Enchiladas

Enchiladas are something we eat a lot in our house! Apart from the fact that we love all Mexican food – especially loaded nachos and meat free chilli, enchiladas are a great food to please everyone.

What are enchiladas?

Traditionally, enchiladas are a Mexican food comprising of a soft corn tortilla, filled with meat, beans, potatoes and/or vegetables, covered in a chilli, tomato or cheese based sauce. I usually use soft wheat tortillas as these are the easiest to source. If making these for others, I always include rice, black beans and a mixture of vegetables.

The Enchilada Recipe

Firstly, whatever else you may use, you need soft tortillas, also known as wraps. You can buy corn, wheat or gluten free, white, brown, seeded, tomato or even spinach wraps! As long as they are flat, preferably round, and foldable, then they will be great for your base.

Next, you need some tasty fillings. I usually put the slow cooker on and add either black beans or borlotti beans with some water, tomato puree, salt, paprika and chilli flakes, then allow them to cook throughout the day. You could use any beans – refried beans are great if you can make them (they also come in a tin).

What other fillings shall I add?

Adding rice is a great way of making these more filling, and I always add some if making these for others. Any rice is good although I tend to use basmati most often. You could also use a packet rice – flavoured such as Mexican would also work well.

Vegetables are my second favourite ingredient in enchilladas! You can really use whatever you have, and just chop and cook. I always try to at least include onions, mushrooms and peppers, but courgette, carrots, beans, sweetcorn or anything else you have will work too!

For me personally, just having the beans and the vegetables is enough, but you could add a meat or chicken substitute (or real meat or chicken if that’s your thing)! too. Then there is cheese! Cheese can go inside or on top. Or both!

Do I need to add sauce?

Depending on your choice of filling will depend on whether or not you need a sauce. Usually my beans are quite saucy so there is no need to add anything else, but you could add chilli sauce, a tomato based salsa, or if you must… barbecue sauce!

How do I fold it?

Once the wraps are piled up with fillings, they are folded like an envelope. I fold both sides in first, then the bottom, before squishing all the filling inside and folding it shut. Turn the wrapped enchillada upside down and place in an ovenproof dish (I put a bit of sauce or oil on the bottom of the dish to prevent sticking). Brush with the same sauce or oil, or cover in a different one and/or cheese! Bake!

What do I need?

Hopefully you already have everything you need to make these! Possibly the right shape and size ovenproof dish may be something you need – I’ve added a couple below.

If you are new to cooking or your kitchen needs a refresh, here are a few other useful items which can be used for this recipe as well as general cooking. I receive a small commission if you click and purchase through these links (this is at no additional cost to you)!

Serving

Enchiladas can be served on their own, although I love mine with a delicious side salad. You can drizzle (or slater) with extra sauce before or after serving too.

Storage

Ideally make what you need and eat once cooked. However, you can store these in the fridge for a couple of days, just sprinkle with water before reheating. You can also put these in the freezer for up to three months. If freezing, portion or separate with greaseproof paper, label and freeze.

Sharing

Enchiladas are one of those foods which are great for sharing. Once you get the hang of them, you can make each one specific to your guest. Depending on the amount of filing and if you’re adding any sides, most people eat one enchilada with sides, or two on their own. Have you eaten enchiladas before? What is your favourite filling and topping?

I love seeing your adaptions and interpretations of my recipes and I’d love to see your photos of these! Please share and tag me @LifeDietHealth or using #LifeDietHealth on Instagram, Pinterest,  Facebook or Twitter.

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I hope to speak with you soon

Laurena x