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Homemade Gluten Free Enchilada Sauce

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Indulge in the rich and savory flavors of our Homemade Gluten Free Enchilada Sauce, made with just a few simple pantry staples. This gluten-free sauce is perfect for topping your enchiladas, and it’s versatile enough to elevate any dish to new heights of taste and nutrition.

Enchilada sauce recipe with a spoon on a jar.
Gluten Free Enchilada Sauce

Are you craving enchiladas but can’t find a store-bought gluten-free enchilada sauce? This homemade enchilada sauce recipe is gluten-free, easy to make, and full of flavor.

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Gluten Free Enchiladas

Do you love enchiladas? Can you make easy gluten free chicken enchiladas casserole? 

With our recipes, it is an easy task and can be done in just a few minutes in the comfort of your home.

Mix spices, cook a perfect chicken, and wrap it. With today’s flavorful sauce, you’re going to use it over and over again. 

Now sit down, relax and enjoy the best gluten free sauce a Universe can give you.

What is Enchilada Sauce?

Enchilada sauce is a famous Mexican sauce used to top enchiladas. It sauce is essential to many Mexican dishes, adding a unique flavor to any dish. Enchilada sauce can vary greatly depending on the chili pepper used and other added ingredients, such as oregano or cumin.

Are All Enchilada Sauces Gluten-Free?

No, not all enchilada sauces are gluten-free. Some brands of enchilada sauce may contain wheat flour as an ingredient, while others are made with corn flour and are, therefore, gluten-free. It is essential to read the labels of any enchilada sauce you buy to ensure it does not contain wheat flour or other gluten-containing ingredients. 

If you have gluten sensitivity, you should look for a brand that specifies gluten-free on the label. Additionally, some restaurants may offer enchilada sauce containing wheat flour dishes, so be sure to ask about the ingredients before ordering if this concerns you.

What Is Our Easy Enchilada Sauce Recipe Made With?

First, our sauce is a homemade mix of spices perfect for enchiladas recipes.

The second best ingredient used in this recipe is the broth. You should make it at least once a week and store it in your freezer to use instead of water in any savory recipes.

The rest of the ingredients for this easy recipe are minimal, as I have tried to keep this recipe as easy as possible. All you need is tomato sauce, avocado oil, and vinegar.

I used 2 tablespoons of coconut flour and Xanthan gum to make enchilada sauce thicker.

Gluten Free Enchilada Sauce in a glass.
Homemade enchilada sauce

How To Make Easy Gluten-Free Enchilada Sauce?

Let us dive directly into making this delicious, best-ever sauce one can have and enjoy.

Kitchen Gadgets:

  • Cooking Pot
  • Hand Immersion Blender

Enchilada Sauce Ingredients:

  • Tomato paste
  • Chicken Broth or Chicken Stock
  • Avocado oil
  • Coconut flour
  • Apple Cider vinegar
  • Xanthan Gum 

A Mix of Spices:

  • Chilli powder
  • Paprika Powder
  • Onion Powder
  • Oregano
  • Cumin
  • Garlic Powder
  • Salt and pepper
  • Brown Sweetener
  • Cinnamon

*Exact measurements are listed in the recipe card below.

FULL INSTRUCTIONS WITH STEPS FOR EASY TO MAKE AND BEST ENCHILADA SAUCE RECIPE

First Step: Prepare your Ingredients

Prepare all your ingredients. If you plan to make your seasoning, ensure all of the herbs and spices are from a well-known source and as fresh as possible.

Gluten Free Enchilada Sauce ingredients.
Salsa roja

Second Step: Make a Base

Heat your saucepan. Add avocado oil and let it cook for 1 minute on medium heat.

 Reduce heat, and add coconut flour. Using a spatula mix it all into a smooth paste. This is the base for the sauce.

Add your spices and mix once again.

