Traditional Mexican food known as “Arizona enchiladas” is made with corn tortillas stuffed with a variety of ingredients, including meat, cheese, beans, and vegetables. The fillings are then folded up and topped with a hot sauce. Arizona enchiladas can be made using the following recipe:
Ingredients: |
12 corn tortillas |
2 cups of shredded chicken or beef |
1 cup of shredded cheese (such as cheddar or Monterey Jack) |
1 cup of diced onions |
1 cup of diced bell peppers |
1 cup of beans, drained and rinsed |
1 cup of diced tomatoes |
1 cup of chopped cilantro |
1 cup of enchilada sauce |
1 tablespoon of vegetable oil |
Salt and pepper, to taste |
Step By Step Process of cooking Arizona Enchiladas At home:
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C).
2. Over medium heat, warm the vegetable oil in a big skillet. The bell peppers and onions should be combined and cooked until tender.
3. Add the shredded chicken or beef to the skillet and cook until it is heated through. Add salt and pepper to taste.
4. Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the black beans and diced tomatoes.
5. Spread a small amount of enchilada sauce in the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.
6. Dip each corn tortilla in the enchilada sauce, and then fill it with the chicken or beef mixture. Doing small Roll the tortilla and place it seam-side down in the baking dish. Repeat with the remaining tortillas and filling the entire dish.
7. Pour the remaining enchilada sauce over the top of the enchiladas, then sprinkle with shredded cheese.
8. Bake the enchiladas for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the enchiladas are heated through.
9. Serve hot with chopped cilantro as a garnish.
Nutritional value in each enchilada
The nutritional value of Arizona enchiladas will depend on the specific ingredients used and the portion sizes. Here is a rough estimate of the nutritional value of Arizona enchiladas based on the recipe I provided above:
1 | Each enchilada contains approximately 200-250 calories, depending on the size of the tortilla and the filling ingredients used. |
2 | The enchiladas are a good source of protein, with about 15-20 grams per enchilada. |
3 | They also contain a moderate amount of carbohydrates, with about 20-25 grams per enchilada. |
4 | The enchiladas are relatively high in fat, with about 8-10 grams per enchilada. |
5 | They also contain a moderate amount of dietary fiber, with about 2-3 grams per enchilada. |
It’s important to note that this is just a rough estimate and the actual nutritional value may vary depending on the specific ingredients used. For a more accurate assessment of the nutritional value of your enchiladas, you may want to use a nutrition calculator or consult a registered dietitian.
Historical background of Arizona’s Enchiladas
The Enchilada is one of the most popular dishes in Arizona, and for good reason. This humble dish has a rich history that dates back to ancient Mexico. In fact, it is believed that the first enchiladas were made by an Aztec priest as part of his religious ceremonies.
Today’s version features layers of tortillas carefully filled with chili sauce, chicken or beef, cheese., onions and tomatoes. It’s then topped with another layer of tortillas and baked until tenderized and gooey- perfection! If you’re looking for a hearty meal that will satisfy your cravings without all the fuss, look no further than your local Mexican restaurant – they’ll be sure to prepare some delicious enchiladas for you!
Advantage
One potential advantage of enchiladas is that they can be a delicious and satisfying meal. They can be made with a variety of fillings, including meat, cheese, beans, and vegetables, and are often served with toppings such as sour cream, guacamole, and salsa. Enchiladas can also be relatively easy to prepare and can be a good option for a quick and flavorful dinner.
Disadvantage
One potential disadvantage of enchiladas is that they are often high in fat and calories, particularly if they are made with a lot of cheese and fried in oil. Enchiladas can also be relatively high in sodium, depending on the ingredients used. If consumed in excess, enchiladas can contribute to weight gain and other health problems such as high blood pressure.
It is important to enjoy enchiladas in moderation and to balance them with other nutritious foods as part of a healthy diet.
Alternate to Arizona’s Enchiladas
There are many alternatives to Arizona’s enchiladas that you can try if you’re looking for something different. Some options might include:
- Tacos: A typical taco is a tiny maize or wheat tortilla stuffed with a variety of ingredients, including meats, veggies, beans, and cheese. Tacos are a traditional Mexican food.
- Burritos: Burritos are similar to tacos, but they are typically larger and made with flour tortillas. They are often filled with beans, rice, meat, and vegetables, and are often served with salsa and sour cream.
- Quesadillas: Quesadillas are a type of sandwich made with two tortillas filled with cheese and other ingredients such as vegetables, meats, or beans. They are grilled or fried until the cheese is melted and the tortillas are crispy.
- Tamales: Tamales are a traditional Mexican dish made with corn dough that is steamed or boiled in a corn husk or banana leaf.
- Chalupas are a Mexican dish made with fried or toasted corn tortillas that are topped with beans, cheese, and other ingredients such as meats, vegetables, and salsa.
- Tostadas: Tostadas are a type of Mexican dish made with a fried or toasted corn tortilla that is topped with a variety of ingredients such as meats, vegetables, beans, cheese, and salsa.
Mostly questions asked about Arizona’s Enchiladas:
Q: Do you cover enchiladas with foil when baking?
