How to Make Enchiladas

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There’s a special charm in creating enchiladas at home. How to make enchiladas isn’t just a cooking process—it’s a flavorful adventure that brings bold Mexican spices and comforting textures to your plate. With this guide, you’ll learn every step to make enchiladas, from choosing the right tortillas to serving them with style.

For a complete meal, pair your enchiladas with hearty Alice’s Spring Chicken or a zesty Spanish Rice Recipe to complement the flavors beautifully.

What Are Enchiladas?

Enchiladas are a classic Mexican dish featuring tortillas rolled around savory fillings, smothered in a rich sauce, and baked to perfection. Originating from Aztec times, this dish has grown to include countless variations, making it one of the most versatile dishes in Mexican cuisine. You can use corn tortillas for a traditional flavor or opt for flour tortillas if you prefer a softer texture. Whether stuffed with shredded chicken, beef, or beans, enchiladas always deliver satisfaction.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what you’ll need to prepare homemade enchiladas:

For the Enchiladas

12 corn or flour tortillas
2 cups shredded chicken, ground beef, or beans
2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or queso fresco)
2 cups enchilada sauce (red or green)

Optional Toppings

Sour cream
Chopped onions
Sliced avocado
Fresh cilantro

Step 1: Prepare Your Fillings

The filling you choose will set the tone for your enchiladas. Here’s how to prepare a few popular options:

For Shredded Chicken

Simmer chicken breasts in broth with onions, garlic, and spices. Once cooked, shred with forks.

For Ground Beef

Sauté ground beef with onions, garlic, chili powder, and cumin. Drain excess fat.

Vegetarian Option

Sauté vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, and mushrooms in olive oil with garlic and paprika. Add beans for extra protein.

Step 2: Make the Enchilada Sauce

While store-bought sauce works, making your own is easy and adds a homemade touch:

Homemade Red Enchilada Sauce

Ingredients:
- 1 can of crushed tomatoes
- 2 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
Instructions:
1. Sauté garlic in a pan with olive oil.
2. Add tomatoes, chili powder, cumin, and broth.
3. Simmer until thickened, stirring occasionally.

Step 3: Prepare the Tortillas

To prevent your tortillas from breaking:

Warm them in a skillet or microwave until pliable.
Optionally, lightly fry them in oil to create a barrier that prevents sogginess.

Step 4: Assemble Your Enchiladas

Now that everything is ready, it’s time to put it all together:

Place a tortilla on a flat surface.
Add a spoonful of filling to the center.
Roll the tortilla tightly and place it seam-side down in a greased baking dish.
Repeat with the remaining tortillas.

Step 5: Add Sauce and Cheese

Once all your tortillas are rolled and in the baking dish:

Pour the enchilada sauce evenly over the top.
Sprinkle a generous amount of shredded cheese over the sauce.

Step 6: Bake the Enchiladas

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Bake the enchiladas for 20–25 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
Let them cool for a few minutes before serving.

Serving Suggestions

Serve your enchiladas with sides like Mexican rice or a simple garden salad. Garnish with sour cream, fresh cilantro, and diced onions for added flavor.

Tips for Perfect Enchiladas

Avoid Soggy Tortillas: Lightly fry them before filling to create a protective layer.
Customize Fillings: Experiment with shrimp, roasted vegetables, or even tofu for unique flavors.
Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh tortillas and homemade sauce make a world of difference.

Common Enchilada Variations

Green Enchiladas: Use a tomatillo-based green sauce instead of red sauce.
Divorced Enchiladas: Serve with both red and green sauce for a fun presentation.
Seafood Enchiladas: Fill with shrimp or crab for a coastal twist.

FAQs About making enchiladas

What is the secret to good enchiladas?

The secret to good enchiladas lies in using fresh ingredients, ensuring the tortillas are warmed or lightly fried to prevent breaking, and generously coating them with a flavorful sauce to keep them moist during baking. Homemade sauce and carefully seasoned fillings also make a significant difference.

What is supposed to be in an enchilada?

An enchilada typically contains a tortilla filled with protein (like chicken, beef, or beans), cheese, and sometimes vegetables. It’s then rolled, covered in sauce, topped with more cheese, and baked to perfection.

How do you prepare tortillas for enchiladas?

To prepare tortillas for enchiladas, warm them in a skillet or microwave to make them pliable and less likely to crack. For a traditional touch, lightly fry them in oil to create a barrier that prevents them from becoming soggy when coated with sauce.

Why are they called divorced enchiladas?

“Divorced enchiladas,” or enchiladas divorciadas, are called so because they are served with two contrasting sauces—typically red sauce on one side and green sauce on the other—symbolizing a “separation” of flavors.

What is the difference between American enchiladas and Mexican enchiladas?

Mexican enchiladas are typically made with corn tortillas and focus on bold, authentic flavors, using simple ingredients and homemade sauces. American enchiladas often use flour tortillas, larger portions of cheese, and may include additional toppings that cater to Western tastes.

Why do my tortillas break when I make enchiladas?

Tortillas break when making enchiladas because they are too dry or cold. To avoid this, always warm or lightly fry the tortillas before rolling them. This softens the tortillas and makes them easier to handle, preventing cracks.

Conclusion

Learning how to make enchiladas is not only about creating a delicious dish but also about embracing the rich traditions of Mexican cooking. With fresh ingredients, simple techniques, and a touch of creativity, you can bring this comforting meal to life in your kitchen. So, gather your ingredients, follow these steps, and enjoy the satisfaction of serving up a dish that’s as delightful to make as it is to eat.