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Enchiladas Verdes - Authentic Mexican Recipe for Green Enchiladas

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    ChefPandas
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🌮 About This Dish

Enchiladas Verdes, or Green Enchiladas, are a classic Mexican dish hailing from All Mexico. This dish holds a special place in Mexican cuisine, known for its vibrant flavors and comforting qualities. The dish features corn tortillas filled with succulent shredded chicken or cheese, rolled up, and smothered in a delicious green salsa made from tomatillos, cilantro, and jalapeños. Enchiladas Verdes are a popular choice for family gatherings, celebrations, and everyday meals across Mexico.

🌶️ Ingredients Overview

  • Corn tortillas (tortillas de maíz)
  • Tomatillos (tomates verdes)
  • Jalapeños
  • Cilantro (cilantro)
  • Onion (cebolla)
  • Garlic (ajo)
  • Chicken breast (pechuga de pollo) or cheese (queso)
  • Sour cream (crema)
  • Queso fresco (fresh cheese) for garnish
  • Avocado slices (aguacate) for garnish

✨ What Makes It Special

Enchiladas Verdes can vary in preparation across different regions of Mexico. Some regions prefer to lightly fry the tortillas before filling and rolling them, while others dip the tortillas in the green salsa before filling. The green salsa, with its tangy and slightly spicy flavor, gives these enchiladas their distinct taste and vibrant color. This dish represents the marriage of indigenous ingredients like tomatillos and traditional culinary techniques passed down through generations.

📝 Ingredients

  • 12 corn tortillas
  • 1 lb tomatillos, husked and rinsed
  • 2 jalapeños, stemmed
  • 1/2 cup chopped cilantro
  • 1/4 cup chopped onion
  • 2 cloves garlic
  • 2 cups shredded cooked chicken or cheese
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • Salt to taste
  • Queso fresco and avocado slices for garnish

👨‍🍳 Preparation Method

  1. In a saucepan, place the tomatillos and jalapeños. Cover with water and bring to a boil until tomatillos turn a lighter green.
  2. Drain and transfer the tomatillos and jalapeños to a blender. Add cilantro, onion, and garlic. Blend until smooth.
  3. In a separate pan, heat a small amount of oil. Lightly fry each tortilla for a few seconds until soft.
  4. Dip each tortilla in the green salsa, then fill with chicken or cheese. Roll up and place seam-side down in a baking dish.
  5. Pour the remaining green salsa over the rolled tortillas. Top with sour cream and crumbled queso fresco.
  6. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes until heated through.
  7. Garnish with avocado slices and serve hot.

⏰ Timing Guide

  • Preparation: 30 minutes
  • Cooking: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 50 minutes

🍽️ Serving Suggestions

Serve Enchiladas Verdes hot, garnished with fresh avocado slices and crumbled queso fresco. Accompany them with Mexican rice, refried beans, and a side of guacamole for a complete and satisfying meal.

💭 Chef's Notes

For an extra kick of flavor, char the tomatillos, jalapeños, and garlic before blending them for the salsa. You can customize the filling with your choice of protein or make them vegetarian by using beans or sautéed vegetables.

📦 Storage

Store any leftover Enchiladas Verdes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until heated through before serving.

Enjoy the flavors of Mexico with these homemade Enchiladas Verdes that capture the essence of traditional Mexican cuisine. Buen provecho!