This Mexican enchiladas verdes recipe will impress your guests
Originating from Mexico, enchiladas verdes is a beloved traditional dish that features corn tortillas rolled around a filling and draped in a vibrant green tomatillo sauce. This dish is steeped in history, with variations passed down through generations. It's a staple at festive gatherings and a favorite for weeknight dinners alike. Now, let's get cooking and bring the flavors of Mexico to your kitchen.
Gather the following ingredients
To make this authentic dish, you'll need 12 corn tortillas, three cups of shredded Monterey Jack cheese, one diced onion, 500 gm of tomatillos (husked and rinsed), one or two serrano peppers (to taste), a bunch of fresh cilantro leaves, two cloves of garlic, one teaspoon of cumin, salt to taste, and vegetable oil for frying.
Prepare the tomatillo sauce
In a pot, boil tomatillos and serrano peppers and simmer for 10 minutes until tender. Now, blend the softened tomatillos and peppers, adding garlic, cumin, cilantro leaves, and salt to achieve a smooth sauce. The next step is to pour this blended mixture back into the pot and simmer for an additional 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to fully integrate.
Prep tortillas and filling
In a pan over medium heat, add a small amount of vegetable oil. Fry each tortilla briefly, about five seconds per side, until they're pliable. Drain them on paper towels. Then, in a separate bowl, mix the shredded cheese with the diced onion to prepare your enchilada filling. This blend will be tucked inside each tortilla before baking.
Assemble enchiladas
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius). Dip each fried tortilla into the warm green sauce, coating both sides. Place a portion of the cheese-onion mixture in the center of each tortilla, roll up tightly, and set seam-side down in a baking dish. They are now assembled and ready for the oven, where they will be baked to perfection.
Bake and serve
Place all enchiladas in a baking dish, and cover them with the remaining green sauce. Sprinkle the rest of the cheese on top. Bake these uncovered for about 20 minutes, until you see the cheese bubbling and turning a light golden brown. Serve the enchiladas hot, accompanied by sides like rice or beans for a well-rounded meal.
