If you're looking to add some heat to your dish, 1/4 cup (60 g) of hot enchilada sauce may just do the trick. Not only is it spicy and flavorful, but it's also relatively low in calories. In fact, a 1/4 cup serving of hot enchilada sauce contains only 20 calories.

Hot enchilada sauce is a Mexican sauce typically made with chili peppers, tomato, and spices. It's commonly used as a condiment or for cooking dishes such as enchiladas and tacos.

In this article, we'll delve into the ingredients and nutritional information of hot enchilada sauce, how to use it, and compare it to regular enchilada sauce. We'll also explore the benefits of hot enchilada sauce and even show you how to make it yourself.

Calories in Hot Enchilada Sauce

As mentioned earlier, one serving (1/4 cup or 60 g) of hot enchilada sauce contains only 20 calories. This makes it a great option for those looking to add flavor to their dishes without adding too many extra calories.

What is Hot Enchilada Sauce?

Hot enchilada sauce is a spicy and flavorful Mexican sauce made with ingredients such as chili peppers, tomato, cumin, garlic, and onion. The exact recipe may vary depending on the region or chef making it. The sauce is often used as a condiment, dipping sauce, or for cooking dishes such as enchiladas, tacos, and burritos. It is popular in Mexican cuisine and has even gained popularity in other parts of the world.

Ingredients in Hot Enchilada Sauce

The exact recipe for hot enchilada sauce may vary depending on the region or chef making it, but common ingredients include:

• Chili peppers
• Tomato
• Cumin
• Garlic
• Onion
• Salt
• Pepper

Some recipes may also include other spices, such as oregano or paprika, or additional ingredients such as vinegar or sugar.

Nutrition Information for Hot Enchilada Sauce

In addition to being low in calories, hot enchilada sauce also contains other nutrients. One serving (1/4 cup or 60 g) of hot enchilada sauce typically contains:

• 20 calories
• 1 g of protein
• 4 g of carbohydrates
• 1 g of fiber
• 2 g of sugar
• 0 g of fat
• 200 mg of sodium

Keep in mind that the specific nutritional information of hot enchilada sauce may vary depending on the brand or recipe used.

How to Use Hot Enchilada Sauce

Hot enchilada sauce can be used in a variety of ways. Here are a few ideas:

• As a dipping sauce for chips or veggies
• As a condiment on tacos, burritos, or enchiladas
• As a marinade for meats or tofu
• As a flavor booster in soups, stews, or chili

Be creative and experiment with different ways to use hot enchilada sauce in your cooking!

Hot Enchilada Sauce vs. Regular Enchilada Sauce

While both hot and regular enchilada sauce are used in Mexican cuisine, there are some differences between the two. Hot enchilada sauce is spicier than regular enchilada sauce, and typically contains more chili peppers. Regular enchilada sauce may also contain additional ingredients such as sugar or vinegar to balance out the flavors. When choosing which type of sauce to use in your cooking, consider the spice level and flavor you prefer.

Benefits of Hot Enchilada Sauce

In addition to adding flavor to your dishes, hot enchilada sauce may also have some health benefits. Here are a few to keep in mind:

• May aid in digestion: Chili peppers contain compounds that may help with digestion and reducing inflammation in the gut.
• May boost metabolism: Capsaicin, the compound that gives chili peppers their heat, may help increase metabolism and promote fat burning.
• May provide pain relief: Capsaicin may also have pain-relieving properties, making it a common ingredient in topical pain creams and patches.

While these benefits have been studied, keep in mind that consuming large amounts of hot enchilada sauce may also cause discomfort or indigestion for some individuals.

How to Make Hot Enchilada Sauce

Want to try your hand at making your own hot enchilada sauce? Here's a basic recipe to get you started:

1. In a saucepan, sauté 1 chopped onion and 3 minced garlic cloves in 1 tablespoon of oil until soft.
2. Add 2 tablespoons of chili powder, 1 teaspoon of cumin, and 1/2 teaspoon of oregano. Cook for 1-2 minutes.
3. Add 1 can of tomato sauce and 1 cup of water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and let simmer for 15-20 minutes.
4. Purée the sauce in a blender until smooth.
5. Return the sauce to the saucepan and season with salt and pepper to taste.

Feel free to adjust the spice level or ingredients to your liking. Store any leftover sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Storage Instructions for Hot Enchilada Sauce

If you've purchased hot enchilada sauce from the store, check the expiration date and storage instructions on the label. Once opened, most sauces can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a month. If you've made your own hot enchilada sauce, store any leftover sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Where to Buy Hot Enchilada Sauce

Hot enchilada sauce can typically be found in the ethnic foods aisle of most grocery stores, or at specialty Mexican markets. There are also many online retailers that sell hot enchilada sauce, including Amazon and Walmart. If you prefer to make your own sauce, you can find the ingredients in most grocery stores or online.