Enchiladas are a classic Mexican dish, known for their rich, flavorful fillings wrapped in soft tortillas and smothered in a savory sauce. While they can be found in restaurants everywhere, making enchiladas at home allows you to customize the fillings, sauce, and level of spice to your liking. Whether you’re a fan of chicken, beef, or vegetarian options, enchiladas are a versatile and delicious dish to prepare. Here’s a simple step-by-step guide to making enchiladas at home.
Ingredients:
For the Enchilada Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 cup chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt to taste
For the Filling:
- 2 cups cooked and shredded chicken (or ground beef, beans, or vegetables for a vegetarian version)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a mix)
- 1/2 cup chopped cilantro (optional)
- 1/2 cup sour cream (optional for a creamy touch)
- 10-12 corn or flour tortillas
For Garnish:
- Sliced avocado or guacamole
- Chopped cilantro
- Sour cream
- Sliced jalapeños (optional)
- Lime wedges
Instructions:
Prepare the Enchilada Sauce:
- In a medium saucepan, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the flour and stir continuously for about 1 minute to create a roux.
- Slowly whisk in the tomato sauce and chicken broth, making sure to break up any lumps. Add the chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt. Stir well to combine.
- Bring the sauce to a simmer and cook for 10-15 minutes, allowing it to thicken. Adjust the seasoning as needed, adding more salt or chili powder for extra heat. Set the sauce aside.
Prepare the Filling:
- In a large skillet, heat a little oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until softened and translucent, about 4-5 minutes.
- Add the cooked and shredded chicken (or your choice of filling) to the pan and mix it with the onions. Stir in half of the shredded cheese and cilantro (if using), then remove from heat.
Warm the Tortillas:
- To make the tortillas easier to roll, heat them in a dry skillet or microwave them for a few seconds until soft. You can also lightly fry them in oil for a crispier texture if desired. Just be sure not to overcook them, as they can become too crispy to roll.
Assemble the Enchiladas:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Pour a small amount of enchilada sauce into the bottom of a baking dish, spreading it evenly.
- Take one tortilla at a time and place a generous spoonful of the filling along the center. Roll the tortilla tightly around the filling and place it seam-side down in the baking dish.
- Repeat with the remaining tortillas, arranging them side by side in the dish. Once all the enchiladas are rolled, pour the remaining enchilada sauce over the top. Be sure to coat them generously with sauce.
- Sprinkle the remaining cheese over the top of the enchiladas.
Bake the Enchiladas:
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the edges of the tortillas begin to crisp slightly.
Garnish and Serve:
- Remove the enchiladas from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. Garnish with your choice of avocado slices, guacamole, sour cream, fresh cilantro, jalapeños, and lime wedges.
Tips for Perfect Enchiladas:
- Tortillas: Corn tortillas are traditional for enchiladas, but you can also use flour tortillas for a softer option. If using corn tortillas, lightly fry them in oil to prevent them from falling apart.
- Sauce: For a smoky flavor, you can add a chipotle pepper or a splash of smoked paprika to the sauce.
- Filling Variations: Feel free to experiment with different fillings, such as seasoned ground beef, sautéed vegetables, or beans for a vegetarian version.
- Make Ahead: Enchiladas can be assembled ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. Just cover them tightly with foil or plastic wrap.
These homemade enchiladas are a flavorful, satisfying meal that’s perfect for family dinners, gatherings, or meal prep. Whether you like them spicy or mild, topped with cheese or garnished with fresh toppings, enchiladas offer endless possibilities for customization. Enjoy the delicious layers of flavor with every bite!
