Enchilada Sauce: Keto-Friendly Or Not?

Enchilada sauce is a Mexican comfort food staple and is versatile, simple, and quick to make. But is it keto-friendly? Regular enchilada sauce is not keto-friendly as it generally contains cornstarch and added sugar. However, you can easily make your own keto-friendly version at home with a few simple ingredients. This enchilada sauce is the perfect sauce to accompany your Mexican-inspired dishes.

Enchilada sauce ingredients

Enchilada sauce is a Mexican staple that is versatile, simple, and quick to make. It is made using a variety of ingredients, including spices, tomato paste, and broth. Here is a detailed list of ingredients for a delicious enchilada sauce:

Ingredients for Enchilada Sauce:

• Spices: Cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, and other spices like oregano, cinnamon, cayenne pepper, and black pepper are essential for adding depth and flavour to the sauce.
• Tomato Paste: This gives the sauce its signature red colour and tangy flavour. It also helps to thicken the sauce.
• Broth: Chicken or vegetable broth is used as a base for the sauce, adding flavour and thinning out the other ingredients. Some recipes use butter or oil instead of broth.
• Sweetener: A small amount of sweetener, such as Lakanto Monkfruit Sweetener, can be added to balance out the flavours.
• Vinegar: A splash of vinegar, such as apple cider vinegar or distilled white vinegar, amps up the flavour and adds a tangy twist.
• Salt: This is used to enhance the flavours and can be adjusted to taste.

Optional Ingredients:

• Minced Garlic: Fresh garlic adds a huge amount of flavour to the sauce. If unavailable, dried garlic powder can be used instead.
• Butter: Butter gives the sauce a silky texture and a rich flavour. Unsalted butter is preferable to control the saltiness.
• Flour: Some recipes use flour to create a roux and thicken the sauce. Gluten-free flour blends can also be used.
• Cream: Adding heavy cream can make the sauce creamy and rich.

With these ingredients and a few simple steps, you can make a delicious enchilada sauce to accompany your Mexican-inspired dishes.

How to make keto enchilada sauce

Ingredients:

• Butter
• Tomato paste
• Chicken broth
• Spices: chilli powder, cumin, onion powder, oregano, cinnamon, salt, pepper, cayenne pepper (optional)
• Minced garlic
• Coconut flour (optional)
• Apple cider vinegar (optional)
• Xanthan gum (optional)

Method:

• Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat.
• Add the garlic to the saucepan and stir. Saute for 1 minute.
• Stir in the spices and saute for another 30 seconds.
• Whisk in the tomato paste and chicken broth. Stir to combine, and simmer for 5-10 minutes.
• (Optional) For a thicker sauce, add in coconut flour along with the spices in step 3 to form a roux.
• (Optional) For a tangier sauce, add in apple cider vinegar after the sauce has simmered.
• (Optional) For an even thicker sauce, sprinkle xanthan gum over the sauce and whisk until thickened.
• Use immediately, or store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. Alternatively, the sauce can be frozen for a few months.

Storing keto enchilada sauce

If you're making a keto enchilada sauce, it's good to know that it can be stored in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. It's best to keep it in an airtight container or a sealed glass jar, and it will last around one to two weeks if kept cold. The sauce will thicken as it cools, so you may want to add some chicken broth or water before using it again.

You can also freeze keto enchilada sauce. Allow the sauce to cool to room temperature, then place it in a freezer-safe container or bag. It can be stored in the freezer for two to three months. When you're ready to use it, thaw it in the fridge overnight, then warm it up on the stovetop or in the microwave.

Some recipes suggest adding a splash of chicken broth when reheating the sauce, to thin it out and enhance the flavour. You can also adjust the spices to your taste by adding more or less cayenne, sweetener, and salt.

Keto enchilada sauce is a great way to add flavour to your favourite Mexican dishes, and it's easy to make and store for later use.

Freezing keto enchilada sauce

Keto enchilada sauce is a delicious, versatile sauce that can be used on any keto-friendly Mexican dish. The good news is that it freezes well, so you can make a big batch and keep it in your freezer for up to three months. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to freeze keto enchilada sauce:

Step 1: Prepare the Sauce

Start by preparing your keto enchilada sauce. There are many recipes available online, but most include a combination of butter, tomato paste/sauce, chicken broth, and various spices such as chili powder, cumin, onion powder, and garlic.

