Enchiladas

What are enchiladas? Enchiladas are a traditional Mexican dish, which typically consist of a 100% corn tortilla stuffed with various fillings of cheese, meat, chicken, and other ingredients, which are rolled up, covered in a spicy sauce, and baked.

The practice of wrapping, filling and eating a tortilla originated with ancient Aztecs. However, referring to the dish as enchiladas in the US dates back to 1885. The word enchilada literally means “in chile” in Spanish. This refers to the tortilla being dipped in chile sauce.

Chile is a New Mexico, or Southwest tradition. When ordering “chile” in New Mexico, the general response is “red or green”? The somewhat pungent fruit is deep green, but turns red at full maturity. While chile with an “e” at the end is the correct spelling in Spanish, chili with an “i” in the end is also widely accepted. However, the world chili can also refer to the Southwestern bean dish “Chili con Carne”.
Enchiladas are not only enjoyed by Mexicans, but are also much sought-after by non-Mexicans around the globe. In Mexico, enchiladas are generally bought from a street vendor. Thus, it is widely known as “simply street food”. The dish is prepared quickly and bought wrapped in foil as a form of fast food that is dipped in chile sauce and eaten out of hand.

The enchiladas served on Mexico’s city streets are much simpler than the ones served in Mexican restaurants around the world, and often don’t contain any melted cheese at all. In comparison to the rather crunchy enchilada street snacks, the enchiladas served in restaurants outside of Mexico are covered with sauce and grated cheese. Whether enjoyed on-the-go or in a sit down restaurant, enchiladas remain one of the most classic and favored Mexican dish served worldwide.    

As with any classic food, there are many different versions of enchiladas. The difference in enchiladas’ recipes lies first and foremost in their sauce preparation and tortilla fillings.

Popular enchilada sauces include:
 
Enchiladas Rojas: a traditional red enchilada sauce, made with tomatoes, dried and/or fresh chiles, and other seasonings.

Enchiladas verdes: green enchiladas, made with tomatillos, instead of red tomatoes, mixed with green chiles and aromatic spices. 

Enchiladas de mole: mole sauce is a rich, deep, smoky sauce made with chiles, nuts and/or seeds, spices, and Mexican chocolate.

Enchiladas suizas: suizas, Spanish for Swiss, refers to the rich in cheese and creamy white sauce that tops this type of enchilada.

Enchiladas con chipotle: chipotle enchiladas are prepared with special chipotle chilies. Chipotle is a classic sauce consumed in Mexico.

While the versions of enchiladas are many and varied, the concept remains the same: a tortilla (typically corn) is fried in oil to soften it, and then dipped in the chosen enchilada sauce.

The enchilada’s filling is often what makes the dish so interesting. Traditionally, enchiladas are stuffed with cheese, chicken and meat. Yet, there is a myriad of different fillings: vegetables, seafood, pork, potatoes, eggs, white cheese, and any combination of these. Another popular filling is Mexican beans and cheese, a dish very much loved by those who do not eat meat. Popular added toppings and garnishes include cheese, sour cream, shredded lettuce, tomatoes, avocado, olives, chopped onions, chili peppers, and fresh cilantro.

From vegetarian to beef enchiladas, there are endless enchilada recipes. Whether enjoyed as a starter or whole meal, enchiladas are a mouth watering Mexican delight. Simple and versatile, enchiladas are a great homemade recipe.