I realize that in the food blog world I’m like 3 months behind, but I finally broke down and bought my first can of pumpkin today!
And then quickly, my first can of pumpkin turned into my second, third, and fourth can of pumpkin. I’ve had the idea of pumpkin enchilada sauce in my head for a while now and unfortunately it didn’t exactly come out as planned the first time, or the second time… But thankfully I didn’t give up and what you have here is a really good pumpkin enchilada sauce!
Don’t worry, I do plan on making lots and lots of pumpkin dessert recipes, but in true She Likes Food fashion, I’m going straight for the savory pumpkin recipe to kick things off with. I’m also doing something a little bit Mexican-ish, because really I just can’t help myself! But don’t be completely fooled, there are a few ingredients in this enchilada sauce that you would put in almost any pumpkin dessert recipe you would make. I’ve realized, over the past few hours, that even savory pumpkin dishes need a little bit of sweetening up.
My first batch of this enchilada sauce had no maple syrup, no cinnamon, and no allspice and it was horrible! I took one bite and my tastebuds just couldn’t believe what I had done to them. It was seriously not good and I started to get scared that this was going to be one big failure. I’m not one to give up that easily though, and when I started on the second batch I sweetened up the pumpkin a bit before I added the savory flavors and it made such a difference. Not only was it edible, but it was delicious!
If you are thinking that I’m really off my rocker with this pumpkin enchilada sauce, please don’t be scared away by it! It’s seasonal, it’s delicious, and it gives you one more excuse to make enchiladas, which is always a good thing š
Kale, brown rice & black bean pumpkin enchiladas coming soon!
PrintPumpkin Enchilada Sauce
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 3 cups 1x
Ingredients
- 1 –15 ounce can of 100% pure pumpkin
- 2 cups water
- 4 teaspoons maple syrup
- 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 pinch allspice
- 1 pinch nutmeg
- 1 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon granulated garlic
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
- 3/4 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- crushed red pepper flakes, to taste
Instructions
- Add all ingredients to a blender or food processor and blend for about 1 minutes, until all ingredients are combined.
- Makes about 3 cups.
Notes
Recipe updated on 9/26/2015
- Prep Time: 5 mins
- Category: Sauce, Gluten Free, Vegan
Mir says
Wow. This is an awesome idea! I love it! Can’t wait to try.
And don’t feel bad about being late on the pumpkin. It’s seriously not normal for people to post pumpkin recipes in August.
She Likes Food says
Thanks Mir! Haha, I totally agree, pumpkin in August is way too early!
Danielle says
What a great idea to use pumpkin in a savory way! I love enchilada sauce, but adding pumpkin to it just takes it over the top. Wonderful idea!
She Likes Food says
Thanks Danielle! I was surprised at how much my husband and I both loved this enchilada sauce. It is a little bit sweet but most savory and so good š
Kelly @ Hidden Fruits and Veggies says
I’m kind of in love with this idea. Horrified with how long it took you to buy pumpkin (I keep it stocked year round :-p), but I’ll forgive you for bringing this sauce into my life. If there’s anything I love more than pumpkin, it’s mexican food!
She Likes Food says
Haha, I’m so sorry it took me so long! I have a pumpkin orange recipe that I make all throughout the year, but I don’t start experimenting with pumpkin until fall hits! Pumpkin and mexican food is my new favorite š
Ceara @ Ceara's Kitchen says
This looks amazing Isadora! Too funny – I made a pumpkin enchilada sauce with maple syrup on Friday for dinner and it was OK (nothing special) but yours looks absolutely delicious! The pumpkin spice must make all the difference because I can only imagine how yummy your recipe tastes! Will be making your version next time we make enchiladas! Pinned š
She Likes Food says
Thank you Ceara! That is funny! We must be on the same wavelength! I hope you have better luck with this one and that you enjoy it! I’d love to know what you think of it if you try it š
Leah | So, How's It Taste? says
This sounds like such a great twist on enchilada sauce! So many pumpkin recipes and I’ve never seen this yet. I bet it’s delicious!
She Likes Food says
Thanks Leah! I used it to make enchiladas for dinner tonight and it turned out so good! I think this will be my fall staple š
Dannii @ Hungry Healthy Happy says
This is such a genius way to use pumpkin. I love it!
She Likes Food says
Thank you so much, Dannii!
Natalie @ Tastes Lovely says
I opened my first can of pumpkin this weekend too! I made pumpkin muffins for breakfast. Delicious! I’m going to have to pop open another can right away to make this pumpkin enchilada sauce. Sounds delicious!
She Likes Food says
I’m glad I’m not the only one slow to get on the pumpkin train š Pumpkin muffins sound awesome and I need to add those to my list to make next!
Gayle @ Pumpkin 'N Spice says
Pumpkin enchilada sauce?! I’m so impressed, Izzy! This sounds absolutely amazing! I love that you turned this into a savory pumpkin recipe. I have a feeling I could eat this sauce on just about anything!
