How to Make Delicious Enchiladas from Scratch

Do you ever find yourself craving that spicy, cheesy and savory Mexican flavor? Well, if you do, you’ll be happy to know that making a delicious enchilada is a lot easier than you might think. Enchiladas are a traditional, mouth-watering Mexican dish that consist of rolled tortillas stuffed with meat, beans, vegetables or cheese, and are typically smothered with a flavorful sauce before being baked to perfection.

Making enchiladas is a great way to experiment with Mexican flavors and create a mouthwatering, homemade meal that is sure to satisfy your cravings. This article will guide you through the process of making an enchilada from scratch, using simple ingredients that are readily available in any grocery store. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned cook, these tips will help you bring the fiesta to your dinner table in no time! So grab your apron and let’s get started!

Ingredients for Making Enchiladas

If you’re going to make enchiladas, the first thing you need to do is gather all the necessary ingredients. Here are the ingredients you will need:

Corn Tortillas

You can use any type of tortilla you like, but corn tortillas are the most popular choice for enchiladas.

Protein

For the filling, you can use chicken, beef, pork, or even vegetables. You will need about 2 cups of cooked protein for this recipe.

Cheese

You can use any type of cheese you like, but the most commonly used cheese for enchiladas is shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese.

Enchilada Sauce

Enchilada sauce is what gives the enchiladas their signature flavor. You can use store-bought or make your own.

Sour Cream and Guacamole

These two condiments are optional but highly recommended. They add a creamy and fresh flavor to the enchiladas.

Chopped Onion and Cilantro

These two ingredients are used for garnish and add a fresh and crunchy texture to the enchiladas.

Spices

You will need a mix of spices like cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, and salt to season the protein filling.

Olive Oil

You will need some olive oil to cook the protein and to grease the baking dish.

Baking Dish

You will need a baking dish to cook the enchiladas in.

Aluminum Foil

You will need aluminum foil to cover the baking dish and prevent the enchiladas from drying out during baking.

Instructions for Making Enchiladas

Now that you have gathered all the ingredients, it’s time to start making the enchiladas. Here are the step-by-step instructions:

Step 1: Cook the protein

Start by cooking the protein in a pan with some olive oil. Season with spices and cook until fully cooked.

Step 2: Prepare the enchilada sauce

If you’re making your own enchilada sauce, now is the time to prepare it. Simply combine tomato sauce, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and salt in a bowl.

Step 3: Warm up the tortillas

Warm up the tortillas in the microwave for about 30 seconds or until they are soft and pliable.

Step 4: Assemble the enchiladas

Take a tortilla and add some protein filling in the middle. Roll up the tortilla tightly and place it seam-side down in the baking dish. Repeat with all tortillas and fillings.

Step 5: Add the enchilada sauce

Pour the enchilada sauce over the rolled up tortillas in the baking dish.

Step 6: Add the cheese

Sprinkle shredded cheese on top of the enchiladas.

Step 7: Cover with aluminum foil

Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the oven at 350°F for about 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 8: Garnish and serve

Remove the aluminum foil from the baking dish and garnish the enchiladas with chopped onions and cilantro. Serve hot with sour cream and guacamole on top.

Wrapping It Up

Enchiladas are a delicious and comforting meal that is perfect for any occasion. By following these simple steps and using quality ingredients, you can make your own mouth-watering enchiladas in no time. Be creative with the filling and toppings, and enjoy the rich flavors of this classic Mexican dish!

Ingredient List: The Key Components of Enchiladas

When it comes to cooking authentic enchiladas, there are essential ingredients you’ll need to gather. These ingredients are what make the dish so flavorful and rich in taste. Below is a list of the components that you will need to start preparing the perfect enchilada.

1. Tortillas (Corn or Flour)

Tortillas are the traditional wrap for enchiladas. Corn tortillas offer an authentic Mexican taste, while flour tortillas are a popular choice for a heartier flavor. Be sure to get fresh tortillas for the best taste.

