An enchilada is a traditional Mexican dish made of a corn tortilla rolled around a filling and covered with a savory chili-based sauce. The fillings can vary widely and include meats, cheese, beans, potatoes, vegetables, or combinations of these ingredients. The sauce used to cover enchiladas is typically chili pepper-based, such as salsa roja (red sauce), salsa verde (green tomatillo sauce), mole, or cheese-based sauces like chile con queso
. Originally, enchiladas were simple corn tortillas dipped in chili sauce and eaten without fillings, but today they come in many varieties distinguished by their fillings, sauces, and preparation methods. The corn tortilla is traditional because it holds its shape well when rolled and complements the savory fillings with its slightly sweet flavor. Some versions use flour tortillas, but corn is more authentic
. The name "enchilada" comes from the Spanish verb enchilar , meaning "to season with chili," which reflects the characteristic chili sauce that defines the dish. Enchiladas are typically eaten with utensils because they are served smothered in sauce and often baked with cheese on top
. In summary, an enchilada is:
- A rolled corn tortilla
- Filled with meat, cheese, beans, or vegetables
- Covered with a chili-based sauce (red, green, mole, or cheese sauce)
- Often baked and served with garnishes like cilantro or onions
This dish is a staple of Mexican cuisine and has many regional variations
