Enchiladas suizas
Mexican Enchiladas Suizas is a popular and delicious dish prepared in many households and restaurants around Mexico. As its name suggests, the dish originated in Switzerland, but it has been modified and perfected over the years in Mexico, becoming a beloved classic that is enjoyed all over the world. Enchiladas suizas are made of soft corn tortillas filled with a mixture of chicken or beef, covered with a creamy and tangy sauce of tomatillos, chilies, and fresh cream, then topped with melted cheese and served piping hot.
The dish is not only mouth-wateringly delicious, but it is also easy to prepare and customize, making it a go-to meal for busy weeknight dinners, weekend gatherings, and holiday feasts. In addition, the ingredients used in making Mexican Enchiladas Suizas are readily available in most grocery stores, making it a budget-friendly alternative to eating out.
The dish’s origins can be traced back to Switzerland, where it was originally made using cheese and cream. The idea of stuffing tortillas with meat and vegetables, however, is believed to have been influenced by the Aztecs, who wrapped their food in tortillas for easy transport and storage.
The preparation of Enchiladas Suizas is relatively simple, and can be broken down into three main parts: the filling, the sauce, and the assembly.
For the filling, you will need cooked and shredded chicken or beef, onions, garlic, and a blend of your favorite spices, such as cumin, paprika, and chili powder. The meat is sautéed with onions and garlic until it is browned and tender, then seasoned with the spice blend for added flavor.
The sauce is made with tomatillos, serrano chilies, roasted garlic, fresh cream, and herbs like cilantro, which give it its unique tangy and creamy taste. The sauce is prepared by blending all the ingredients in a blender or food processor until smooth. The sauce can be made ahead and refrigerated until needed.
To assemble the enchiladas, the tortillas are first warmed in a skillet or on a comal, then filled with the meat mixture and rolled up. The enchiladas are then placed in a baking dish, covered with the sauce, topped with cheese, and baked until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
The dish can be served with a variety of accompaniments, including guacamole, sour cream, chopped onions, and fresh cilantro. It also goes well with a side of Spanish rice, refried beans, or a fresh salad.
Enchiladas Suizas is a versatile dish that can be tweaked to suit your taste preferences. You can substitute the meat filling with beans, mushrooms, or vegetables for a vegetarian version. You can also adjust the spiciness of the sauce to your liking by adding more or less of the serrano chilies.
Overall, Enchiladas Suizas is a flavorful and satisfying dish that is sure to please everyone at the table. Its simple preparation and customizable nature make it a must-try for anyone looking to explore the world of Mexican cuisine.
Ingredients:
- 12 corn tortillas
- 2 cups shredded cooked chicken
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup chopped green onions
- 1/2 cup chopped canned green chiles
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
- In a large bowl, mix together the shredded chicken, Monterey Jack cheese, and fresh cilantro.
- Heat the tortillas in the microwave or on a skillet until pliable.
- Spoon about 1/4 cup of the chicken mixture onto each tortilla, roll tightly, and place seam-side down in a greased 9x13 inch baking dish.
- In a small saucepan, melt the butter. Stir in the flour and cook for 1 minute.
- Gradually whisk in the chicken broth, sour cream, green onions, green chiles, garlic, cumin, salt, and black pepper. Cook over medium heat, whisking constantly, until the mixture thickens, about 5 minutes.
- Pour the sauce over the rolled tortillas in the baking dish, making sure to cover them completely.
- Bake the enchiladas for 20-25 minutes, or until heated through and the sauce is bubbly.
- Serve hot with additional chopped cilantro, if desired.