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Enchiladas Michoacanas served with pickled onions, rice, lettuce, and traditional garnishes.

Enchiladas Michoacanas: A Step-by-Step Guide to This Authentic Mexican Dish


  • Author: Nova
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: Serves 4 (12 enchiladas) 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale

The Red Chili Sauce

  • 6 dried guajillo chilies (or ancho chilies for a smokier flavor)
  • 2 cloves of garlic
  • 1 small white onion (quartered)
  • 2 cups of hot water (for soaking chilies)
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
  • Salt to taste

The Tortillas and Fillings

  • 12 fresh corn tortillas
  • 1 cup queso fresco (crumbled) or shredded chicken (optional)
  • 1 cup mashed potatoes (lightly seasoned with salt and pepper)

Garnishes

  • 1 cup shredded lettuce
  • ½ cup pickled red onions
  • 1 medium tomato (diced)
  • ½ cup queso fresco (for topping)
  • Fresh cilantro leaves (optional, for garnish)

Optional Sides

  • Mexican rice
  • Refried beans

Instructions

 1: Prepare the Red Chili Sauce

  1. Clean the chilies: Remove the stems, seeds, and veins from the dried guajillo chilies. Rinse them under running water to remove any dust or impurities.
  2. Soak the chilies: Place the chilies in a bowl and cover them with 2 cups of hot water. Let them soak for about 10–15 minutes until softened.
  3. Blend the sauce: In a blender, add the softened chilies (reserve the soaking water), garlic, onion, cumin, and a pinch of salt. Pour in about 1 cup of the soaking water to blend the mixture into a smooth sauce. Add more water as needed to reach the desired consistency.
  4. Cook the sauce: Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Pour the blended sauce into the pan and simmer for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Adjust the seasoning with more salt if necessary. The sauce should be rich, smooth, and slightly thick.

 2: Prepare the Tortillas and Fillings

  1. Warm the tortillas: Heat the tortillas on a skillet or griddle for about 30 seconds on each side to make them pliable. This step prevents the tortillas from breaking when dipped in the sauce.
  2. Prepare the fillings: Choose your preferred filling:
    • Queso fresco: Crumble and set aside.
    • Mashed potatoes: Lightly season with salt and pepper if not already seasoned.
    • Shredded chicken: If using, cook and shred the chicken, then mix it with a small amount of chili sauce for extra flavor.

 3: Assemble the Enchiladas

  1. Dip the tortillas: One at a time, dip each tortilla into the warm chili sauce, ensuring both sides are fully coated.
  2. Add the filling: Place about 2 tablespoons of your chosen filling (queso fresco, mashed potatoes, or shredded chicken) onto the center of the tortilla.
  3. Roll the enchiladas: Roll the tortilla tightly around the filling and place it seam-side down on a serving plate. Repeat with the remaining tortillas and fillings.

 4: Garnish and Serve

  1. Top the enchiladas: Once all the enchiladas are assembled, drizzle any remaining chili sauce over them.
  2. Add garnishes: Sprinkle shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, pickled onions, and additional crumbled queso fresco over the enchiladas. Add cilantro leaves if desired.
  3. Serve with sides: Pair the enchiladas with Mexican rice and refried beans for a complete meal.

Notes

  • If you want a healthier version, skip frying the tortillas and bake them instead after assembling.
  • Adjust the chili sauce’s spice level by adding or omitting hotter dried chilies like arbol chilies.
  • Serve immediately to enjoy the enchiladas at their freshest and most flavorful state.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Lunch
  • Method: Stove-top Cooking
  • Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 3 enchiladas
  • Calories: ~350
  • Sugar: ~3g
  • Sodium: ~450mg
  • Fat: ~14g
  • Saturated Fat: ~5g
  • Unsaturated Fat: ~8g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: ~40g
  • Fiber: ~6g
  • Protein: ~10g
  • Cholesterol: ~15mg