Green Enchilada Sauce

Green enchilada sauce is a savory sauce made primarily from tomatillos, chili peppers (such as jalapeños or serranos), onions, garlic, and cilantro. Tomatillos, a fruit native to Mexico, are the key ingredient that gives the sauce its characteristic tangy flavor and green color. The ingredients are typically blended together and then simmered to meld the flavors.

Manufacturers use green enchilada sauce to add a bright, zesty flavor and moisture to dishes. It is most commonly found in Mexican and Tex-Mex cuisine, particularly as a sauce for enchiladas, but also used in dips, soups, and as a topping for grilled meats and vegetables.

Green enchilada sauce is generally recognized as safe by the FDA when used as a food ingredient. The primary ingredients (vegetables, herbs, spices) are common food items with no specific regulatory limitations when consumed in typical amounts. Regulatory bodies like JECFA and EFSA have evaluated many individual spices and vegetables used in the sauce, generally finding them safe for consumption. Evidence does not suggest adverse health effects from consuming green enchilada sauce in moderation as part of a balanced diet.