How to Make Delicious Enchiladas from Scratch A Step by Step Guide

How to Make Delicious Enchiladas from Scratch  A Step-by-Step Guide.

History of Enchiladas:

Enchiladas are a traditional Mexican dish that has been around for hundreds of years. The word "enchilada" comes from the Spanish word "enchilada," which means "to season with chili." The dish typically consists of rolled tortillas filled with a variety of ingredients, such as meat, cheese, beans, and/or vegetables, and topped with a spicy tomato sauce and melted cheese.

The origins of enchiladas are somewhat unclear, but it is believed that they were first made by the ancient Aztecs in Mexico. The Aztecs were known for using tortillas as a staple food in their diet, and they would often fill them with different ingredients. Enchiladas were also popular during the Mexican War of Independence in the early 19th century, and they eventually spread to other parts of the world as Mexican cuisine gained popularity.

Today, enchiladas are a popular dish not only in Mexico but also in many other countries, including the United States, where they are often served in Mexican restaurants and made in many different variations.

Here's a step-by-step guide on how to make enchiladas at home:

Ingredients:

• 12-14 corn tortillas
• 2 cups of shredded chicken (cooked)
• 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup of diced onion
• 1/2 cup of diced red bell pepper
• 1/2 cup of diced green bell pepper
• 2 cloves of garlic (minced)
• 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil
• Salt and pepper (to taste)
• 2 tablespoons of chili powder
• 1 tablespoon of cumin
• 1 tablespoon of dried oregano
• 1 can of tomato sauce (8 oz)
• 1 cup of chicken broth

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion, red bell pepper, green bell pepper, and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté the vegetables for about 5-7 minutes or until they are softened.
3. Add the shredded chicken to the skillet and stir it into the vegetables. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Turn off the heat and set the skillet aside.
4. In a separate saucepan, heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the chili powder, cumin, and dried oregano to the saucepan. Stir the spices for about 30 seconds or until they are fragrant.
5. Add the tomato sauce and chicken broth to the saucepan. Whisk the sauce until it's well combined. Bring the sauce to a simmer and let it cook for about 5-10 minutes or until it has thickened.
6. Take a corn tortilla and spoon about 1/4 cup of the chicken and vegetable filling into the center of the tortilla. Roll the tortilla tightly around the filling and place it seam-side down in a 9x13-inch baking dish. Repeat this process with the remaining tortillas and filling.
7. Pour the enchilada sauce over the rolled tortillas, making sure to cover each one with sauce. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the enchiladas.
8. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake it in the oven for 20-25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake the enchiladas for an additional 5-10 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
9. Remove the enchiladas from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before serving.
10. Garnish the enchiladas with diced tomatoes, sliced avocado, chopped cilantro, or any other desired toppings. Enjoy!

Note: You can also add other ingredients to the filling, such as black beans, corn, or diced tomatoes. And feel free to adjust the number of spices or seasoning to your liking.

Here are some tips to keep in mind when making enchiladas at home:

• Use good quality corn tortillas: The texture and flavor of your enchiladas will largely depend on the quality of your corn tortillas. Look for fresh, pliable tortillas that are free from cracks or tears.

• Warm the tortillas before rolling: Corn tortillas can be difficult to roll if they're cold and stiff. To make them more pliable, you can warm them up in a dry skillet or wrap them in a damp towel and microwave them for a few seconds.

• Don't overfill the tortillas: It's important not to overstuff your tortillas with filling, as this can cause them to tear or fall apart during baking. Use a spoon to portion out the filling evenly and roll the tortillas tightly.

• Make sure the sauce is well seasoned: The enchilada sauce is a key component of this dish, so make sure it's well seasoned and flavourful. Taste the sauce as you go and adjust the seasoning as needed.

• Garnish with fresh toppings: To add some brightness and freshness to your enchiladas, consider garnishing them with fresh toppings like diced tomatoes, avocado, cilantro, or lime wedges. These toppings can also help balance out the richness of the cheese and sauce.

• Use a baking dish that fits the tortillas snugly: For best results, choose a baking dish that fits the rolled tortillas snugly. This will help prevent them from falling apart during baking and ensure that they cook evenly.

Congratulations, you've now learned how to make delicious enchiladas from scratch! We hope our step-by-step guide has helped demystify the process and given you the confidence to try making enchiladas at home. Remember, practice makes perfect, so don't be discouraged if your first attempt isn't perfect. With a little patience and practice, you'll be able to make enchiladas that are just as good (if not better!) as your favorite Mexican restaurant. So go ahead, gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and start cooking! We wish you the best of luck, and we hope you enjoy your homemade enchiladas!