If you’re a fan of Mexican cuisine, then you’ve probably heard of enchiladas. This traditional dish is made with tortillas and filled with a variety of ingredients, such as meat, cheese, or vegetables. The enchiladas are then covered in a spicy sauce and baked until bubbly and delicious. While enchiladas may seem intimidating to make at home, with a few simple steps, you can cook up a batch of real good enchiladas that will impress your family and friends.
First, you’ll need to gather all the necessary ingredients. For the tortillas, you can either make them yourself or buy them from the store. If you’re making them from scratch, it’s best to use corn tortillas as they are more traditional. For the filling, you can choose from options like chicken, beef, cheese, or beans. You’ll also need a sauce, which can be made from a combination of ingredients like tomatoes, chili peppers, and spices.
Once you have all your ingredients prepared, it’s time to assemble the enchiladas. Start by heating up the tortillas in a dry skillet until they become pliable. Then, spoon the filling onto each tortilla and roll it up tightly. Place the enchiladas seam-side down in a baking dish, making sure they are tightly packed. Pour the sauce over the top of the enchiladas, making sure to cover them evenly. You can also sprinkle some cheese on top for extra flavour.
Finally, it’s time to bake the enchiladas in the oven. Preheat the oven to the specified temperature and then place the baking dish in the oven. Bake the enchiladas until the sauce is bubbly and the cheese is melted and golden brown. This usually takes around 20-25 minutes, but make sure to check on them regularly to prevent burning.
Once the enchiladas are done, remove them from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with some fresh cilantro, sour cream, and salsa for added flavour. Serve the enchiladas hot and enjoy the delicious taste of real good homemade Mexican cuisine!
How to Prepare Delicious Enchiladas at Home
Enchiladas are a popular Mexican dish that is enjoyed by many around the world. With their delicious combination of flavors and textures, they make a great meal for any occasion. If you’d like to learn how to make authentic, mouth-watering enchiladas right in your own kitchen, follow these simple steps:
Ingredients:
- 12 corn tortillas
- 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend)
- 2 cups cooked and shredded chicken
- 1 onion, diced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 1 can of enchilada sauce
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the onions and bell peppers, and sauté until they are tender.
- Add the shredded chicken, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Stir well to combine all the flavors.
- Spread a thin layer of enchilada sauce on the bottom of a baking dish.
- Warm the corn tortillas in a dry skillet for a few seconds on each side, just until they become pliable.
- Place a spoonful of the chicken mixture onto each tortilla, and roll them up tightly.
- Arrange the rolled tortillas seam-side down in the baking dish.
- Pour the remaining enchilada sauce over the top of the rolled tortillas. Make sure they are all well coated.
- Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the top of the enchiladas.
- Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the enchiladas are heated through.
- Remove the foil and let the enchiladas cook for an additional 5 minutes to allow the cheese to brown slightly.
- Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes before serving.
Now that you know how to make delicious enchiladas at home, you can enjoy this fantastic Mexican dish anytime you like. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or hosting a dinner party, enchiladas are sure to be a hit!
Gather the Ingredients
Before you start making enchiladas, it’s important to gather all the ingredients you’ll need. Here’s a list of what you’ll need:
For the enchiladas:
- 12 tortillas (corn or flour)
- 2 cups of cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 can of diced tomatoes
- 1 can of enchilada sauce
- 1 cup of shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend)
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the toppings:
- Sour cream
- Chopped fresh cilantro
- Sliced green onions
- Diced tomatoes
- Sliced black olives
- Sliced jalapenos (optional)
Make sure to check your pantry and refrigerator to make sure you have everything on the list. If you’re missing any ingredients, make a quick trip to the grocery store before getting started.
Having all the ingredients ready will make the cooking process much smoother and more enjoyable. So take a few minutes to gather everything you need before you start making your enchiladas.
Prepare the Filling
To make the filling for the enchiladas, you will need the following ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked and shredded chicken
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 cup diced tomatoes
- 1 cup diced bell peppers
- 1 cup corn kernels
- 1 cup black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables
In a large skillet, heat some oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, and cook until the onion becomes translucent and the garlic is fragrant.
