What To Know
- In this blog post, we will explore the pros and cons of using tomatoes in enchilada sauce and help you decide whether or not to include them in your next batch.
- This sweetness helps to balance out the heat of the chili peppers, while the acidity helps to brighten the flavor of the sauce.
- This is especially true if you are using a mild chili pepper, as the sweetness of the tomatoes can make the sauce too sweet.
Enchiladas are a beloved Mexican dish that has been enjoyed for centuries. While there are many different ways to make enchilada sauce, one of the most important ingredients is tomatoes. However, there is some debate about whether or not tomatoes should be included in enchilada sauce. Some people believe that tomatoes add a delicious sweetness and acidity to the sauce, while others believe that they overpower the other flavors. In this blog post, we will explore the pros and cons of using tomatoes in enchilada sauce and help you decide whether or not to include them in your next batch.
The Case for Tomatoes in Enchilada Sauce
There are several reasons why people believe that tomatoes should be included in enchilada sauce. First, tomatoes add a delicious sweetness and acidity to the sauce. This sweetness helps to balance out the heat of the chili peppers, while the acidity helps to brighten the flavor of the sauce. Second, tomatoes are a good source of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, potassium, and lycopene. Lycopene is a powerful antioxidant that has been linked to several health benefits, including reduced risk of heart disease and cancer.
The Case Against Tomatoes in Enchilada Sauce
There are also some arguments against using tomatoes in enchilada sauce. First, some people believe that tomatoes overpower the other flavors in the sauce. This is especially true if you are using a mild chili pepper, as the sweetness of the tomatoes can make the sauce too sweet. Second, tomatoes can add a lot of liquid to the sauce, which can make it too thin. If you are using a thick chili pepper, you may not need to add any tomatoes at all.
Traditional Enchilada Sauce
Traditional enchilada sauce is made with a combination of chili peppers, onions, garlic, and spices. Tomatoes are not typically included in traditional enchilada sauce, but they have become a common ingredient in many modern recipes. If you are looking for a more traditional enchilada sauce, you can omit the tomatoes.
Modern Enchilada Sauce
Modern enchilada sauce is often made with a combination of chili peppers, onions, garlic, spices, and tomatoes. Tomatoes add a sweetness and acidity to the sauce, which can be desirable in some cases. However, if you are looking for a more traditional enchilada sauce, you can omit the tomatoes.
Key Points: The Verdict
So, should enchilada sauce have tomatoes? Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to include tomatoes in enchilada sauce is a matter of personal preference. If you like the sweetness and acidity that tomatoes add to the sauce, then go ahead and add them. However, if you prefer a more traditional enchilada sauce, then you can omit the tomatoes.
Quick Answers to Your FAQs
Q: What are the different types of enchilada sauce?
A: There are many different types of enchilada sauce, but the most common are red sauce, green sauce, and mole sauce. Red sauce is made with tomatoes, chili peppers, onions, garlic, and spices. Green sauce is made with tomatillos, chili peppers, onions, garlic, and spices. Mole sauce is a complex sauce made with a variety of ingredients, including chili peppers, chocolate, nuts, and spices.
Q: What is the best way to make enchilada sauce?
A: The best way to make enchilada sauce is to start with fresh ingredients. Roast the chili peppers, onions, and garlic in the oven until they are charred. Then, blend the roasted vegetables with the spices and other ingredients in a blender until smooth.
Q: How can I thicken enchilada sauce?
A: There are several ways to thicken enchilada sauce. One way is to add a cornstarch slurry. To make a cornstarch slurry, mix equal parts cornstarch and water in a small bowl. Then, whisk the cornstarch slurry into the enchilada sauce and cook over medium heat until thickened. Another way to thicken enchilada sauce is to add masa harina. Masa harina is a type of corn flour that is used to make tortillas. To add masa harina to enchilada sauce, whisk the masa harina into the sauce until thickened.
