– **Title**: Authentic Enchiladas Suizas
– **Ingredients**:
– 12 corn tortillas
– 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken
– 1 cup sour cream
– 1 cup salsa verde (green salsa)
– 1 cup shredded cheese (preferably Monterey Jack or Oaxaca cheese)
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 1 small onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon cumin
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
– **Instructions**:
1. **Prepare the Filling**: In a skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, sautéing until they are soft and translucent. Stir in the shredded chicken, cumin, salt, and pepper. Cook until the chicken is heated through, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
2. **Warm the Tortillas**: In a separate skillet, heat the remaining tablespoon of vegetable oil. Lightly fry each tortilla for about 30 seconds on each side until they are soft but not crispy. This makes them easier to roll. Alternatively, you can warm them in a microwave wrapped in a damp cloth.
3. **Assemble the Enchiladas**: Spread a small amount of the salsa verde in the bottom of a baking dish. Take one warm tortilla and place some of the chicken filling in the center. Roll it tightly and place seam-side down in the baking dish. Repeat with remaining tortillas and filling.
4. **Top the Enchiladas**: Once all the enchiladas are in the dish, pour the remaining salsa verde over the top. Drizzle the sour cream over the enchiladas evenly, and then sprinkle the shredded cheese on top.
5. **Bake**: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the enchiladas for about 20–25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
6. **Garnish and Serve**: Once baked, remove from the oven and let them cool slightly. Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro before serving. Enjoy with additional sour cream or salsa verde on the side if desired.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Corn Tortillas: These are essential for authentic enchiladas. If you can’t find corn tortillas, you can opt for flour tortillas, but they will change the dish’s texture and flavor slightly. For gluten-free versions, look for corn or gluten-free tortillas.
Shredded Chicken: Cooked and shredded chicken brings protein and heartiness to these enchiladas. Rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut! If you prefer a vegetarian option, try using roasted vegetables or black beans instead.
Sour Cream: Adds creaminess and tang. If you’re looking for a lighter option, Greek yogurt is a nice substitute. For dairy-free diets, use a plant-based sour cream or cashew cream.
Green Salsa (Salsa Verde): It’s the star of the show. If you can’t find it, you could use a blend of tomatillos and green chilies. Tomato salsa can work too, but the flavor will be different.
Shredded Cheese: Monterey Jack is fantastic for melting, but Queso Blanca is also a traditional option. Feel free to swap in cheddar or a dairy-free cheese to suit your taste!
How Do I Soften Tortillas Without Breaking Them?
Softening the tortillas perfectly is key to rolling the enchiladas without tearing them. Here’s how to do it easily:
- In a skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil over medium heat.
- Warm each tortilla for about 30 seconds on each side until flexible. Adjust oil as needed.
- Alternatively, wrap the tortillas in a damp cloth and microwave them for 30 seconds. This steams them and keeps them pliable.
With this technique, your tortillas will roll beautifully and wrap up the enchilada filling without any fuss! Enjoy making your delicious dish!
How to Make Authentic Enchiladas Suizas
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Enchiladas:
- 12 corn tortillas
- 2 cups cooked and shredded chicken
- 1 cup shredded cheese (like Monterey Jack or Queso Blanca)
- 1 cup sour cream
- 2 cups green salsa (salsa verde)
- 1 small onion, thinly sliced (for garnish)
- Fresh cilantro, for garnish
- 1 cup chicken broth (or as needed)
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- Salt to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 15 minutes to prepare and 25 minutes to bake, for a total of about 40 minutes. You’ll spend a little time making the sauce, softening the tortillas, and assembling the enchiladas. So, let’s get cooking!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Sauce:
Start by pouring the green salsa into a saucepan. Add about 1 cup of chicken broth and place it over medium heat. Let it simmer for about 5-10 minutes. This will help the flavors blend beautifully. If the sauce is too thick for your liking, just add a bit more broth to loosen it up.
2. Soften the Tortillas:
Next, grab a skillet and heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil over medium heat. Once it’s nice and hot, warm each tortilla for about 30 seconds on each side until they become pliable. If you prefer, you can microwave the tortillas wrapped in a damp cloth for about 30 seconds. This will make them easier to roll up!
3. Assemble the Enchiladas:
Now for the fun part! Take a warm tortilla and fill it with about 1/4 cup of shredded chicken. Roll it up tightly, placing it seam side down in a baking dish. Repeat this process with all the tortillas until you have a delicious lineup of enchiladas.
4. Add Sauce:
Once all the enchiladas are snugly in the baking dish, pour the prepared green salsa over them, making sure they’re well coated. Drizzle some sour cream on top and sprinkle the shredded cheese for that melty goodness.
5. Bake:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Pop the enchiladas in the oven and let them bake for about 20-25 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when the cheese is bubbly and golden. It’s going to smell amazing!
6. Serve:
Once out of the oven, let the enchiladas cool for a few minutes. Garnish them with sliced onions and fresh cilantro for a burst of flavor. Serve them hot, and if you like, pair them with a side of Mexican rice or beans.
Enjoy your delicious homemade Authentic Enchiladas Suizas!
Can I Use Flour Tortillas Instead of Corn Tortillas?
Yes, you can use flour tortillas if you prefer, but keep in mind that they’re softer and will result in a different texture. Make sure to warm them gently to avoid tearing while filling and rolling them.
What Can I Use Instead of Chicken?
If you want to make this dish vegetarian or need a substitute for chicken, you can use sautéed vegetables (like bell peppers and zucchini) or canned black beans. Just ensure any substitutions are well-seasoned to keep the flavor profile intact!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or in the microwave. If the enchiladas look a bit dry, add a splash of chicken broth before reheating.
Can I Freeze Enchiladas Suizas?
Absolutely! To freeze, assemble the enchiladas but don’t bake them. Cover tightly with foil or plastic wrap and freeze. When ready to eat, thaw in the fridge overnight, then bake as directed. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
