How do you make red enchilada sauce that is also keto? It’s unbelievably easy to make this sugar free sauce using simple, pantry ingredients. There is no corn starch or any kind of flour needed to make it.
There is nothing better than homemade enchilada sauce!
It’s free of any preservatives, sugars (artificial and real!) and no cornstarch.
This sauce is thick and saucy, just like me!
Originally published on October 17, 2014 at 8:50pm. Click here to get version 1 of this recipe
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Ingredients
Here is a quick look at the ingredients. It is to understand why these specific ingredients were chosen. To get the full recipe, go to the bottom of this post.
Tomato sauce – I used organic tomato sauce to make this sauce and it has no added salt. This is better than regular sauce and can be found in any big box and grocery store.
Tomato paste – This is also organic and it will help thicken the sauce.
Cayenne pepper – This pepper gives enchilada sauce it’s distinct spice. Cayenne pepper has flavonoids, Vitamin C and good for the gut. Source: ClevelandClinic.org.
Cumin Powder – Cumin powder has amazing benefits. It’s greatest power is that ti is packed with antioxidants and iron.
Onion powder – Onion powder helps manage diabetes and has a good amount of magnesium. Source: Livestrong.com
Lime juice – It’s greatest benefit in this recipe is that it has Vitamin C which helps absorption of iron.
👩🍳 Substitution tip: Don’t like using canned tomato sauce? Puree ripe, deep red tomatoes like tomatoes on the vine (campari). Strain the sauce, if you have the time.
How to make red enchilada sauce
- Use a strong bottom pan for this recipe. Heat it for 20 seconds, then add oil, garlic powder, onion powder and cumin powder. Mix well and cook on low heat for 15 seconds.
- Add the tomato sauce and mix it well. Let it heat for 30 seconds.
- Add the water and tomato paste to the pan. Mix well on low heat.
- Mix in the oregano, chili pepper (if using), cayenne pepper and salt.
- Simmer on low heat for about 5 minutes.
- Let it cool and then transfer to a glass jar with a tight lid. Refrigerate, if not using right away.
🍅 Handy Tip: Never cook this sauce on high heat. It will splatter all over the place and will also become pasty in texture.
Answering common questions
This no sugar enchilada sauce is delicious without any sweeteners. If you still want it, add erythritol or monk fruit crystals. Don’t use more than 1 tsp.
Yes, you can use tomatoes to make it. Use ripe and deep red color tomatoes and puree them completely. I love using campari tomatoes because they are the perfect shade of red.
Traditional enchilada sauce uses either flour or corn starch to thicken the sauce. Also, additional white sugars in the sauce. Flour, starch and sugars are not keto friendly.
👩🍳 How much sauce does this yield?: This keto enchilada sauce yields a cup and a half of sauce. This is enough for 3 enchiladas.
Make ahead and storage
This sauce is so easy to make before hand. It takes just 15 minutes to make and then 5 minute to cool down.
After that, you can store it in a tight glass jar and refrigerate for about a week. This sauce will taste just as good 7 days later.
I have also frozen it for a month and it was delicious when thawed. This sauce can be frozen for about 6 months, but use it sooner not later.
To thaw frozen enchilada sauce, do it at room temperature for best results. It will take about 2 hours to thaw, but it won’t loose its texture and taste. You can also put frozen sauce in the refrigerator side overnight.
🍅 Handy Tip: Use ice cube trays to freeze this enchilada sauce. I love using ice cube trays with a lid on them, so they taste remains fresh. Months later, it still tastes great.
How to use this sauce
Enchilada sauce is perfect for enchiladas! But, they are great in enchilada casseroles, Mexican gnocchi and chili tacos.
I am going to try it in my poblano casserole and beet chili. I bet it will taste really delicious.
Sharing is caring
Don’t be shy, chime in below in the comments. Let me hear your opinion on this recipe. If you enjoyed this, please give it 5 stars and share it on Facebook, Pinterest, Twitter and Instagram.
Keto Red Enchiada Sauce
Equipment
- 1 Stainless Steel Sauce Pan
Ingredients
- 1 Tbsp Avocado oil
- ½ tsp Onion powder
- ½ tsp Garlic powder
- ½ tsp Cumin Powder
- 8 oz Tomato sauce I used Greenwise's Organic Tomato Sauce
- ¾ cup Water
- 1 tsp Tomato paste I used Greenwise's Organic Tomato Paste
- 1 tsp Pink salt
- 1 tsp Cayenne pepper
- ¼ tsp Chili powder optional
- 1 Tbsp Dried oregano
- 1 tsp Lime juice freshly squeezed.
Instructions
- Heat sauce pan for 20 seconds, then add avocado oil1 Tbsp Avocado oil
- Add garlic powder, onion powder and cumin powder.½ tsp Onion powder, ½ tsp Garlic powder, ½ tsp Cumin Powder
- Mix well and cook on low heat for 15 seconds.
