ENCHILADAS back to home
serves 4
Enchiladas are a great way to use leftover meats, roast chicken, grilled steak, etc. When in a hurry, I use a store bought packet enchilada sauce mix to which you add water and tomato sauce- that makes for a really quick preparation- especially if using leftover chicken or beef.
For the Enchiladas
2 cups grated monterey jack- divided in half
1 cup small diced onions
2 cups enchilada sauce
1 t ancho chili powder*
1/3 cup heavy cream
oil for sauteing the onions
4 eight inch flour tortillas
Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
Saute the onion on medium -hi heat until soft and starting to take on a little color- about 5- 6 minutes.
Mix the meat with the onions and half of the cheese in a bowl. In individual casseroles or one large casserole spread a thin layer of the sauce on the bottom.
Lay a tortilla on a plate and spread a thin layer of the sauce over the tortilla about 1/2 inch from the edge. Place about 1/2 cup of the beef /cheese mixture in a line in the center of the tortilla. Roll up and place into the casserole- seam side down. Repeat . Leave some space between the enchiladas as this will make serving easier.
Pour the remaining sauce over the enchiladas and sprinkle with the remaining cheese. Gently pour the cream around the edges- especially coating the ends of the tortillas.
Cover with foil and bake for about 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake another 10-15 minutes until bubbly and golden brown. Serve hot and pass the condiments
Quick Enchilada Sauce
2 T canola oil
2 T flour
1 - 2 T chili powder (to taste)
1 t ground cumin
8 ounces tomato sauce
2 cups water
1 t salt
1/4 t garlic powder
Heat oil in a 2 quart saucepan-stir in flour and chili powder- cook for 1 minute. Add remaining ingredients and stir well to combine- bring to a boil- reduce heat and simmer for about 10 minutes.
* Add the chili powder when using shredded chicken- sprinkle the cooked meat with it- the beef is already well seasoned.
Additional condiments you might want to serve with the enchiladas are, thin shreds of iceberg lettuce, pico de gallo, sour cream, chopped olives or guacamole. You can, of course substitute shredded chicken or beans in place of the beef.