos1:1
slightly less fresh flavor
- 1 cup vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon pepper
- 1 ½ teaspoons cumin
Instructions
- 1
Heat olive oil in medium saucepan over medium-high heat and saute diced onion for 5 minutes
- 2
Add garlic, jalapeno, green chiles, and tomatillos and continue sauteing over medium-high heat for 8-10 minutes
- 3
Add vegetable broth, salt, pepper, and cumin and bring to a boil for a few minutes
- 4
Turn heat to low and simmer for about 10 minutes to reduce liquid slightly
- 5
Blend sauce until smooth using immersion blender in pot or transfer to regular blender
Tips
Char tomatillos under broiler for 2-3 minutes before dicing to add smoky depth to the sauce.
Adjust thickness by simmering longer to reduce or adding more broth to thin as needed.
Taste and adjust heat level by removing jalapeno seeds or adding extra chiles to preference.
Good to Know
Refrigerate in airtight container for up to 1 week or freeze for up to 4 months
Can be made up to 3 days in advance and reheated gently before serving
Use immediately while warm or at room temperature as desired
Common Mistakes
Avoid over-blending to prevent sauce from becoming too thin and watery
Don't skip sauteing step to ensure vegetables release their flavors properly
Substitutions
slightly less fresh flavor
FAQ
Can I make this sauce spicier?
Yes, add extra jalapenos with seeds, use serrano peppers instead, or add a pinch of cayenne pepper to increase heat level.
What if I don't have fresh tomatillos?
Canned tomatillos work as a substitute, though the flavor will be slightly less bright and fresh than using fresh ones.
How long does this sauce keep frozen?
Properly stored in freezer-safe containers, this sauce maintains quality for up to 4 months when frozen.