Enchiladas rojas

enchiladas_rojas

Enchiladas rojas are a classic Mexican dish that is popular both in Mexico and around the world. The dish is packed with flavors derived from the robust red chili sauce that is used to make it. The tortillas are filled with a savory mixture of chicken, beef, beans or vegetables, and topped with the chili sauce and melted cheese.

Enchiladas rojas are a crowd-pleaser and are perfect for any occasion. Whether you are hosting a party or having a casual family dinner, the dish is easy to prepare and can be served in multiple ways. You can serve it with Mexican rice, salad, or guacamole, and your guests will surely relish the added flavors.

Making enchiladas rojas at home is easy and fun, but requires some prep work. One of the key ingredients of this recipe is the chili sauce, which is typically made using dried Chile de arbol or Guillermo chilies. You can buy these chilies whole or ground at any Mexican food store. The chili sauce gives an underlying heat to the dish that is balanced out by the creaminess of the cheese and the freshness of the herbs.

The filling for enchiladas rojas can include a variety of ingredients, but the most common one is shredded chicken. The chicken is cooked with onion, garlic, and spices such as cumin, oregano, and chili powder. The filling can also be made with beef, beans, or vegetables depending on your taste preferences. You can add corn, tomatoes, or bell peppers to give a fresh and slightly sweet twist to the filling.

To make the recipe, you will need some basic ingredients such as tortillas, cheese, and canned black beans. You can use store-bought tortillas or make your own if you have the time. The cheese is typically a mix of shredded Monterey jack and cheddar cheese or can be substituted with mild cheese, such as queso fresco or panela. The black beans can be cooked in advance, or you can use canned beans for convenience.

To assemble the enchiladas rojas, you will need to heat up the tortillas using an open flame or in a dry skillet. This will help to make the tortillas soft and pliable. Then, you will spread the filling mixture over the tortillas and roll them tightly. Place the rolled tortillas into a baking dish, spoon the chili sauce over the top, and sprinkle the cheese on top.

Bake in the oven until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Then, remove from the oven, garnish with fresh cilantro or avocado, and serve immediately.

Enchiladas rojas are comfort food that hits all the right notes. The savory filling, spicy chili sauce, and gooey cheese make for an appetizing and satisfying meal. Best of all, the recipe is versatile and can be adapted to your personal taste. You can add more or less spice to the chili sauce, use different fillings, or adjust the quantity of cheese depending on your preference. So, gather up the ingredients and try out this delicious and classic recipe of enchiladas rojas.

Ingredients:

  • 12 corn tortillas
  • 1 lb. ground beef or chicken
  • 1/2 onion, chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tablespoon chili powder
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 2 cups tomato sauce
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Vegetable oil
  • 1 cup grated cheese
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro

Instructions:

  1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.

  2. In a large skillet, cook ground meat over medium heat until browned. Add onion and garlic and cook until onion is tender.

  3. Add chili powder, cumin, oregano, tomato sauce, chicken broth, salt, and pepper. Bring mixture to a boil, reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes.

  4. Pour oil into a separate skillet and heat. One at a time, dip the tortillas into the oil and heat until soft, about 5 seconds on each side.

  5. Place tortilla on a plate, spoon 2-3 tablespoons of meat mixture down the center, and roll up tightly. Place enchiladas seam side down into a 9x13 inch baking dish.

  6. Pour remaining meat sauce over enchiladas and sprinkle with cheese.

  7. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until cheese has melted.

  8. Top with chopped cilantro and serve hot. Enjoy your delicious Spanish enchiladas rojas!