How to Reduce the Spiciness of Enchilada Sauce

Whether you are making your own enchilada sauce from scratch or using a pre-made option, there are several techniques to help you reduce the spiciness and tailor it to your taste. Let's explore how to achieve the perfect balance of flavor in your enchilada sauce.

Options for Homemade Enchilada Sauce

If you are making enchilada sauce from scratch, you have more control over the level of spiciness. You can incorporate ingredients that help neutralize the heat.

Add Dairy: Incorporate sour cream, heavy cream, or cheese. These dairy products help neutralize the spiciness, creating a richer, smoother consistency.

Increase Volume: Add more non-spicy ingredients such as tomatoes or tomato sauce to dilute the spiciness. This will help balance the flavors without overpowering the dish.

Sweeten It: A small amount of sugar or honey can help balance out the heat. Start with a teaspoon and adjust to taste, gradually adding until you achieve the desired sweetness.

Add Vinegar or Citrus: A splash of apple cider vinegar or white vinegar or a squeeze of lime or lemon juice can help balance the flavors and reduce the heat.

Use Mild Peppers: Consider using mild chili varieties such as An Anaheim or Poblano peppers instead of spicier ones. These peppers offer a milder heat with distinct flavors.

Coconut Milk: If your recipe allows, adding coconut milk can provide creaminess and reduce the heat. This is particularly useful for those seeking a creamy, smooth texture without the extra heat.

Adjusting Pre-Made Enchilada Sauce

If you are using a pre-made sauce, there are still options to reduce its spiciness:

Red Enchilada Sauce: Cut the sauce with some tomato puree. Add puree until you achieve the flavor you desire, then adjust the seasoning with salt and perhaps a little lime juice.

Green Enchilada Sauce: Roast some tomatillos, puree them, and cut the sauce with the puree. Adjust the flavor with salt, lime, cumin, and coriander. This method can significantly reduce the heat while maintaining the key ingredients' flavors.

Opt for Mild Options: If you want to reduce the spiciness without too much trouble, consider looking for a brand that has 'mild' on the label. Alternatively, consult with friends who might have experience with different options that are less spicy.

Experiment and Adjust: The key to finding the perfect balance is experimentation. Taste the sauce frequently and make adjustments until you reach your desired level of spiciness.

Tips for Making Your Own Chili Powder

For those who enjoy the process of making their own chili powder, you have a versatile and customizable option:

Create Your Own Chili Powder: Chili powders are just dried chilis that have been ground into a fine powder. You can make it from any chili you want, including sweet, smoked, or even hot chilis. Here are some common options:

Red Bells: These are very sweet with no heat, offering a mild flavor. Hungarian Paprika: Made from a sweet Hungarian chili, it has a ton of flavor and is not spicy. Smokey or Sweet Paprika: These offer a distinct smoky or sweet flavor without the heat. Ancho Chili Powder: Dried poblano chilis, these have a rich, mild flavor. Guajillo Chili Powder: Another mild chili powder with a fruity, slightly spicy flavor. Poblano Chili Powder: Similar to ancho, but with a different flavor profile, these chilis are slightly spicy and complex. Cayenne: If you prefer a bit of heat, you can include cayenne in moderation.

The Process: You can dry the chilis by hanging them up to dry or using a dehydrator. Once dried, grind the chilis in a spice grinder until you achieve a fine powder. You can then combine different chilis to create your ideal chili powder.

Final Adjustments

Regardless of the method you choose, the key is to taste and adjust as you go. If you are making enchiladas and realize the sauce is too spicy, there is limited you can do after the enchiladas are made. However, using these techniques in advance can ensure a perfectly balanced dish every time.

Enjoy experimenting with different ingredients and methods to find the perfect level of spiciness for your enchilada sauce. Whether you prefer a milder flavor or enjoy a bit of heat, these tips will help you achieve the best results.