Enchiladas are one of the traditional Mexican dishes; it is noted for its wide variety of colors and spicy flavors and the objective of delighting our palate. Puebla is considered to be the place of origin of enchiladas as we know them today.
The city of Puebla is recognized for its rich culinary tradition and its influence on Mexican gastronomy. The enchiladas poblanas are one of the most outstanding specialties of the region. They are characterized by their distinctive poblano chili sauce, which is a mild and slightly spicy variety, with a particular flavor.
Originally, the enchiladas are made with tortillas that are filled with various ingredients such as meat, beans, cheese, or vegetables, and then rolled up and topped with a chili sauce and cheese. The filled tortillas can be baked or fried and are often served with rice and beans.
The art of enchiladas
The history of enchiladas has a long history in Mexico and can be traced back to pre-Columbian times. The word «enchilada» comes from the Spanish word «enchilar,» which means «to season with chili peppers.» However, the dish itself has roots in the cuisine of the Aztecs and other indigenous peoples of Mexico.
The Florentine Codex, a 16th-century manuscript written by the Spanish Franciscan friar Bernardino de Sahagún, describes a dish called «chillapitzalli» that is made with tortillas and chiles. This is believed to be one of the earliest references to what we now know as enchiladas.
Enchiladas: An explosion of flavors
Over time, enchiladas evolved and became a popular dish throughout Mexico and beyond. Today, there are many different variations of enchiladas, each with its own unique flavor and ingredients, but they all share a common origin in the traditional cuisine of the indigenous peoples of Mexico.
Enchiladas Rojas
Red enchiladas made with a tomato and chili sauce. They are characterized by being covered with a red chili-based sauce; the red sauce is spicy and gives the enchiladas a distinctive flavor and reddish color.
Enchiladas Verde
Green enchiladas made with a tomatillo and chili sauce. Popular variant of Mexican enchiladas. Unlike the red enchiladas, the green enchiladas are covered in a green chile sauce, which is prepared with green chiles, such as jalapeño chiles or poblanos chiles.
Click here for our Enchiladas Verdes recipe!
Enchiladas Suizas
Swiss-style enchiladas made with a creamy sauce and topped with melted cheese. It is characterized by its coverage of white sauce and gratin cheese. Although they bear the name «suizas», they do not have Swiss origin, but originate from Mexico and are very popular in Mexican cuisine.
Enchiladas de Mole
Mole enchiladas are made with mole, is a thick, rich-flavored sauce and complex sauce made from chili peppers, chocolate, and other spices becoming sweet, spicy and bittersweet notes.
Enchiladas de camarón
Shrimp enchiladas made with sautéed shrimp and a creamy sauce. They are popular in some coastal regions of Mexico and are a tasty option for seafood lovers.
If you would love to tries these dishes, come and visit us at Señor Lopez! The goal is to create a welcoming and enjoyable atmosphere where people can appreciate the flavors and cultural significance of Enchiladas!