Mexican Enchiladas – Bold Flavors Wrapped in Tortillas

 

Introduction

Enchiladas are a Mexican favorite, made by rolling tortillas filled with meat, cheese, or beans and smothering them in a rich, flavorful sauce. With roots in ancient Mesoamerican cuisine, modern enchiladas are a celebration of bold flavors, perfect for family meals or gatherings. In this recipe, we’ll walk you through making classic chicken enchiladas with a red chili sauce that will take your taste buds on a journey to Mexico.

Ingredients

For the Filling

• 2 cups shredded chicken (rotisserie works well)
• 1 cup shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese
• ½ cup diced onions
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp chili powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Red Sauce

• 2 tbsp vegetable oil
• 2 tbsp flour
• 3 tbsp chili powder
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp oregano
• ½ tsp cumin
• Salt to taste

For Assembly

• 8 corn tortillas
• 1 cup shredded cheese (for topping)
• Chopped cilantro (for garnish)
• Sour cream and avocado (optional, for serving)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Make the Red Sauce

1. In a saucepan, heat vegetable oil over medium heat.
2. Add the flour and chili powder and whisk to form a roux. Cook for 1-2 minutes to remove the raw flour taste.
3. Slowly add the chicken broth, whisking constantly to prevent lumps.
4. Stir in the garlic powder, cumin, oregano, and salt. Simmer for 10 minutes until the sauce thickens.

Step 2: Prepare the Filling

1. In a bowl, combine the shredded chicken, diced onions, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
2. Stir in 1 cup of shredded cheese to bind the filling.

Step 3: Warm the Tortillas

1. Heat a skillet and lightly toast the tortillas to make them pliable.
2. Alternatively, wrap them in a damp paper towel and microwave for 30 seconds.

Step 4: Assemble the Enchiladas

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Spoon a little red sauce into the bottom of a baking dish.
3. Place 2-3 tbsp of the filling in each tortilla, roll tightly, and arrange seam-side down in the dish.
4. Pour the remaining red sauce over the top and sprinkle with shredded cheese.

Step 5: Bake the Enchiladas

1. Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
2. Remove the foil and bake for another 5-10 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

1. Garnish with chopped cilantro.
2. Serve with sour cream, avocado slices, and lime wedges on the side.

Tips for Perfect Enchiladas

• Use rotisserie chicken for quick prep.
• Warm the tortillas to prevent them from cracking while rolling.
• For a vegetarian version, replace the chicken with black beans or sautéed vegetables.

Nutritional Value (Per Enchilada)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	250
Protein	15 g
Carbohydrates	20 g
Fat	12 g

Conclusion

Enchiladas are the perfect dish to bring a little Mexican flair to your dinner table. With their bold flavors and gooey cheese, these enchiladas are sure to be a family favorite. Serve them with a side of Mexican rice or refried beans, and you’ve got a complete meal.