5 Delicious Enciladas Recipes You Have to Try
Enchiladas are a beloved Mexican dish known for their versatility, delightful flavors, and comfort food appeal. Whether you're in the mood for something spicy, cheesy, or even vegetarian, there's an enchilada recipe to satisfy every palate. In this blog post, we'll explore five unique and mouthwatering enchiladas recipes that will elevate your culinary game. From traditional to innovative twists, these recipes are sure to become favorites in your household.
1. Classic Chicken Enchiladas
This recipe is for those who appreciate the timeless flavors of chicken enchiladas. Here's how you can prepare it:
Ingredients:
- 2 cups shredded cooked chicken
- 10 medium-sized tortillas
- 1 can of red enchilada sauce
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1⁄2 cup chopped onion
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1⁄2 tsp cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional toppings: sour cream, guacamole, chopped cilantro
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, mix shredded chicken with chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper.
- On a flat surface, spread a thin layer of enchilada sauce onto each tortilla.
- Add a scoop of chicken mixture on one end, sprinkle with both cheeses and onions, and roll tightly.
- Place the filled tortillas seam-side down in a baking dish.
- Pour the remaining enchilada sauce over the top, then sprinkle with more cheese.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Allow to cool slightly, then garnish with toppings of your choice.
🍴 Note: For an extra kick, add finely diced jalapeños to the filling or use a spicier enchilada sauce.
2. Vegetarian Black Bean Enchiladas
For those seeking a meat-free option, these black bean enchiladas are both nutritious and flavorful.
Ingredients:
- 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 8 tortillas
- 1 can green enchilada sauce
- 1 cup cooked spinach, chopped
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp ground coriander
- Salt to taste
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Mix beans, spinach, corn, garlic powder, coriander, and salt in a bowl.
- Lay out the tortillas, spread a layer of sauce, and fill with the veggie mixture.
- Roll up the tortillas and place them seam side down in a baking dish.
- Pour remaining green enchilada sauce over the enchiladas, then top with cheese.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes until the cheese is melted.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve.
3. Seafood and Salsa Verde Enchiladas
If you're craving something from the sea, these enchiladas offer a delicate twist on the traditional recipe.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb of your choice of seafood (shrimp, scallops, or white fish)
- 10 corn tortillas
- 1 jar salsa verde
- 1⁄2 cup diced tomatoes
- 1⁄4 cup diced red onion
- 1 cup shredded white cheddar
- 1⁄2 tsp paprika
- Lime wedges for serving
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- If using raw seafood, cook and set aside to cool. If using pre-cooked, chop into bite-sized pieces.
- Warm tortillas to make them pliable, fill with seafood, tomatoes, onions, and a sprinkle of cheese, then roll.
- Arrange enchiladas in a baking dish, cover with salsa verde, and add the remaining cheese.
- Bake for 20 minutes until bubbly and slightly golden.
- Serve with a squeeze of lime juice.
4. Beef and Cheese Enchiladas
Hearty and filling, these beef enchiladas are perfect for meat lovers.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 10 tortillas
- 1 can red enchilada sauce
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1⁄2 cup finely diced bell pepper
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1⁄2 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Cook beef with spices until browned, then drain excess fat.
- Prepare the oven at 350°F (175°C).
- Spread sauce on tortillas, add a spoonful of beef, and sprinkle with cheese.
- Roll up and place seam-side down in a baking dish.
- Cover with additional sauce and cheese.
- Bake for 25 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Allow to cool slightly before serving.
5. Sweet Potato and Chorizo Enchiladas
This unique combination of sweet potatoes and spicy chorizo offers a harmonious blend of flavors.
Ingredients:
- 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1 lb chorizo sausage
- 1 can of enchilada sauce (choose your heat level)
- 10 tortillas
- 1 cup shredded pepper jack cheese
- 1⁄2 cup chopped scallions
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Roast sweet potatoes with olive oil, salt, and pepper until tender.
- Cook chorizo until crispy; drain excess fat.
- Mix sweet potatoes and chorizo.
- Lay out tortillas, add filling, and roll.
- Arrange in a baking dish, cover with sauce and cheese, then bake for 25 minutes.
- Garnish with parsley and serve.
In summary, enchiladas are a versatile and delightful dish that can cater to a wide variety of dietary preferences and flavor profiles. From the classic chicken enchiladas with their comforting, traditional taste to innovative combinations like sweet potato and chorizo, there's something for everyone. Whether you prefer your enchiladas with a kick of spice or a more subdued flavor, these recipes can be easily adapted to suit your tastes or dietary needs. The magic of enchiladas lies in their ability to bring people together, offering a taste of Mexico in each bite, and providing endless possibilities for creativity in the kitchen. Next time you're planning a meal, consider trying one of these recipes to experience the joy of enchiladas, and perhaps discover a new favorite for your culinary repertoire.
How do I make my enchiladas spicier?
+You can increase the heat by adding diced jalapeños or serrano peppers to your fillings, using a hotter variety of enchilada sauce, or sprinkling chili flakes on top before baking.
Can enchiladas be made ahead of time?
+Yes, enchiladas can be prepared in advance. Assemble them in your baking dish, cover tightly with foil or plastic wrap, and refrigerate. Bake them as usual when you’re ready to eat.
What are some common enchilada toppings?
+Typical toppings include sour cream, salsa, chopped cilantro, sliced olives, diced tomatoes, queso fresco, and avocado or guacamole.