Homemade Enchiladas Rojas are a delicious and comforting Mexican dish made with corn tortillas, filled with meat or cheese, and covered in a rich red chili sauce. Here’s a simple recipe for you to make them from scratch!
🌶 Homemade Enchiladas Rojas 🌶
Ingredients
For the Red Sauce (Salsa Roja):
- 4 dried guajillo chilies, stemmed and deseeded
- 2 dried ancho chilies, stemmed and deseeded
- 2 cups hot water
- 2 Roma tomatoes
- ½ small onion
- 2 garlic cloves
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 1 cup chicken broth (or water)
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
For the Enchiladas:
- 12 corn tortillas
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken (or cheese, beef, or veggies)
- 1 cup crumbled queso fresco (or shredded cheese of choice)
- ½ cup diced onions (optional)
- 1 cup Mexican crema or sour cream
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
- Vegetable oil for frying
Instructions
1️⃣ Make the Red Sauce:
- Toast the dried chilies in a dry pan for about 30 seconds per side until fragrant.
- Soak them in hot water for 10 minutes until soft.
- In a blender, combine the soaked chilies, tomatoes, onion, garlic, cumin, oregano, salt, and 1 cup of chicken broth. Blend until smooth.
- Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a pan and strain the blended sauce into the pan to remove any solids. Simmer for 10 minutes until slightly thickened. Adjust salt to taste.
2️⃣ Prepare the Tortillas:
- Heat a small amount of oil in a pan and lightly fry each tortilla for 10-15 seconds per side (to prevent breaking). Drain excess oil on paper towels.
3️⃣ Assemble the Enchiladas:
- Dip each tortilla into the warm red sauce, making sure it’s coated well.
- Place the tortilla on a plate, add some shredded chicken (or cheese/veggies), and roll it up.
- Repeat with the remaining tortillas and arrange them in a serving dish.
4️⃣ Serve & Garnish:
- Pour extra red sauce over the enchiladas.
- Top with crumbled queso fresco, Mexican crema, diced onions, and fresh cilantro.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
🔥 Tips & Variations:
- For a spicier version: Add 1-2 arbol chilies to the sauce.
- For a smoother sauce: Strain the sauce after blending.
- Make it vegetarian: Use sautéed mushrooms, beans, or cheese as the filling.
- Pair it with: Mexican rice and refried beans for a complete meal!
Would you like any modifications or side dish suggestions? 😊
