How to make enchilada sauce less spicy?

How to Make Enchilada Sauce Less Spicy?

Enchilada sauce, a staple in many Latin American cuisines, is known for its rich, bold flavors and heat. However, for those who can’t handle the spicy kick, reducing the spiciness of enchilada sauce can be a game-changer. Whether you’re catering to picky eaters or just want a milder version of this delicious sauce, there are several ways to tone down the heat.

Understanding Spicy Enchilada Sauce

Before we dive into the solutions, let’s understand why enchilada sauce is often so spicy. Enchilada sauce is typically made with a combination of ingredients such as dried arbol or guajillo chilies, onion, garlic, oregano, cumin, and vinegar. The type and quantity of chilies used, as well as the roasting or cooking method, can greatly impact the sauce’s heat level. Some popular enchilada sauces can reach Scoville heat units (SHU) of up to 60,000-70,000, making them very hot.

Direct Answer: How to Make Enchilada Sauce Less Spicy?

So, how can you reduce the spiciness of enchilada sauce without compromising its flavor? Here are some simple methods to tone down the heat:

1. Use Less or Different Types of Chilies: Choose mild chilies like Anaheim or bell peppers instead of arbol or guajillo for a milder flavor. Alternatively, reduce the quantity of chilies used or remove the seeds and membranes, which contain most of the capsaicin, the compound responsible for heat.
2. Roast or Toast Chilies: Roasting or toasting chilies can reduce their heat. Simply place them on a baking sheet, drizzle with a bit of oil, and roast at 400°F (200°C) for 10-15 minutes, or toast them in a dry pan for 5-10 minutes.
3. Add Acid: Acidity can help neutralize heat. Try adding a squeeze of fresh lime or lemon juice to your enchilada sauce or a splash of vinegar.
4. Blend in Yogurt or Sour Cream: Yogurt or sour cream can help neutralize the heat by coating your tongue, reducing the perception of spiciness.
5. Add Baking Soda: Believe it or not, baking soda can help absorb some of the capsaicin oils and reduce the spiciness.
6. Blend with Mild Salsas: Mixing enchilada sauce with mild salsas, such as those made with tomatillos or roasted Anaheim peppers, can dilute the heat and create a more balanced flavor.
7. Slow Cooking: Cooking the enchilada sauce slowly over low heat can help break down some of the capsaicin molecules, making it milder.
8. Strain or Puree: Removing seeds, membranes, and chunky pieces from the sauce can help reduce its overall heat level.
9. Adjust Proportions: Tweak the seasoning ratio of your enchilada sauce to focus on other flavors like garlic, oregano, and cumin, rather than relying solely on chili heat.
10. Homemade Sauces vs. Store-Bought: Making your own enchilada sauce allows you to customize the level of spiciness. Store-bought sauces can be notoriously spicy, so making your own is a great way to control the heat level.

Heat Levels: Enchilada Sauces vs. Spicy Index

The Scoville scale, developed by Wilbur Scoville in 1912, is a widely used method to measure the heat of chilies and spicy foods. The scale measures the amount of capsaicin present in a substance and ranges from 0 (no capsaicin) to 16 million (very hot).

Enchilada Sauces Spicy Index (SHU)

• Mild: 1,000-2,000 SHU (Anaheim or bell pepper-based)
• Medium: 2,000-4,000 SHU (arbol or guajillo-based)
• Hot: 4,000-8,000 SHU (chimichurri or ghost pepper-based)
• Extra Hot: 8,000-16,000 SHU (triple-digit chili pepper-based)
• Incredibly Hot: 16,000-32,000 SHU ( Carolina Reaper or Trinidad Scorpion-based)

Conclusion

Reducing the spiciness of enchilada sauce doesn’t have to compromise its rich, bold flavor. By incorporating one or more of these methods, you can tone down the heat without sacrificing taste. Whether you’re making homemade enchilada sauce from scratch or using a store-bought version, remember to always adjust to taste, as individual perceptions of spiciness vary greatly. With practice, patience, and creativity, you’ll master the art of balancing flavor and heat in your enchilada sauce, ensuring that even the spiciest sauces can be enjoyed by all.