A: Sprinkle cheese on top of your enchiladas after pouring the remaining enchilada sauce over them. After baking in the oven for about 30 minutes with the aluminum foil covering it, take the foil off and bake for another 5 to 10 minutes, or until bubbly. Remove from oven and sprinkle with cilan
Q: What are traditional fillings for enchiladas?
A: Traditional fillings for enchiladas vary depending on the region and personal preferences, but here are some common options:
- Shredded chicken: This is a classic filling for enchiladas. The chicken is typically seasoned with a blend of spices and cooked until tender, then shredded and used as the filling.
- Beef: Another popular filling option is shredded or ground beef, which is typically cooked with onions, garlic, and spices.
- Pork: Pork can be used as a filling for enchiladas, either shredded or in the form of carnitas (slow-cooked, crispy pork).
- Cheese: For vegetarian or cheese lovers, a filling made with a blend of cheese, such as Monterey Jack or queso fresco, is a popular option.
- Beans: Refried beans or black beans can be used as a filling, either on their own or in combination with meat or cheese.
- Vegetables: Sautéed or roasted vegetables, such as bell peppers, onions, zucchini, or mushrooms, can also be used as a filling for enchiladas.
Q: How do you pronounce “enchilada”?
A: “Enchilada” is pronounced as en-chi-lah-dah.
Q: What distinguishes enchiladas from burritos?
A: Enchiladas and burritos are both popular Mexican dishes, but they have some differences in terms of their preparation, ingredients, and presentation. Here are some key differences between enchiladas and burritos:
- Tortillas: Regarding tortillas, burritos are created with flour tortillas, whereas corn tortillas are used to make enchiladas.
- Filling: Enchiladas are typically filled with a mixture of meat, cheese, beans, or vegetables, while burritos can have a wider variety of fillings, including rice, beans, meat, cheese, guacamole, sour cream, and more.
- Preparation: Enchiladas are typically rolled up with the filling and covered in a sauce before being baked in the oven, while burritos are rolled up with the filling and wrapped in foil or a large tortilla to make a handheld meal.
- Toppings: Enchiladas are usually topped with additional sauce, cheese, and garnishes such as sour cream, cilantro, or onions, while burritos may have additional toppings such as salsa, lettuce, or tomatoes.
- Size: Enchiladas are typically smaller than burritos, which can be quite large and filling.
Overall, enchiladas and burritos are both delicious and versatile dishes with their own unique flavors and textures.
Q: Are enchiladas spicy?
A: Enchiladas can be spicy, but they don’t have to be. The level of spiciness in enchiladas can vary depending on the recipe and personal preferences. Some enchilada sauces and fillings are made with mild chilies or no chilies at all, while others use spicy chilies such as jalapeños, Serrano’s, or habaneras to add heat. If you are sensitive to spice, you can always adjust the amount of chili or hot sauce used in the recipe or use milder varieties. Additionally, some toppings such as sour cream or cheese can help to tone down the spiciness of the enchiladas.
Q: Can enchiladas be made with different types of tortillas?
A: Yes, enchiladas can be made with different types of tortillas, although corn tortillas are the traditional choice. Flour tortillas are another option that can be used to make enchiladas, especially in regions where they are more commonly available than corn tortillas. However, flour tortillas have a different texture and flavor than corn tortillas, which can affect the overall taste and appearance of the enchiladas. Other types of tortillas, such as wheat or spinach tortillas, can also be used to make enchiladas, but again, they will have a different flavor and texture. Ultimately, the choice of tortilla will depend on personal preferences and availability.
Q: How do you serve enchiladas?
A: Enchiladas are typically served hot, either as a main dish or as part of a larger meal. Here are some common ways to serve enchiladas:
Topped with sauce and garnishes: Enchiladas are often served with a sauce poured over the top, such as red or green enchilada sauce, and garnished with cheese, chopped onions, fresh cilantro, or sliced jalapeños.
Alongside rice and beans: Enchiladas can be served with a side of rice and beans, either refried or black beans, to make a complete meal.
With a side salad: A simple side salad made with lettuce, tomato, and avocado can be a refreshing complement to the richness of the enchiladas.
With sour cream or guacamole: A dollop of sour cream or guacamole can be served alongside the enchiladas to add a cool, creamy contrast to the spiciness of the dish.
Family-style: Enchiladas can also be served family-style, with a platter of enchiladas in the center of the table and everyone helping themselves to their preferred number of servings.
Q: What is an enchilada made out of?
A: Although there are many variations on the dish, enchiladas often include a mix of meats, veggies, beans, cheese, salsa, tortilla, and sauce. Sour cream, rice, guacamole, and coriander are a few more components that are typically included in the mixture.
Q: What is the most common enchilada?
A: A typical Mexican enchilada known as a “royal enchilada” or “enchilada regia” is distinguished by the amount and richness of its filling.
Q: What is the shape of an enchilada?
A: Last but not least, when comparing enchiladas and tostadas, enchiladas are made by rolling tortillas into the shape of little burritos, whereas tostadas use tortillas that have been cooked flat.