Preparing enchiladas with homemade sauce for an authentic Mexican taste

The Secret of Enchiladas - Why You'll Love This Mexican Classic and How to Make It at Home

Mexican cuisine is full of flavors, aromas, and colors. It's no wonder that it has gradually found its way into Czech kitchens—from tacos and guacamole to the popular chili con carne. But one dish deserves special attention. Have you heard of enchilada? A thin corn tortilla, hearty filling, flavorful sauce, and baking in the oven that ties everything into a delicious whole. This combination creates a dish that is the heart of the Mexican table.

And what's the best part? Enchiladas aren't complicated—they can be made at home with accessible ingredients and tailored to your taste. But before we dive into the practical recipe, it's worth peeking under the lid to understand what makes the enchilada recipe so special.

Enchilada - A Dish with History and Soul

The word "enchilada" comes from the Spanish "enchilar," which means "to season with chili." The spicy or mildly spicy sauce is a hallmark of this dish. The history of enchiladas dates back to the time of the Aztecs, who created simple yet tasty meals from corn tortillas and various sauces. Spanish colonizers later introduced new ingredients like cheese and meat, creating the dish we know today.

In Mexico, there are countless variations—depending on the region, available ingredients, and traditions. In some places, enchiladas are mainly stuffed with cheese and vegetables, elsewhere with chicken or ground beef. And the sauces? From spicy red with chili peppers, through mild green with green tomatoes and cilantro, to creamy white with yogurt or cream. Each tells a unique story, but they all share one thing: a taste experience that connects.

The Key to a Perfect Enchilada - Sauce

While the tortilla and filling are important, what distinguishes an average dish from an exceptional one is the enchilada sauce. Today, you can find various ready-made sauces in stores, but if you want natural flavor and full control over the ingredients, homemade preparation is the best choice.

The base of the red enchilada sauce is usually tomato paste, chili peppers (often chipotle or ancho), garlic, onion, cumin, oregano, and a bit of broth. Everything is simmered and then blended until smooth. The result is a thick, aromatic sauce that adds depth and character to the dish.

Imagine a common scenario in a Czech kitchen: you have leftover roast chicken, a few tortillas, and some tomatoes. Add homemade sauce and cheese—and in no time, you have a dinner that tastes like it's from an authentic Mexican restaurant. And what's more, no food waste.

Mexican Enchilada – A Recipe You Can Customize

One of the greatest advantages of enchiladas is their flexibility. They are like a canvas on which you can paint your own culinary picture. Whether you prefer vegetarian options or lean towards meat, you will always find a way to make the dish your own.

Here is a basic recipe for Mexican enchiladas that you can adjust to your taste:

Ingredients:

• 8 corn or wheat tortillas
• 2 cups cooked chicken (can be replaced with ground beef, beans, or vegetables)
• 2 cups grated cheese (ideally cheddar, gouda, or a mix)
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves of garlic
• 2 tablespoons oil
• Salt, pepper, cumin, paprika
• Fresh cilantro or parsley for garnish

Homemade Enchilada Sauce:

• 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons ground red pepper
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 2 cups vegetable or chicken broth
• Salt to taste

Instructions:

1. First, prepare the sauce. Heat oil in a saucepan, add flour, and fry until it starts to color. Add pepper, cumin, oregano, and garlic powder, mix, and add tomato paste. Pour in the broth, salt, and cook for about 10 minutes until the sauce thickens.
2. Sauté onion and garlic in a pan, add meat or vegetables, season with spices, and simmer briefly.
3. Put some filling and cheese in each tortilla, roll them up, and arrange in a baking dish.
4. Pour the enchiladas with the sauce, sprinkle with the remaining cheese, and bake in the oven at 180°C for about 20 minutes until the cheese browns.
5. Serve with fresh herbs, sour cream, or avocado.

Sustainability and Seasonality in Mexican Style

Home cooking also has another advantage—it allows for a sustainable approach. By using seasonal vegetables like zucchini, peppers, or sweet potatoes, and utilizing leftover meat, you minimize waste and support local ingredients. Enchiladas are also great for storage—they can be frozen and reheated without losing flavor.

You can also spice them up with fermented vegetables or homemade salsa dip, which not only increases the nutritional value of the dish but also its variety. It's further proof that even a dish rooted thousands of miles away in Mexico can be fully in line with the principles of healthy and ecological eating.

A Little Tip to End

If you're a fan of spicy food, don't hesitate to add a piece of chipotle pepper or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the enchilada sauce. Conversely, for families with children, you can easily prepare a version without hot ingredients while still preserving the richness of flavor.

As the famous Mexican chef Enrique Olvera says: “It's not just about the food. It's about the story we share with each bite." Enchiladas are exactly such a story—they connect cultures, generations, and tastes.

Whether you prepare them as a weekend lunch, a dinner for friends, or a quick meal from what's on hand, one thing is certain: Mexican enchiladas will leave a taste in your memory that you'll want to return to.