She Likes Food says
Aww, thank you so much, Gayle! I just made some enchiladas with it tonight and they were awesome! I’m already thinking of other ways to use it! So glad you love this enchilada sauce š
Laura @ Raise Your Garden says
Ok Izzy, so I’ve been trolling Pinterest (time waster!!!) for awesome pumpkin recipes because I’m in love with pumpkin and even Libby’s canned pumpkin but you blew me away with the pumpkin enchilada sauce idea. I’ve seen so many pumpkin recipes on Pinterest but nothing like this. So amazing!!
She Likes Food says
Haha, I’ve wasted my share of time on pinterest too! Thank you so much for all the sweet words, Laura! I’m so happy I could present you with a new pumpkin recipe and I hope you guys love it š
Meggan | Culinary Hill says
Also joining the late-to-the-pumpkin-party club, finally posted my first pumpkin recipe today. š This enchilada sauce looks so delicious, I can’t wait to try it! Just out of curiosity, do you envision this over cheese enchiladas, chicken enchiladas, something else?
She Likes Food says
I’ll have to check out your pumpkin recipe right now! I really think it could go with any kind of enchiladas. I used it to make some veggie enchiladas tonight that had brown rice, corn, peppers, and kale and it worked really well!
Christin@spicysouthernkitchen says
I can’t wait to see your kale and black bean enchilada recipe! This pumpkin sauce sounds incredible. I love pumpkin in savory recipes!
She Likes Food says
Thanks Christin! I made them tonight and they were so good! I love pumpkin in savory recipes too and can’t wait to make more š
Denise | Sweet Peas & Saffron says
This looks deeeeelish! We had butternut squash enchiladas a few weeks ago and loved the mexican/pumpkin flavor combo, so I bet this tastes amazing. And I love the bright orange color,
She Likes Food says
Ohhh, butternut squash enchiladas sound so good! I’m gonna have to make some soon! Mexican and pumpkin seem to go together so well š
Sarah@WholeandHeavenlyOven says
Savory pumpkin recipes are the BOMB. I’ve actually made enchilada sauces with pumpkin sauce before, so I know firsthand that they are the best thing EVER. I totally can’t wait to try your version and cannot WAIT for those awesome-sounding enchiladas!
She Likes Food says
They really are the bomb!! I just finished the last of the enchiladas tonight and am already making plans to make more of this sauce! I hope you love it, girl!
Joanne says
Girl, I’m just getting started on the pumpkin also and though I’ve mostly made sweet recipes thus far, I am loving that this is savory spicy AND delicious all in one!
She Likes Food says
Thanks Joanne! I love savory pumpkin recipes and can’t wait to see what you post! I’m also looking forward to all the sweet pumpkin recipes too š
Helen @ Scrummy Lane says
This sounds absolutely beautiful … and I love your photos! I really wish I could get that canned pumpkin over where I am!
She Likes Food says
Thank you so much, Helen! I can’t believe there is a place on earth that doesn’t sell canned pumpkin! I hope you are able to find some somewhere š
Cindy @ Pick Fresh Foods says
Genius idea to make enchilada sauce from pumpkin. Sounds so delicious!
She Likes Food says
Thank you, Cindy! š
Kelly - Life Made Sweeter says
This is such a great idea Izzy! I’ve only made sweets with pumpkin this year and haven’t made anything savory yet. I love that you made an enchilada sauce and can’t wait to try it! It sounds amazing and can’t wait to see your enchiladas that you used this for š
She Likes Food says
Thank you Kelly! That is funny because I’ve only made savory so far, haha! I’m really looking forward to all the sweet pumpkin recipes though!
Katie @ Whole Nourishment says
I actually don’t think you’re off your rocker with this pumpkin sauce. The Mexican mole is a pretty exotic blend of things too. So this makes perfect sense to me. I could see some chipotles in adobo going well with this too. What kind enchilada filling have you found goes best with this pumpkin sauce?
Also, I just nominated you for the Liebster Award! Check out my post for details!
She Likes Food says
Thank you, Katie! I’m so glad you are on the same page! Chipotle peppers would be so good, that is such a great idea! I have an enchilada recipe that I’m just about to post that uses this pumpkin sauce and it is a veggie enchilada with brown rice, black beans, corn, and kale. I found that it worked really well, but honestly I think it would go well with most enchiladas š
Traci | Vanilla And Bean says
Hi Izzy! It’s soooo good to see your savory pumpkin recipe! I really love pumpkin and there are many foods, besides sweets, that it pairs well with. Your title totally grabbed my attention when I saw it sitting in my in box! I’m looking forward to this one!
You know, I haven’t made anything pumpkin since I ran out of my freezer stock of pureed pumpkin in May. I’m waiting on our local pumpkin to come in… so I am definitely feeling behind the bloggin curve! I may break down an buy a can… I can hardly wait!! All these great recipes and now THIS!! Oh my! Looking forward to your black bean and Kale recipe!