Homemade enchilada sauce starting to cook.
Best enchilada sauce

Third Step: Add Rest and Thicken

Once all is combined, add your broth, tomato paste, and vinegar in. Mix it all and bring it to a boil.

For extra thickness, you can add Xanthan Gum. Mix it thoroughly into the sauce. This needs to be added when the sauce is cooking, as the thickening process starts working while boiling.

Let it simmer until sauce has thickened, for approximately 5 to 10 minutes.

Salsa roja cooking.
Homemade enchilada sauce

Fourth Step: Blend All and Cook

For an extra smooth sauce look, blend it all using a hand immersion blender and cook for another 5 minutes.

Once the sauce has thickened, you are ready to enjoy.

Enchilada sauce recipe blending.
Gluten Free Enchilada Sauce

TRICKS AND TIPS FOR MAKING GLUTEN FREE ENCHILADA SAUCE:

  • Seasoning – it is best to make your own and store it for later.
  • Thickening – if you do not want very thick sauce, you can reduce on coconut flour and skip Xanthan Gum.
  • Chunks in – the last step of blending together into a smooth thick sauce is optional. If you like your sauce to have small pieces of herbs in it, you can skip it.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What Gluten Free Tortillas to Use for Chicken Enchiladas?

You can use corn tortillas, which are naturally gluten-free, or look for gluten-free flour tortillas at your local health food store or online. You can also make your gluten-free tortillas using gluten-free flour.

Most keto recipes, such as fiber tortillas or flaxseed keto wrap, are also gluten-free.

Best enchilada sauce in a glass jar.
Enchilada sauce recipe

Ways To Use This Gluten Free Red Enchilada Sauce

Our homemade gluten-free enchilada sauce is the best invention, as it can be used in so many ways.

Few examples:

  • As a topping to make gluten-free enchiladas: Simply fill tortillas with your choice of meat mixed with red sauce and cheese, add veggies, roll them up, and sprinkle enchilada sauce over the top.
  • Dip for tortilla chips: this sauce is perfect as a dip for tortilla chips or even rutabaga fries, making it a great appetizer or snack.
  • Chicken enchilada casserole: Pour a bit of sauce onto the dish. Layer gluten-free tortillas, shredded chicken, and cheese, and pour the remaining enchilada sauce on top of a baking dish. Bake until hot and bubbly.
  • Chili: Mix the sauce with ground beef, black beans, and diced tomatoes for a delicious gluten-free chili.
  • Slow-cooker chicken: Mix the sauce with chicken, black beans, corn, and other ingredients you like, and slow-cook it for a delicious gluten-free meal.

How To Use Store-bought Enchilada Sauce?

If you need more time to make homemade enchilada sauce or are in a hurry, you can use store bought enchilada sauce. However, you should be careful when choosing, as many brands contain gluten or other allergens. Look for a gluten-free or certified gluten-free enchilada sauce and check the ingredients list before purchasing.

What Brands of Store-bought Enchilada Sauce are Gluten Free?

Several brands of enchilada sauce are gluten-free.

La Victoria, for example, offers a variety of gluten-free flavors, including red chili and mild green chili sauces. Hatch has an entire line of gluten-free enchilada sauces in mild, medium, hot, and extra-hot varieties.

Frontera also has a range of gluten-free enchilada sauces in mild or hot varieties.

Many stores also carry organic brands like Muir Glen that offer gluten-free enchilada sauces.

With so many options available, it’s easy to find a delicious sauce to make your favorite dish.

Is Old El Paso Enchilada Sauce Gluten Free?

Some Old El Paso enchilada sauce may be gluten-free, but it’s best to check the label or contact the company to confirm. Many store-bought brands are not gluten-free and may contain gluten-containing ingredients like wheat flour.

How To Thicken Enchilada Sauce?

There are a few ways to thicken enchilada sauce. You can use cornstarch or flour to thicken the sauce by mixing it with water before adding it to the saucepan. Let the sauce simmer for longer, as the liquid will evaporate and the sauce will thicken. You can also use pureed vegetables such as carrots or potatoes.

