Mexican enchiladas are a traditional Mexican dish whose origins date back to pre-Columbian times. The term ‘enchilada’ comes from the Spanish verb ‘enchilar’, which means ‘to add chilli’.
Enchiladas are believed to have their roots in pre-Hispanic times, where the indigenous peoples of Mesoamerica ate food wrapped in corn tortillas and covered with chili sauces.
During colonial times in Mexico, enchiladas became a popular dish that incorporated both indigenous and Spanish ingredients and culinary techniques.
Corn tortillas were filled with a wide variety of ingredients such as meat, chicken, cheese, beans, and then topped with chili sauces and cooked.
Over time, enchiladas have diversified into a wide range of regional variations throughout Mexico.
For example, enchiladas suizas, originally from Mexico City, are covered with green sauce and melted cheese. In contrast, enchiladas potosinas, originally from San Luis Potosí, are stuffed with cheese and served with an ancho chile sauce.
How to make Mexican enchiladas?
Discover step by step how to prepare your most authentic Mexican enchiladas.
Ingredients to prepare delicious Mexican enchiladas:
The essential ingredients to prepare delicious Mexican enchiladas are the following:
- Corn tortillas (preferably fresh).
- Shredded chicken or ground beef (you can also use cheese, beans, or vegetables if you prefer a vegetarian or vegan version).
- Red or green salsa (you can make your own or buy it).
- shredded cheese (usually queso fresco, Monterey Jack cheese or Chihuahua cheese is used)
- Chopped onion and cilantro (optional).
- Sour cream or crème fraîche (optional).
Instructions for making Mexican enchiladas:
Follow these step-by-step instructions to successfully prepare your Mexican enchiladas:
- Prepare the filling: If you’re using chicken or ground beef, cook and shred them, as appropriate.
Season to taste with salt, pepper and spices such as cumin and chili powder. You can also add chopped onion and garlic for a little extra flavour.
- Heat the sauce: If you’re using store-bought sauce, heat it in a saucepan. If you prefer to make your own salsa, there are many recipes available on the internet.
Red salsa is usually made with tomatoes, dried chillies, garlic and spices, while green salsa is made with green tomatoes, chillies, coriander and garlic.
- Prepare the tortillas: Heat the tortillas on a comal or frying pan for a few seconds to make them soft and pliable.
You can also dip them briefly in the hot sauce to absorb more flavour.
- Filling the enchiladas: Place a portion of the filling (chicken, meat, cheese, etc.) in the centre of each tortilla and roll up.
Place the enchiladas in a baking dish, seam side down to prevent them from falling apart.
- Top with sauce and cheese: Pour hot sauce over the enchiladas, making sure to cover them completely.
Sprinkle grated cheese on top. If desired, you can add chopped onion and cilantro to the mixture.
- Bake: Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) and bake the enchiladas for about 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the sauce is bubbling.
- Serve: Once baked, you can serve the enchiladas hot. Serve with sour cream or crème fraîche if desired. You can also serve them with rice, refried beans and garnishes such as avocado, lettuce and tomato.
That’s it! Now you can enjoy some delicious enchiladas, but if you want to enjoy authentic Mexican enchiladas, we recommend you to visit us.
At Birra’s Taqueria we are experts in enchiladas, tacos and other Mexican food recipes with more than 30 years of experience (since 1989).
Come or order for pick up or delivery at our premises in C/ Don Pedro, 11 or Plaza de las Comendadoras, 2 and enjoy the authentic taste of Mexican gastronomy.
