🌶 Rolled Cheese and Onion Enchiladas with Red Chile
Ingredients (4–6 servings)
Red Chile Sauce
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6–8 dried New Mexico or Guajillo chilies
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2 cups water or low-sodium chicken/vegetable broth
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2 garlic cloves
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½ tsp cumin
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½ tsp dried oregano (preferably Mexican oregano)
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Salt, to taste
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1 tsp vegetable oil
Filling
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2 cups shredded cheese (Monterey Jack, Cheddar, or a mix)
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1 medium onion, finely chopped
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1–2 tbsp butter or oil
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Salt & pepper, to taste
Enchiladas
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8–10 corn or flour tortillas
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Optional garnish: chopped cilantro, sliced radishes, sour cream, or diced tomatoes
🧑🍳 Instructions
1. Prepare red chile sauce
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Toast dried chilies in a dry skillet 20–30 seconds per side (don’t burn).
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Remove stems and seeds; soak chilies in hot water for 20–30 minutes until soft.
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Blend softened chilies with garlic, cumin, oregano, salt, and 1–2 cups soaking liquid until smooth.
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Heat 1 tsp oil in a saucepan; simmer blended sauce 5–10 minutes. Adjust salt.
2. Cook onion filling
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Sauté chopped onions in butter or oil over medium heat until soft and slightly caramelized.
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Season with salt and pepper.
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Mix onions with shredded cheese in a bowl.
3. Prepare tortillas
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Lightly warm tortillas in a skillet or microwave so they’re pliable for rolling.
4. Assemble enchiladas
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Spread 2–3 tbsp cheese and onion mixture in the center of each tortilla.
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Roll tortillas tightly and place seam-side down in a greased baking dish.
5. Pour sauce and bake
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Pour red chile sauce evenly over rolled enchiladas.
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Sprinkle additional cheese on top if desired.
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Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15–20 minutes until heated through and cheese is melted.
6. Serve
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Garnish with cilantro, sliced radishes, diced tomatoes, or sour cream.
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Serve hot with rice and beans for a complete meal.
⭐ Tips
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Chilies: Guajillo for mild, fruity heat; New Mexico for earthy flavor.
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Cheese: Use a melty cheese like Monterey Jack for creamy enchiladas.
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Onion flavor: Caramelize onions slightly for a deeper, sweeter taste.
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Make-ahead: Assemble enchiladas and store covered in the fridge for a few hours; bake when ready.
I can also provide a spicy version with extra chile kick or a vegetarian version with beans and roasted peppers if you want.