Homemade enchilada sauce on a spoon dripping.
Best enchilada sauce

How To Make this Recipe Spicier?

If you like enchilada sauce with a bit more heat, add chili powder or cumin to the recipe. Another way is to add diced jalapeños, a dash of cayenne pepper, or red pepper flakes to the recipe. You can also use a hotter chili powder such as Ancho chili powder or chipotle chili powder.

How Long Does Homemade Enchilada Sauce Last?

The sauce can last for up to a week in the refrigerator, stored in a jar or airtight container. It can also be frozen for up to three months. When ready to use, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight or in the microwave and reheat it in a saucepan over low heat.

Can You Freeze Enchilada Sauce?

Yes, you can freeze enchilada sauce. Place the sauce in a freezer-safe container or bag and store it in the freezer for up to 3 months. To thaw, place it in the refrigerator overnight or on the countertop for several hours until it is completely thawed.

Other Gluten-Free Recipes to Try

Before I will add more Mexican recipes, enjoy some recipes for a gluten-free diet

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Best enchilada sauce on a spoon.
Enchilada sauce recipe

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Yield: 6

Homemade Gluten Free Enchilada Sauce

Enchilada sauce recipe with a spoon on a jar.

Indulge in the rich and savory flavors of our Homemade Gluten Free Enchilada Sauce, made with just a few simple pantry staples. This gluten-free sauce is perfect for topping your enchiladas, and it's versatile enough to elevate any dish to new heights of taste and nutrition.

Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes

Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup Tomato paste
  • 2 Cups Broth
  • 2-3 tablespoons enchilada seasoning
  • 3 Tablespoons avocado oil
  • 2 tablespoons coconut flour
  • 1 teaspoon Apple Cider vinegar
  • 1/2 teaspoon Xanthan Gum

Enchilada Spices:

  • 1 Tablespoon Chilli powder
  • 1 Tablespoon Paprika Powder
  • 1 Tablespoon Onion Powder
  • 1/2 Tablespoon Oregano
  • 1/4 Tablespoon Cumin
  • 1 Tablespoon Garlic Powder
  • 1/2 Tablespoon Black pepper
  • 1/2 Tablespoon Salt
  • 1/2 Tablespoon Brown Sweetener
  • 1 teaspoon Cinnamon

Instructions

  1. Prepare all your ingredients. If you plan to make your seasoning, ensure all of the herbs and spices are from a well-known source and as fresh as possible.
  2. Heat your saucepan. Add avocado oil and let it cook for 1 minute on medium heat. Reduce heat, and add coconut flour. Using a spatula mix it all into a smooth paste. This is the base for the sauce. Add your spices and mix once again.
  3. Once all is combined, add your broth, tomato paste, and vinegar in. Mix it all and bring it to a boil. Let it simmer until sauce has thickened, for approximately 5 to 10 minutes.
  4. For an extra smooth sauce look, blend it all using a hand immersion blender and cook for another 5 minutes.

Notes

  • Seasoning - it is best to make your own and store it for later.
  • Thickening - if you do not want very thick sauce, you can reduce on coconut flour and skip Xanthan Gum.
  • Chunks in - the last step of blending together into a smooth thick sauce is optional. If you like your sauce to have small pieces of herbs in it, you can skip it.

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

6

Serving Size:

6 Tablespoons

Amount Per Serving: Calories: 125Total Fat: 8gCarbohydrates: 3gFiber: 10gProtein: 3g

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By Zuzana Paar on February 10th, 2023
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About Zuzana Paar

Zuzana is the creative force and mastermind behind this scrumptious clean eating heaven. She will guide you on this delicious journey as a content creator, recipe developer, food writer, movie maker, blogger, and photographer. With her diverse skills she is dedicated to sharing delicious, healthy recipes and helpful tips with readers.

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