- Add the tomato sauce and mix it well. Let it heat for 30 seconds.8 oz Tomato sauce
- Add the water and tomato paste to the pan. Mix well on low heat.¾ cup Water, 1 tsp Tomato paste
- Mix in the oregano, chili pepper (if using), cayenne pepper and salt.1 tsp Pink salt, 1 tsp Cayenne pepper, ¼ tsp Chili powder, 1 Tbsp Dried oregano
- Simmer on low heat for about 5 minutes.
- Add the lime juice and give it one last stir.1 tsp Lime juice
- Let it cool and then transfer to a glass jar with a tight lid.
Refrigerate, if not using right away.
Notes
- Don’t like using canned tomato sauce? Puree ripe, deep red tomatoes like tomatoes on the vine (campari). Strain the sauce, if you have the time.
- Never cook this sauce on high heat. It will splatter all over the place and will also become pasty in texture.
- This keto enchilada sauce yields a cup and a half of sauce. This is enough for 3 enchiladas.
- Use ice cube trays to freeze this enchilada sauce. I love using ice cube trays with a lid on them, so they taste remains fresh. Months later, it still tastes great.
Version 1 of this recipe
This post was originally published on October 17, 2014 at 8:50pm.
Aside from the horrendous picture, this sauce was also on the creamy side. I had used coconut milk. It tasted great, but I prefer having a red enchilada sauce.
Want to check out the original recipe? Click here to view it.
Ksenia says
I had leftover rotisserie chicken and used your enchilada sauce to make it into an enchilada bake. The sauce was perfectly balanced and seasoned!
Rini says
Thank you, Ksenia
Shilpa says
This sauce had the right balance of flavors. And I love the trick to freeze it in an ice cube tray for long term storage. Always good to have some in hand.
Rini says
Thank you, Shilpa.
Addison says
I needed an enchilada sauce without added sugar so this was great! Loved the healthy ingredients and delicious flavor.
Rini says
Thank you, Addison.
Sharina says
Used this enchilada sauce for Mexican gnocchi last night, it turned out so well! Everyone in the fam loves it! Such a keeper!
Rini says
Thank you, Sharina
Kris says
I’m picky about enchilada and sauce this was a real WINNER! The whole family really enjoyed it. We’ll definitely be using this the next time we make enchiladas. 🙂
Rini says
Thank you so much, Kris. I am so happy to hear that.
Bity.L says
OMG, this Red Enchilada Sauce recipe looks sooo delicious! The rich, spicy aroma of the sauce is making my mouth water and my taste buds tingle with anticipation. I can’t wait to drizzle this flavorful sauce over all my favorite Mexican dishes and spice up my meals.
Rini says
Thank you, Bity. I am so glad you liked it.
Kristen says
That’s Crazy how gluten-free Enchilada sauce is IMPOSSIBLE to find! I was looking all over for it this summer. I will have to try this!
Healing Tomato says
Thank you, Kristen. I tried looking for it in my grocery store and couldn’t find it either.
Serena | Serena Bakes Simply From Scratch says
I love how creamy this enchilada sauce is! I never buy the store bought stuff it just doesn’t compare!
Healing Tomato says
Thank you, Serena. Homemade is so much better tasting and cheaper.
Debi @ Life Currents says
Your creamy enchilada sauce looks great. I like the creaminess of it. I always make my own enchilada sauce now (always have a jar on the fridge). I use potato starch in mine to keep it GF.
Healing Tomato says
Thank you, Debi. I haven’t tried potato starch, but, I will try it with that next time.
Sandi says
Yay!! Thank you for making this one gluten free!! My kids love enchiladas and this sauce sounds perfect. Beautiful photos.
Healing Tomato says
Thank you, Sandi. I know kids love this sauce.
Kathrin @ Ginger, Lemon & Spice says
I love that this sauce is made with coconut milk!!
Healing Tomato says
Thank you, Kathrin
[email protected] easy as Apple Pie says
This enchilada sauce looks so delicious! Great recipe!!!
Healing Tomato says
Thank you, Elena.
Jessica (Savory Experiments) says
I was wondering why yours was lighter in color than mine and then I saw coconut milk. Interesting flavor combo, I certainly want to try it out!
Healing Tomato says
Thank you, Jessica. Coconut milk made all the difference. It gave it a perfect creaminess.
Tara says
What a great looking enchilada sauce, I just love this!!
Healing Tomato says
Thank you, Tara
Becky says
What a great alternative to the store-bought sauces and much healthier!! Thanks for sharing!!
Healing Tomato says
Thank you, Becky
Jessica @ Sprinkle Some Sugar says
Mmmm, this sounds awesome. LOVE enchiladas and making homemade sauce. I may have to try this recipe for my vegan friends!
Healing Tomato says
Thank you, Jessica
Joanne T Ferguson says
G’day Your sauce sounds great and very healthy!
Cheers! Joanne
Healing Tomato says
Thank you, Joanne.
[email protected] says
That has to be the prettiest enchilada sauce I’ve ever seen and I bet it tastes amazing too. Loving the coconut milk.
Healing Tomato says
Thank you, Janette
Mary says
I had no idea enchilada sauce had gluten…who knew? Thanks for letting me know! I can’t wait to give your’s a try!
Healing Tomato says
Thank you, Mary. I learn something new everyday.