Gluten-Free Black Bean and Sweet Potato Enchiladas
Why this recipe works
- Sweet-savoury balance: Sweet potato softens the smoky chipotle and cumin, while black beans add earthy depth and substance.
- Smoky sauce: Tomato passata and chipotle sauce create a smooth, punchy coating that soaks into the tortillas as they bake.
- Practical to prepare ahead: The filling, sauce, and baked portions all hold well, making the dish useful for batch cooking or next-day meals.
Get the most out of this recipe
Adjust the heat
- For a milder version: Start with less chipotle sauce, taste the tomato sauce, then build the heat gradually.
- For more heat: Add extra chipotle sauce to the passata before baking so the chilli flavour is evenly distributed.
- Balance the smoke: Finish with lime and coriander to brighten the sauce and keep the chipotle from tasting heavy.
Common mistakes
- Rolling cold tortillas: Cold corn tortillas can split as they roll; warm them briefly and keep them covered while filling.
- Watery filling: Drain the sweet potato well before mashing so the filling holds together and does not thin the sauce.
- Exposed tortilla edges: Make sure the rolled tortillas are well covered with sauce before baking, as uncovered edges can dry out.
Make-ahead tips
- Prepare the components: Cook the filling and mix the sauce ahead, then refrigerate separately and roll the enchiladas when ready to bake.
- Freeze cooked portions: Freeze baked portions once cool, then defrost overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Reheat gently: Reheat covered at 180°C (355°F) until piping hot, adding a splash of water if the sauce has thickened.
Ingredient notes
- Check the tortillas: Use corn tortillas labelled gluten-free if required, as some brands may include wheat or be made in mixed facilities.
- Why passata works: Passata gives a smooth sauce that coats the tortillas evenly and helps them soften as they bake.
- Use lime at the end: A squeeze of lime brightens the tomato sauce and balances the natural sweetness of the sweet potato.
Equipment you'll need
Ingredients
Instructions
- Heat the oven to 200°C (390°F). Peel the sweet potato and cut into small cubes, about 1.5 cm.
- Bring a saucepan of salted water to the boil, add the sweet potato and cook for 10 to 12 minutes until tender. Drain well and return to the pan.
- Meanwhile, warm the vegetable oil in a frying pan over a medium heat. Finely chop the onion, cook for 6 to 8 minutes until softened, then add the crushed garlic and ground cumin and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Tip the onion mixture into the pan with the sweet potato and roughly mash so you still have some texture. Drain and rinse the black beans, then fold them in with the black pepper and 1 tsp of the fine sea salt.
- Stir the tomato passata and chipotle sauce together, then season with the remaining 0.5 tsp fine sea salt. Spread about one third of the sauce over the base of a baking dish.
- Warm the corn tortillas briefly so they are pliable. Divide the filling between them, roll up, and arrange seam-side down in the dish.
- Pour the remaining sauce over the enchiladas, making sure the tortillas are well covered. Bake for 18 to 22 minutes until bubbling and hot throughout.
- Finely chop the fresh coriander. Serve the enchiladas hot, scattered with coriander and finished with a squeeze of lime.
Recipe notes
Tips
- If your corn tortillas crack when rolling, warm them for 20 to 30 seconds in a dry pan and keep them covered with a clean tea towel while you fill and roll.
- For a smoother filling, mash the sweet potato more thoroughly before folding in the black beans.
- If serving anyone who is sensitive to chilli, start with half the chipotle sauce, taste the tomato sauce, then add more to suit.
Substitutions
- Replace Chipotle sauce with Harissa for a different smoky heat.
- Replace Ground cumin with Curry powder for a warmer, more aromatic filling.
- Replace Fresh coriander with Fresh flat-leaf parsley if you prefer a milder herb finish.
Storage
- Refrigerate up to 3 days
- Cool completely, then refrigerate in a sealed container for up to 3 days. Reheat in a 180°C (355°F) oven for 15 to 20 minutes until piping hot, adding a splash of water if the sauce has thickened. Freeze portions for up to 2 months and defrost overnight in the fridge before reheating.
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Recipe overview
- Servings: 4 servings
- Total time: 55min (25min active)
- Difficulty: Medium
- Cuisine: Mexican
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