Mexican Enchiladas

Enchiladas are corn tortillas stuffed with a variety of fillings covered in a chili based sauce. Enchiladas originated in Mexico  and have been part of the cuisine since the Mayan era. Enchiladas can be filled with chicken, beef, cheese, or vegetables. All versions are delicious.

In the U.S. enchiladas are typically baked and have cheese melted on top. In Mexico, they are prepared by stuffing warmed tortillas with the filling set on the plate and then covered with a heated sauce and they are rarely if ever baked.

You will see them covered with a red sauce, a green sauce, mole sauce and a bean sauce. Enchiladas covered in mole are called enmoladas. Enchiladas covered in a bean sauce are called enfrijoladas, and simple enchiladas with no filling covered with a basic tomato sauce are called entomatadas.

Chicken enchiladas are by far the most common then cheese filled enchiladas. Beef as a filling is much less common as are vegetable filled ones. When chicken enchiladas are served with a green sauce, cream, and melted cheese they are called enchiladas Suizos or Swiss enchiladas. The Sanborn’s restaurant chain is famous for their enchiladas Suizos.

Typically, enchiladas are garnished with slices of white onion, Mexican style cream, and grated cheese with refied beans and rice served on the side.

Every region in Mexico has a special variation on enchiladas. Most towns and families do too. You will never tire of enchiladas the variations are infinite.

Try this delicious red enchilada sauce made with ancho chiles, which is a mild dried chile with a rich smoky taste. It has just a little bit of chile de arbol to make it hot. Or if you prefer, try this green enchilada sauce made with tomatillos and Serrano chiles.

Enchiladas are a main staple of Mexican food enjoyed throughout the world. Try making them at home they are simple and delicious.