She Likes Food says
Hi Traci! I’ve never really thought to use pumpkin in a savory way until now and I am so happy with how it tastes! Although, I do love my pumpkin sweets too! I’m so glad you are excited about this sauce, Traci!
I bet the fresh pumpkin is much better than the canned stuff. I’ve actually only ever used the canned pumpkin, but now you have me wanting to get some local pumpkin! I’m just about to post the enchiladas š
Ashley says
I love this idea!! This also coming from the lady who is all about the mexican food š I love that this is a savory pumpkin recipe too – I love the sweet ones but it’s so nice for some variety to change it up! And hi Cheeto!
She Likes Food says
I knew you would love this, Ashley! It doesn’t get much better than Mexican food š Cheeto says hi too!!
Olivia - Primavera Kitchen says
Holy harvest! This sauce looks delicious!
She Likes Food says
Haha, thank you, Oliva!
Julia | Orchard Street Kitchen says
I love the creativity of this recipe! I also think it’s great that you explained the recipe creation process – things often don’t turn out great the first time, but the trial and error is what gets you to something perfect in the end. I’m sure it was a wonderful feeling when you got this recipe just right – it looks amazing!
She Likes Food says
Thank you, Julia! Sometimes I try to hide the fact that they don’t always come out perfectly the first time, haha, but I completely agree, it is nice to know that others have a trial and error process too! I was almost ready to throw in the towel, but thank goodness I didn’t’ š
Medha @ Whisk & Shout says
What a creative idea! Mexican food is my favorite and pumpkin has a special place in my heart. A winning combo š
She Likes Food says
Thank you, Medha! Mexican food lovers unite š
Arpita@ The Gastronomic Bong says
Oh my this enchilada sauce looks incredible!! I have never made one before and this is definitelly tops my to do list!! Love it! š
She Likes Food says
Thank you, Arpita! It is crazy how easy it is to make! Once you try it you will want to make it all season long š At least that is what I want to do!
Mira says
It is great you didn’t give up after the first try ! This enchilada sauce looks delicious and packed with some wonderful flavors, I really want to try it! I like to buy the same brand pumpkin pure, it is really good!
She Likes Food says
Thank you Mira! Thank goodness this sauce is so easy or I might not have had the patience to give it two more tries, haha! I hope you really enjoy it if you do try it, Mira š
Jess @ Flying on Jess Fuel says
Love this!! Such a unique use for pumpkin!! It would be amazing over some enchiladas filled with chicken, sage and goat cheese– yum!
She Likes Food says
Thank you, Jess! OMG, chicken, sage, and goat cheese enchiladas sound amazzzing!! Especially with pumpkin enchilada sauce! Thanks for the awesome idea! Making those soon š
Pia says
What an interesting concept. I love to used canned pumpkin for baking, which I learned when we lived in CA years ago. I would always have my hubby pick some up when he was over there for business. Now he doesn’t travel much any more but been I’m lucky to have found it in a store called “American heritage” in Munich, Germany where we live. Organic and totally expensive but worth every penny. So my Qs are. How long will it keep in the fridge? Will it freeze well, any other ideas for using it than enchiladad and lastly, should it be served warm or cold on the enchilades?
She Likes Food says
Hi Pia!! I love baking with canned pumpkin too! I just makes everything so moist and delicious, especially when it is fall! My sister told me that she buys an organic kind that is much better than any other canned pumpkin she has had. I’ll have to keep an eye out for it. I agree, it is totally worth every penny! I ate it up pretty quickly, but I would say it will keep for 5-6 days in the refrigerator. I haven’t froze it yet, but I think it would work perfectly to freeze it. I would put the cold sauce on the enchiladas before putting them in the oven so that it warms up while they cook and I think it would probably go well on a variety of other foods. I would eat it in a rice bowl with veggies or on some chicken if you are a meat eater. It would also go well with any other Mexican dishes that require sauces. I hope that answers your questions and gives you some ideas! Thanks so much for the comment, Pia š
Evi @ greenevi says
Great idea, thanks š
She Likes Food says
Thanks Evi! I hope you enjoy it if you try it š
Debbie says
I noticed that in the comments, of the several I read, no one actually made it. Well, I roasted 3 baking pumpkins today. In scanning recipes I came across this one so I gave it a try. After I blended the ingredients I simmered on the stove for about 30 minutes. I gave it a taste. It’s not bad. Not at all the flavor or consistency of enchilada sauce. It’s more like a Mexican pumpkin puree. I actually got 2 pint jars and refrigerator them. I’ll use it. I may mix it with ground beef or chicken and use in Tacos or turn it into a soup.
She Likes Food says
Hi Debbie, this is an older recipe and I haven’t re-tested it in a while. I have it on my list to update soon though. I’m glad you enjoyed it, but I will definitely take another look at it and try to see if I can make it more like an enchilada sauce consistency. Thank you!