How to Make Enchiladas From Scratch

If you want to step up your Mexican cuisine game, then homemade enchiladas are the real deal! This classic and delicious dish is a crowd-pleaser that never disappoints, and the best part is, it’s relatively easy to make from scratch. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll take you through the step-by-step process of making enchiladas from scratch, from preparing the sauce and filling to assembling and baking the perfect enchiladas. We’ll also provide you with some tips and tricks to help you master this authentic Mexican dish and impress your family and friends.

Does the name “Enchilada” sound strange to you? Well, you might probably be wondering what in the world would this kind of dish be. The word is a combination of two Nahuati words, “chilli” and “flute” which was simply a street food of rolled tortilla dipped in chilli sauce that has now become stuffed with fillings, wrapped tightly, covered in sauce or cheese and served with a variety of dishes. You’re salivating!

Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a beginner in the kitchen, we’re here to help you create mouth-watering enchiladas that will have everyone coming back for seconds. So, let’s get started and learn how to make delicious enchiladas from scratch.

Gathering Ingredients and Equipment: A Step-by-Step Guide to Making Enchiladas from Scratch

Equipment:

• A large skillet or saucepan is used to cook the filling for the enchiladas. You’ll need to sauté any vegetables or protein you’re using, and this equipment will help you do that.
• A baking dish is used to assemble the enchiladas and bake them in the oven. You’ll need a dish that’s large enough to hold all of your enchiladas.
• A mixing bowl is used to mix the filling ingredients together. This equipment is especially helpful if you’re using multiple ingredients and need to combine them before adding them to the skillet.
• A blender or food processor is optional, but it’s helpful if you’re making homemade enchilada sauce. You’ll need to blend the sauce ingredients together to create a smooth and consistent texture.
• A spoon or spatula is used to stir the filling ingredients together. This equipment is especially helpful when sautéing protein or vegetables.
• Tongs are used to handle the tortillas when assembling the enchiladas. Tortillas can be fragile, and tongs will help you handle them without tearing them.

Ingredients:

• Corn tortillas are the foundation of the enchiladas and the large ones are the best for easy filling and rolling. They’re filled with protein and vegetables, covered in sauce, and baked to perfection.
• Enchilada sauce is the key ingredient that ties everything together. It’s a savoury sauce made with tomatoes, chilli powder, cumin, and other spices which makes it different from a burrito or taco.
• Protein, such as chicken, beef, or beans, is used to give the enchiladas some substance and flavour. You can use just one type of protein or a combination of different ones, just do whatever suits your taste buds.
• Vegetables, such as bell peppers, onions, and tomatoes, are used to add flavour and nutrition to the enchiladas. You can use any vegetables you like, but these are some of the most commonly used. Vegetarian or vegan enchiladas can be made by using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth in the enchilada sauce, and by using a filling of sautéed vegetables, beans, or tofu instead of meat.
• Cheese, such as cheddar or Monterey Jack, is used to add a delicious melty texture to the enchiladas. It’s sprinkled over the top of the enchiladas before baking.
• Oil, such as vegetable or olive oil, is used to sauté the protein and vegetables for the filling. It helps to prevent sticking and adds some flavour.
• Spices, such as chilli powder, cumin, and garlic powder, are used to add flavour and depth to the enchilada sauce. They’re also used to season the filling.
• Salt and pepper are used to season the filling to taste. You’ll need to adjust the seasonings according to your preferences.

From Sauce to Filling: Creating the Perfect Homemade Enchilada Recipe

Enchilada sauce is a savoury and spicy sauce that’s an essential component of any good enchilada recipe. It’s made with a combination of tomatoes, chilli powder, cumin, and other spices, giving it a rich and complex flavour that’s sure to leave your taste buds dancing.

To make the enchilada sauce, start by heating some oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add some chilli powder, cumin, and garlic powder to the skillet and cook for a minute or so until fragrant. Then, add a can of crushed tomatoes and some chicken or vegetable broth to the skillet, along with a pinch of salt and sugar.
Stir everything together and let the sauce simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it’s thick and bubbly. At this point, you can either blend the sauce in a blender or food processor to make it smooth or leave it as is for a more rustic texture.

And that’s it! You now have a delicious and flavorful enchilada sauce that’s ready to be used in your enchilada recipe. The sauce can be stored in the fridge for up to a week, so feel free to make a big batch and use it in other dishes, too.

Moving on to the filling of an enchilada which is what gives it substance and flavour. It’s the perfect opportunity to showcase your culinary creativity and create a filling that’s both delicious and satisfying.

To make the enchilada filling, you start by heating some oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Then, add your protein of choice, such as chicken or beef, and sauté until it’s cooked through. It has to be tender enough to chew so make sure it’s well cooked.

Next, add some diced onions, bell peppers, and tomatoes to the skillet, along with some spices like chilli powder, cumin, and garlic powder. Sauté this combination together until the vegetables are tender and fragrant.

Finally, add a can of drained and rinsed black beans to the skillet, along with a handful of shredded cheese and just everything together until the cheese is melted and the filling is heated through.
And there you have it! A delicious and flavorful enchilada filling that’s sure to impress your family and friends. You can use this filling to make enchiladas, burritos, or even tacos. Get creative and experiment with different ingredients to create a filling that’s uniquely your own.