Step 2: Add the Chicken and Spices
Add the shredded chicken to the skillet and mix well with the sautéed vegetables. Sprinkle the chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper over the chicken mixture. Stir to evenly coat the chicken with the spices.
Step 3: Add the Tomatoes, Peppers, Corn, and Beans
Next, add the diced tomatoes, bell peppers, corn kernels, and black beans to the skillet. Mix everything together and cook for an additional 5 minutes, or until the vegetables are slightly softened.
Step 4: Adjust the Seasoning
Taste the filling and adjust the seasoning according to your preference. Add more salt, pepper, or spices if needed.
Your enchilada filling is now ready to be used to assemble and bake your delicious enchiladas!
Ingredients | Quantity |
---|---|
Chicken | 2 cups cooked and shredded |
Onion | 1, diced |
Garlic | 2 cloves, minced |
Tomatoes | 1 cup, diced |
Bell Peppers | 1 cup, diced |
Corn | 1 cup |
Black Beans | 1 cup, drained and rinsed |
Chili Powder | 1 tablespoon |
Cumin | 1 teaspoon |
Paprika | 1 teaspoon |
Salt | To taste |
Pepper | To taste |
Prepare the Sauce
To make delicious enchiladas, it is important to prepare a flavorful sauce. Start by heating a tablespoon of oil in a pan over medium heat. Add one finely chopped onion and cook until it becomes translucent.
Next, add two minced garlic cloves and cook for an additional minute. This will release the aromatic flavors of the garlic.
Once the garlic is fragrant, it’s time to add the main ingredient – tomato sauce. You’ll need two cups of tomato sauce for this recipe. Pour it into the pan with the onions and garlic.
To enhance the flavor, add one tablespoon of chili powder, one teaspoon of cumin, half a teaspoon of dried oregano, and a pinch of salt. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
For a hint of sweetness, add a teaspoon of sugar. This will help balance the flavors and reduce any acidity from the tomato sauce.
Allow the sauce to simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. This will give the flavors enough time to meld together and create a rich and savory enchilada sauce.
Finally, if you prefer a spicier sauce, you can add some chopped jalapenos or a dash of hot sauce to give it an extra kick.
Once the sauce is ready, set it aside and move on to preparing the filling for the enchiladas. The sauce will be used to top the enchiladas before baking, so make sure it is prepared and ready to go.
Assemble the Enchiladas
Once the sauce and filling are prepared, it’s time to assemble the enchiladas.
Start by preheating the oven to 375°F (190°C) and greasing a baking dish.
Take a tortilla and place a generous amount of filling in the center. Roll the tortilla tightly and place it seam-side down in the greased baking dish.
Repeat this process with the remaining tortillas and filling until the baking dish is full.
Pour the remaining sauce over the enchiladas, making sure they are fully covered.
Sprinkle some shredded cheese on top for an extra layer of flavor.
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Remove from the oven and let the enchiladas cool for a few minutes before serving.
Garnish with fresh cilantro, diced onions, and a dollop of sour cream, if desired.
Enjoy these delicious homemade enchiladas with a side of Mexican rice and refried beans for a complete meal!
FAQ
What ingredients do I need to cook enchiladas?
To cook real good enchiladas, you will need the following ingredients: tortillas, cooked meat (such as chicken or beef), shredded cheese, onions, garlic, enchilada sauce, and various spices and seasonings.
Can I use flour tortillas instead of corn tortillas for enchiladas?
Yes, you can use flour tortillas instead of corn tortillas for enchiladas. However, corn tortillas are traditionally used and they give the dish a more authentic Mexican flavor.
How do I make homemade enchilada sauce?
To make homemade enchilada sauce, you will need dried chili peppers, garlic, onion, tomatoes, chicken broth, and various spices. Blend all the ingredients together and then cook the sauce on the stove until it thickens.
Can I make enchiladas vegetarian?
Yes, you can easily make enchiladas vegetarian by omitting the meat and using vegetables, such as bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms, instead. You can also add beans or tofu for protein.
How do I prevent my enchiladas from getting soggy?
To prevent your enchiladas from getting soggy, you can lightly fry your tortillas before filling and rolling them. Also, make sure not to overfill the enchiladas and be sure to properly drain any excess liquid from the ingredients before assembling.