Low Carb Christmas Enchiladas!
The holiday season is a time for indulging in delicious food and spending time with loved ones. However, for those following a low carb diet, it can often be a challenge to stick to their dietary restrictions while still enjoying the festive fare. Fear not, for low carb Christmas enchiladas are here to save the day!
Enchiladas are a classic Tex-Mex dish made with tortillas stuffed with various fillings, smothered in sauce, and baked until bubbly. Traditionally, they are made with flour tortillas, which are high in carbs, but this low carb version uses cauliflower tortillas instead. These gluten-free tortillas are made with cauliflower, cheese, and eggs, making them the perfect low carb substitute for regular tortillas.
To make the cauliflower tortillas, you will need one head of cauliflower, two cups of shredded cheese, and two eggs. Begin by washing and chopping the cauliflower into small pieces, then pulse in a food processor until it resembles rice. Next, microwave the cauliflower rice for 5-6 minutes, allowing it to steam and soften. Once it has cooled, transfer to a clean kitchen towel and squeeze out as much water as possible. In a bowl, mix together the cauliflower, shredded cheese, and eggs until a dough-like consistency forms. Divide the mixture into six equal portions and shape into tortillas. Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F for 15-20 minutes, until lightly golden.
With the tortillas taken care of, it's time to move on to the filling. For this recipe, we're using a combination of ground beef, diced tomatoes, onions, and spices. Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, then add the diced onions and cook until softened. Add the ground beef, breaking it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks. Once the beef is browned, add the diced tomatoes, chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper, and stir to combine. Cook for an additional 5-7 minutes, until the sauce has thickened and the flavors have melded together.
To assemble the enchiladas, spoon a generous amount of the beef mixture onto each cauliflower tortilla, then roll up and place seam-side down in a baking dish. Once all of the enchiladas are assembled, pour a can of enchilada sauce over the top and sprinkle with shredded cheese. Bake in the oven at 375°F for 15-20 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Low carb Christmas enchiladas are a great option for those following a low carb diet, but they're also a great way to switch up your holiday menu and add some Tex-Mex flair to your Christmas feast. They're easy to make and can be prepared in advance, making them a great option for hosting or bringing to a potluck.
In addition to being low carb and gluten-free, these enchiladas are also high in protein, thanks to the ground beef filling. Protein is an important nutrient for maintaining muscle mass and aiding in weight loss, making these enchiladas a great choice for those looking to stay on track with their health goals during the holiday season.
If you're looking to take your low carb Christmas enchiladas to the next level, consider adding some festive toppings like sliced avocado, chopped cilantro, or crumbled queso fresco. You can also swap out the ground beef for shredded chicken or roasted vegetables, making these enchiladas a versatile dish that can be customized to your liking.
In conclusion, low carb Christmas enchiladas are a delicious and festive dish that can be enjoyed by all, regardless of dietary restrictions. By swapping out traditional tortillas for cauliflower tortillas and loading them up with a hearty beef filling, you can indulge in this classic Tex-Mex dish without compromising your health goals. Serve them up with a side of guacamole and a margarita (or a mocktail for those abstaining), and you'll have the perfect low carb Christmas meal to enjoy with family and friends.