2. Meat/Filling

Enchiladas can be made with various kinds of fillings, including chicken, beef, pork, beans, or cheese. Choose meat or other filling that you enjoy the most for a more flavorful experience.

3. Enchilada Sauce

Enchilada sauce is the essence of flavor, providing that classic taste to the dish. You can buy pre-made sauce or make your own by combining chili sauce, tomato sauce, and seasonings.

4. Cheese

Cheese is a crucial element of enchiladas that can be used to add flavor, texture and depth to the dish. Commonly used cheese includes cheddar, monterey jack, queso fresco, or pepper jack.

5. Onion

Onions are used in many traditional Mexican recipes and are a common filling for enchiladas. Their sweetness and crunchiness levels up the taste of the dish.

6. Garlic

Garlic is a simple yet essential ingredient, adding a pungent flavor to enchiladas’ taste. It can be used minced or crushed, depending on your taste preference.

7. Spices

Various spices used in enchiladas bring flavor and depth to the taste. Cumin, cinnamon, chili powder, and paprika are some popular choices.

8. Tomatoes

Tomatoes are another essential ingredient that can be roasted or blended to make the enchilada sauce or diced and added as a filling. They add a sweet and pulpy flavor.

9. Cilantro

Cilantro is a delicious herb and often used as topping garnish in enchiladas. It adds a refreshing and fragrant aroma to the dish.

10. Oil (vegetable or corn)

Oil is used to fry or sauté the ingredients necessary for enchiladas’ preparation. It is an essential part of the cooking process and adds flavor to the dish.

By gathering all the key components mentioned above, you’ll be set to prepare the tastiest and flavorful enchiladas right in your kitchen. It’s time to get cooking!

Ingredients for Enchiladas

Enchiladas are a popular Mexican dish that has found its way to the hearts and taste buds of many around the world. The ingredients for making this dish are readily available at your local grocery store. It is therefore important to ensure that you have everything you need before you start cooking to avoid unnecessary delay mid-way through the process. In this section, we will discuss the ingredients needed to make enchiladas.

Tortillas

Tortillas are the basic ingredient for making enchiladas. They are a type of flatbread made from corn or wheat flour. Corn tortillas are traditionally used for enchiladas, though you can also use wheat tortillas if you prefer. It is recommended to warm the tortillas before use to make them more pliable. This can be done in the microwave, oven, or stovetop.

Meat

Meat is an essential ingredient in making enchiladas. You can use any type of meat that you like such as chicken, beef, pork, or even tofu for a vegetarian option. The meat is usually cooked separately with spices and seasoning before being added to the tortillas. Be sure to fully cook the meat before using it as a filling for your enchiladas.

Sauce

Enchiladas are usually served with a sauce, and this adds to the deliciousness of the dish. There are different types of sauces, such as red chili sauce, green chili sauce, and tomato sauce. The sauce is usually made by mixing spices, herbs, and tomatoes or peppers. The sauce is then poured over the assembled enchiladas before baking in the oven.

Cheese

Cheese is another important ingredient in making enchiladas. The most common cheese used is Monterey Jack or Cheddar cheese. The cheese is usually sprinkled on top of the sauce before baking in the oven. The cheese melts and adds a creamy texture to the dish.

Vegetables

Vegetables are an optional ingredient that can be added to enchiladas. Some popular vegetables used include onions, bell peppers, and tomatoes. The vegetables are usually sautéed and added to the filling before being rolled in the tortillas.

In summary, enchiladas are an easy-to-make dish that requires a few basic ingredients. Tortillas, meat, sauce, cheese, and vegetables are the main ingredients needed to make enchiladas. It is important to ensure you have all the ingredients before starting the cooking process. The next section will discuss how to prepare the enchiladas filling.

That’s How You Make an Enchilada!

And there you go! Now you know how to make a delicious, homemade enchilada that will leave everyone drooling. Remember to have fun and experiment with different fillings and toppings to make it your own. I hope you enjoyed reading this article and learned something new. Thanks for stopping by and be sure to visit again soon for more tasty recipes and helpful cooking tips. Happy cooking!