Step 2: Cool the Sauce

Once your sauce is cooked, it's important to let it cool down to room temperature before freezing. This will help ensure that it freezes properly and reduces the risk of bacterial growth.

Step 3: Choose Your Container

You can freeze your keto enchilada sauce in either a freezer-safe glass jar or a plastic container. Make sure to leave some space at the top of the container, as the sauce will expand when frozen.

Step 4: Label and Date

Before placing the sauce in the freezer, be sure to label the container with the date and contents. This will help you keep track of how long the sauce has been frozen and ensure that you use it within the recommended time frame.

Step 5: Freeze the Sauce

Place the container of keto enchilada sauce in the freezer and store it for up to three months. The sauce will be safe to eat beyond this time, but the quality may start to deteriorate, affecting the taste and texture.

Step 6: Thawing and Reheating

When you're ready to use your frozen keto enchilada sauce, simply take it out of the freezer and let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight. You can then reheat it on the stovetop or in the microwave until warmed through.

Tips for Freezing Keto Enchilada Sauce:

• If you plan to freeze your sauce, it's a good idea to omit any dairy products, as these can affect the texture and taste after freezing.
• You can also freeze the sauce in ice cube trays for easy portion control. Once frozen, pop the cubes out and store them in a freezer bag.
• To extend the freezer life of your keto enchilada sauce, you can add a little bit of lemon juice or vinegar to the sauce before freezing. This will help prevent discolouration and maintain the sauce's freshness.

By following these simple steps, you can enjoy the convenience of having keto enchilada sauce ready to go in your freezer for whenever a keto craving strikes!

Serving keto enchilada sauce

Keto enchilada sauce is a delicious, spicy, and versatile condiment that can be used in a variety of Mexican-inspired dishes. The best part is that it's easy to make, and you can store it for later use. Here are some tips and tricks for serving keto enchilada sauce:

Storing and Reheating Keto Enchilada Sauce:

Before we dive into the serving suggestions, let's quickly go over storing and reheating the sauce. This is important because the keto enchilada sauce recipe typically yields more than needed for a single dish, so you'll likely have leftovers.

Keto enchilada sauce can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. It can also be frozen for up to three months.

To reheat the sauce, you can either place it in a glass container and warm it in the microwave for short intervals, stirring in between, or pour it into a saucepan with a splash of chicken broth and heat it over medium-high heat until it boils and thickens.

Serving Suggestions:

Now, let's explore some delicious ways to serve keto enchilada sauce:

• Enchiladas: Of course, the most obvious choice is to use the keto enchilada sauce with enchiladas. You can make chicken, beef, or cheese enchiladas and smother them in this delicious sauce.
• Tacos and Burritos: Keto enchilada sauce can take your taco or burrito night to the next level. Drizzle it over your favorite low-carb tacos or burritos, or use it as a dipping sauce.
• Casseroles: This sauce is a great addition to Mexican-inspired casseroles. Try it with keto chicken enchilada casserole or a low-carb Mexican casserole.
• Soups: Add a flavorful kick to your soups by stirring in some keto enchilada sauce. It pairs well with Mexican-style soups, such as chicken or beef tortilla soup.
• Quesadillas: Take your quesadillas up a notch by serving them with a side of keto enchilada sauce for dipping. It's perfect for air fryer quesadillas or any other variation you prefer.
• Breakfast Dishes: For a spicy morning treat, add keto enchilada sauce to your scrambled eggs or breakfast burritos. It will certainly wake up your taste buds!
• Cauliflower Rice and Shredded Meat: If you're looking for a low-carb side dish, try serving keto enchilada sauce with cauliflower rice or shredded chicken, beef, or turkey. It adds a burst of flavor to these dishes.
• Other Mexican-inspired Dishes: The possibilities are endless! Use your creativity and experiment with adding keto enchilada sauce to your favorite Mexican-inspired dishes. It's a versatile sauce that can enhance the flavor of many meals.

Remember, keto enchilada sauce is a versatile condiment that can be used in various dishes beyond just enchiladas. So, don't be afraid to get creative and explore new flavor combinations. Enjoy experimenting with these serving suggestions and discovering your favorite ways to use keto enchilada sauce!

Frequently asked questions