Both green enchiladas and red enchiladas are among the favorites on Mexican tables. This delicious enchilada recipe has won the hearts of all Mexicans. Anyone who hasn’t tried this authentic Mexican food cannot honestly claim to be Mexican! It’s one of our country’s cherished dishes.
Apart from being very nutritious, these Mexican enchiladas hold great significance for Mexicans as they are a culinary symbol. Do you want to learn more about them? Don’t stop reading!
What Are Enchiladas?
Enchiladas are a part of traditional Mexican dishes. They consist of corn tortillas in a spicy sauce filled with meat, red beans, or cheese. They are typically fried and then garnished with various toppings. The preparation of this dish has evolved, resulting in countless varieties.
These Mexican culinary delights stand out as a Mexican culinary tradition. The preparation of this dish is a product of the pre-Hispanic heritage of the Central American peoples who inhabited our continent. Many restaurants still preserve this tradition, offering their customers the authentic flavors of Mexico.
Sauces That Define Enchiladas
To enjoy a unique culinary experience, traditional ingredients are essential for exquisite enchiladas. Nothing is better than keeping the conventional preparation methods from their indigenous origins intact.
It’s worth noting that the sauces also play a significant role. They result in a delicious dish that preserves the customs of Mexican cuisine. Red enchilada sauce is made from tomatoes and various types of dried chilies. One of the most commonly used is guajillo, which gives it its striking color and a spicy kick.
On the other hand, green enchilada sauce is characterized by green tomatoes, serrano peppers, sour cream, lettuce, cilantro, avocado, onion, and cheese. Its taste is tangy, salty, and slightly spicy. Both sauces offer an unparalleled Mexican gastronomic experience.
Enchiladas: A Symbol of the Mexican People – Their History
Are you familiar with the history of enchiladas? In this culinary journey to Mexico, we’ll show you how to make enchiladas and their history. Their origin dates back to the Maya era. Corn was a staple crop during that time, and corn tortillas were common. They were called “tlaxcalli”.
Later, with the arrival of Spanish conquistadors in the Aztec Empire, they renamed their tortillas. Over time, the conquistadors documented a feast where they served something akin to an enchilada. It was an unfilled corn tortilla bathed in spicy sauce.
People began filling them with various meats and cheeses as time passed, eventually evolving into what you know and love today. From these tlaxcalli, a wide variety emerged. The style and flavor vary depending on the state where they are cooked. The most common are green, red, chilorio, Swiss, mole, and bean enchiladas.
The Evolution of Enchiladas
As mentioned earlier, enchiladas were unfilled corn tortillas with spicy sauce. However, today, they have evolved to the point where you can find various types of enchiladas. You can make them with meat, potatoes, cheese, and sour cream, making them an excellent choice to try a traditional Mexican dish.
Despite their adaptations, they remain one of Mexico’s leading and iconic dishes. They represent an essential part of Mexican culture deeply rooted in the country’s tradition. They are a culinary treasure that unquestionably reflects the richness of Mexican culture. They are a gastronomic wonder that unites people through flavor and tradition.
More Than a Delight, It’s the Diversity of a Country
Enchiladas are one of the most emblematic and beloved dishes in Mexico. They are a delight for the senses that speak to the diversity and richness of this country. Therefore, preserving the tradition, passing it on to new generations, and sharing its flavor is essential.
This way, you can honor and celebrate Mexican culture and identity because enchiladas reflect Mexico’s biocultural diversity and symbolize unity. Each bite showcases Mexican hospitality and serves as a reminder of the beauty in simplicity.
Traditional Enchilada Recipe
Enchiladas are a delicious option in Mexican cuisine enjoyed at any time of the day. They are versatile and can be prepared with vegetables and chicken to create a complete and satisfying meal. Below, we present the traditional enchilada recipe, a true gem of Mexican cuisine.
Ingredients:
- 5 medium tomatoes
- 1/4 onion
- 1 garlic clove
- 2 árbol chilies (adjust the quantity according to your desired level of spiciness)
- 1/2 cup of water
- 12 corn tortillas
- Salt to taste
- 1/2 cooked and shredded chicken breast
- 3 tablespoons of oil
- 1/2 cube of chicken seasoning
For garnish:
- 4 lettuce leaves
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 avocado
- 4 radishes
- 200 grams of fresh cheese
Instructions:
- Start by preparing the sauce: In a blender, place the tomatoes, onion, garlic, árbol chilies (adjust the quantity according to your tolerance for spiciness), and half a cup of water. Add salt to taste. Blend until you have a smooth and homogeneous mixture.
- In a large saucepan, heat three tablespoons of oil over medium heat. Pour the sauce you blended into the saucepan and add the chicken seasoning. Mix well and let the sauce come to a boil. Once it starts boiling, reduce the heat and simmer for about 10 minutes or until the sauce becomes darker and slightly thickens. Remove the sauce from the heat.
- Meanwhile, heat the corn tortillas in a hot skillet or comal, one at a time. You can lightly oil the comal if desired to make the tortillas softer.
- Dip each tortilla in the hot tomato sauce to infuse them with flavor. Then, place a portion of shredded chicken in the center of each tortilla and roll them up tightly.
- Serve the enchiladas on individual plates and garnish them with sour cream, lettuce leaves, avocado slices, sliced radishes, and crumbled fresh cheese to taste.
Enjoy these delicious Mexican enchiladas, an explosion of traditional flavors on your palate!
Green vs. Red Enchiladas: A Flavorful Duel
Green enchiladas and red enchiladas are not only different in appearance. Red chilies make red enchiladas sweeter and milder than green sauce. However, you can adjust the spiciness. Additionally, you can prepare them with cooked peppers.
On the other hand, enchiladas with green sauce are made with raw and fresh green ingredients, such as tomatillos or green chilies. Try the difference between both sauces! And experience the exciting contrast of flavors.
You may be interested in Patriotic Cooking: Meals for Independence Day.
The Ancestral Taste of Mexico Is at Barrigas
If you’re looking for the best enchilada restaurant, Barrigas is perfect. It offers the best enchiladas in Ciudad Juárez with delicious and nutritious ingredients. It’s ideal for enjoying a Mexican dinner in Juárez with the whole family.
You can indulge in a feast of flavors and traditions with enchilada specials. If you’re a culinary adventurer, don’t miss out! It won’t be a gastronomic experience but a cultural encounter in a welcoming environment. So, make sure to try authentic Mexican food at Barrigas!
Remember that enchiladas are a prominent dish in Mexican gastronomy that will connect you with its culture and tradition. Only leave with trying green and red enchiladas. We look forward to welcoming you!
