Las Palmas enchilada sauce is a popular Mexican-style red enchilada sauce made by the Las Palmas food company. It is commonly used for making enchiladas, burritos, tacos, and other Mexican dishes that call for a red chili sauce. But what exactly goes into this convenient and tasty enchilada sauce?
Main Ingredients
The primary ingredients in Las Palmas enchilada sauce are:
Tomatoes
The base of the sauce is made from tomatoes. The tomatoes provide the rich red color as well as sweetness and subtle tomato flavor. Tomatoes are a staple ingredient in many Mexican sauces and salsas.
Chili Peppers
Spicy chili peppers are essential for giving the enchilada sauce its characteristic heat and kick. Las Palmas likely uses a blend of hot chilis such as jalapeños, serranos, and guajillo or New Mexico chilis. The combination of different chilis creates a complex flavor profile.
Onions and Garlic
Onions and garlic add aromatic flavor. When sautéed, the onions become translucent and sweet, while the garlic provides a robust, pungent accent.
Spices and seasonings
A mix of warm spices like cumin, oregano, paprika, and chili powder add depth of flavor and contribute to the sauce’s Mexican-inspired taste. Other seasonings like salt, black pepper, and possibly a touch of sugar help balance out the flavors.
Secondary Ingredients
In addition to the main ingredients, Las Palmas enchilada sauce may contain some of these secondary ingredients:
Oil or lard
A small amount of vegetable oil, like canola or avocado, or lard (rendered pork fat) helps sauté the aromatics and mildly thicken the sauce.
Cornstarch or wheat flour
A little bit of cornstarch or wheat flour aids further thickening of the sauce to the desired consistency.
Beef or chicken stock
Some homemade and gourmet enchilada sauce recipes call for beef or chicken stock to enhance flavor. Las Palmas may use a small amount of stock or broth as well.
Vinegar
A splash of white vinegar or cider vinegar brightens up the sauce with a touch of acidity.
Preparation Process
While the exact preparatory process is proprietary, Las Palmas likely makes their enchilada sauce using a procedure similar to this:
Sauté aromatics
Onions and garlic are sautéed in hot oil to soften their flavors and add sweetness.
Add spices and chilis
Once tender, a mix of chili peppers and spices like cumin, oregano, and paprika are stirred in to toast and release their essential oils.
Simmer tomatoes
Diced tomatoes are added and the mixture is simmered to meld the flavors and reach the desired consistency.
Finish with thickener
A little cornstarch or masa harina (corn flour) may be dissolved in water and whisked in at the end to thicken the sauce further.
Season and puree
The sauce is seasoned with salt, pepper, and vinegar. Finally, it is pureed to a smooth texture in a blender.
Nutrition Facts
Here is the nutrition information for a 1/4 cup serving of Las Palmas enchilada sauce, according to the product label:
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 15 |
| Total Fat | 0g |
| Sodium | 250mg |
| Total Carbohydrate | 3g |
| Protein | 1g |
As you can see, one serving contains just 15 calories and is low in fat, with most of the calories coming from carbohydrates. The sodium content per serving is 11% of the daily recommended value.
Common Questions
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about Las Palmas enchilada sauce:
Is Las Palmas enchilada sauce spicy?
Las Palmas red enchilada sauce has a mild level of heat and spice. It ranks around 2-3 out of 10 on a spiciness scale. The mild spice makes it appealing to most palates, including children. People who prefer extra heat can add their own cayenne or hot sauce.
Does it contain any preservatives?
Yes, the enchilada sauce contains citric acid as a preservative to prolong its shelf life and maintain quality.
Is Las Palmas enchilada sauce vegan?
While most red enchilada sauce is vegan, the Las Palmas variety contains a small amount of monosodium glutamate (MSG) which is derived from animal sources. So it is not considered vegan.
Is it gluten-free?
No, Las Palmas enchilada sauce is not certified gluten-free. It contains wheat flour as a thickening agent. People with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity should avoid consuming it.
How should it be stored?
For best quality, store unused Las Palmas enchilada sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator after opening. It will keep for about 4-6 months refrigerated. For longer shelf life, consider freezing portioned amounts in freezer bags.
Uses for Las Palmas Enchilada Sauce
Besides enchiladas, Las Palmas enchilada sauce can be used to make a wide variety of delicious Mexican dishes:
Tacos
Drizzle the sauce over beef, chicken, or fish tacos.
Burritos and chimichangas
Use it as a flavorful burrito filling sauce or chimichanga dip.
Tamales
Ladle it over pork, cheese, or veggie tamales.
Chilaquiles
Pour the sauce over crispy tortilla chips for chilaquiles.
Huevos rancheros
Spoon it on top of fried eggs for a quick huevos rancheros.
Quesadillas
Mix in with cheese, vegetables, and proteins for a quesadilla filling.
Chili
Add it to a pot of chili for extra flavor.
Fajitas
Complement sizzling steak, chicken or shrimp fajitas with the sauce.
Conclusion
In summary, the primary ingredients in Las Palmas enchilada sauce include tomatoes, chili peppers, onions, garlic, and Mexican spices and seasonings. It likely contains some thickening agents like flour or cornstarch as well. The sauce provides a convenient, flavorful base for making enchiladas, tacos, burritos and more Tex-Mex and Mexican foods. While not very spicy, it can easily be kicked up a notch by adding extra hot peppers or hot sauce. Las Palmas enchilada sauce is a versatile pantry staple for quick Southwestern-style meals and dishes.