Ingredients

1 1/2 cups masa corn flour
1 1/4 cups warm water
1/4 cup vegetable shortening
1 teaspoon salt
1 lb bone-in skinless chicken thigh ( about 4 thighs )
2 cups low sodium chicken broth
2 teaspoons salt
2 garlic cloves
1/2 medium white onion , quartered
4 dried ancho chiles , halved , stemmed and seeded
4 dried New Mexico chiles , halved , stemmed and seeded
1 1/2 cups boiling water
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 1/2 teaspoons ground coriander
1 1/2 teaspoons ground cumin
6 garlic cloves , chopped
1 medium white onion , chopped
kosher salt and black pepper
vegetable oil , for reheating tortillas
1 cup queso fresco , crumbled
1/2 medium white onion , chopped
1/2 bunch fresh cilantro leaves , chopped
crema ( optional )
Enchiladas Colorado is a classic Mexican dish from the state of Chihuahua. The key ingredient of the dish is chicken, which is seasoned with a blend of spices and then cooked on a skillet until crispy and golden brown. The sauce is prepared by blending ancho peppers, New Mexico peppers, garlic, and onion along with chicken broth. The resulting sauce is then poured over the chicken-filled, corn tortillas, topped with queso fresco cheese, and baked to perfection. Enchiladas Colorado can be served with a garnish of cilantro, and if you prefer a creamier texture, crema can be added on top. The dish has a spicy kick to it, but not too much, making it ideal for those who like to experiment with a range of flavors. It is a perfect dish to have for an indulgent Sunday brunch or dinner party.

Instructions

1.Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2.In a mixing bowl, add masa flour, vegetable shortening, salt and water. Mix until a soft dough is formed.
3.Roll dough into small balls and then flatten into tortilla shapes.
4.Heat up a non-stick skillet over medium heat and cook each tortilla for about 30 seconds on each side or until slightly browned.
5.Set aside the cooked tortillas until ready to use.
6.Season chicken thighs with garlic, onion, salt and pepper. Preheat a large non-stick skillet to medium-high heat. Cook chicken thighs for 5-7 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Once done, remove from the skillet and set aside to cool.
7.In a large pot, add ancho peppers, New Mexico peppers, garlic, onion and 2 cups of chicken broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 15 minutes. Once done, blend mixture until smooth.
8.Preheat a large skillet over medium heat and heat up 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil. Add coriander and cumin. Cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
9.Add onion sauté and garlic. Cook for 4-5 minutes or until onions become translucent.
10.Add blended chili sauce and continue to cook over medium until the sauce is heated through.
11.On a flat surface, spoon a small amount of the chili sauce, add chicken and roll the tortilla around the chicken. Place in oven-safe glass baking dish and repeat until all tortillas have been used.
12.Pour remaining chili sauce over enchiladas.
13.Top with queso fresco and chopped onions.
14.Bake for 20 minutes.
15.Garnish with cilantro and serve with crema if desired.
16.

PROS

Enchiladas Colorado are flavorful and full of spices that bring out the rich and savory flavors of the chicken.
Slightly spicier than traditional Mexican dishes, these enchiladas are a treat for the adventurous palate.

CONS

Deep-fried tortillas can be high in calories and fat.
People with a low tolerance for hot and spicy foods might find the dish too overwhelming.
It is also important to be cautious while working with dried peppers, as even a small amount of the pepper dust can cause skin or eye irritation.

HEALTH & BENEFITS

Enchiladas Colorado are a high-protein meal, thanks to the use of chicken. The dried peppers used in the recipe are packed with antioxidants and minerals that are beneficial to the human body. The spices used, such as cumin and coriander, aid in digestion and have anti-inflammatory properties.

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