Enchiladas
Ingredients:
-1 lb ground beef
-1/2 onion, diced
-2 cloves garlic, minced
-1 teaspoon chili powder
-1 teaspoon ground cumin
-1/2 teaspoon oregano
-1/2 teaspoon black pepper
-1 can (10 ounces) diced tomatoes and green chilies
-1/2 cup chicken broth
-1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro, divided
-1/2 teaspoon salt
-12 (6-inch) flour tortillas
-1/2 cup sour cream
-1 can (10 ounces) enchilada sauce
-1 cup shredded cheese
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef, onion, and garlic until the beef is cooked through, about 5 minutes.
3. Add the chili powder, cumin, oregano, pepper, tomatoes, broth, 2 tablespoons of the cilantro, and the salt. Simmer for 10 minutes.
4. Place about 1/4 cup of the beef mixture in the center of each tortilla and roll. Place in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
5. In a small bowl, mix together the sour cream, enchilada sauce, and remaining cilantro. Pour over the enchiladas.
6. Sprinkle with cheese and bake for 25 minutes.
7. Serve warm.
A Brief History of Enchiladas:
Enchiladas originated in Mexico, with the first recipe appearing in the 19th century. Over the years, the dish has become very popular in Latin America, and later in the United States. Most Mexican enchiladas are made with some sort of meat, cheese, and other ingredients, with the main focus being the chili pepper-derived sauce, known as enchilada sauce.
Tips for Creating Delicious Enchiladas:
• Start with a good-quality enchilada sauce to give your dish a great flavor.
• Make sure the sauce is evenly spread out before adding the other ingredients.
• Be generous with your cheese – spread a layer of cheese before adding the other ingredients and then top it off with more cheese.
• If using fillers, opt for fresh or frozen vegetables like peppers, onions, or corn.
• Opt for firm tortillas – they provide a better base for rolling the enchiladas.
Techniques For Crafting Perfect Enchiladas:
• Pre-heat the oven to a moderate temperature, usually between 350-375F.
• Fill a shallow baking dish with your desired enchilada ingredients.
• Roll up the enchiladas and place them in the baking dish.
• Pour a generous amount of enchilada sauce over the enchiladas.
• Sprinkle remaining cheese and any desired additional toppings.
• Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the enchiladas are golden.
• Let the enchiladas cool for a few minutes before serving.
Enchiladas are believed to have originated in Mexico, specifically in the state of Jalisco, and have been around for hundreds of years. The earliest references to enchiladas can be found in writings from the late 1800s. Traditionally, enchiladas are made with corn tortillas and stuffed with a filling of chicken, beef, cheese, beans, or vegetables, then topped with a spicy sauce, such as a red chili sauce, and cheese. They are then usually baked.
When making enchiladas, it is important to choose the right tortilla. Corn tortillas are usually desired as they will hold up better to being wrapped and cooked. It is also important to fully moisten the tortillas before adding the filling as this will help them to become more pliable and less likely to break, making the enchiladas easier to roll.
When adding the filling, add enough that you can properly roll the enchiladas and still have enough in each. When rolling, tight is key in order to keep the filling from squeezing out the edges.
When choosing the sauce, make sure to select the mild, medium, or hot as desired, depending on the tastes of those eating the enchiladas. After the sauce is added, sprinkle with cheese and bake until the cheese has melted and the tortillas are slightly crispy.
Enchiladas can also be served with various toppings such as sour cream, guacamole, salsa, and cilantro. Serve with a side of Mexican-style rice and beans, and you have a meal that everyone can enjoy.