Enchilada spirals

Enchilada Spirals Recipe - Authentic Mexican Cuisine

Region / culture: Mexico | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 2 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Enchilada spirals are a delicious and easy-to-make dish that combines the flavors of traditional enchiladas in a fun and unique way. These spirals are perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or for entertaining guests.

History

Enchiladas have been a staple in Mexican cuisine for centuries, with the first known references to the dish dating back to the Mayan civilization. The traditional method of making enchiladas involves filling a tortilla with meat, cheese, or beans, rolling it up, and smothering it in a chili sauce before baking. Enchilada spirals put a modern twist on this classic dish by rolling the ingredients into a spiral shape for a visually appealing presentation.

Ingredients

4 corn tortillas
4 oz (113 g) low-calorie monterey jack cheese
0.5 cup diced green bell pepper
0.5 cup diced red onion
0.25 cup sliced roasted red bell pepper
2 tsp chopped canned green chilies

How to prepare

Shred the cheese and drain and chop the green chilies. Stack tortillas and wrap them in paper towel. Microwave on high for 30 seconds. Remove tortillas from paper towels and place them on a work surface. Divide the cheese, green pepper, onion, roasted pepper, and green chilies evenly among the tortillas. Roll the tortillas jelly-roll style and place them seam side down in a 9" pie plate. Cover the pie plate with a paper towel and microwave on high for 1.5 minutes. Let it stand for 3 minutes and then cut each tortilla into 4 pieces. Each serving provides: 0.25 protein, 0.5 bread, 0.25 vegetable. Per serving: 80 calories, 5 g protein, 3 g fat, 8 g carbohydrates, 130 mg sodium, 10 mg cholesterol.

Variations

Experiment with different fillings for your enchilada spirals, such as shredded chicken, black beans, or sautéed vegetables. You can also customize the level of spiciness by adjusting the amount of chilies in the filling.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

To make the perfect enchilada spirals, be sure to evenly distribute the filling ingredients across the tortillas before rolling them up. This will ensure that each bite is packed with flavor. Additionally, microwaving the assembled spirals before cutting them into pieces helps to melt the cheese and bind the ingredients together.

Serving Suggestions

Serve enchilada spirals with a side of Mexican rice and a fresh salad for a complete meal. Garnish with cilantro and a dollop of sour cream for added flavor.

Cooking Techniques

Microwaving the assembled enchilada spirals helps to melt the cheese and bind the ingredients together. This quick cooking technique ensures that the spirals are ready to eat in no time.

Ingredient Substitutions

Feel free to swap out the filling ingredients in this recipe to suit your preferences. You can use different types of cheese, vegetables, or proteins to create a unique flavor profile.

Make Ahead Tips

You can assemble the enchilada spirals ahead of time and refrigerate them until you are ready to cook. This makes them a great option for meal prep or entertaining.

Presentation Ideas

Arrange the enchilada spirals on a platter and garnish with fresh herbs or a drizzle of salsa for a beautiful presentation. You can also serve them in individual ramekins for a more elegant touch.

Pairing Recommendations

Enchilada spirals pair well with a variety of side dishes, such as Mexican rice, refried beans, or a simple green salad. A cold beer or a glass of sangria makes a refreshing beverage choice.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover enchilada spirals in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave the spirals until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of enchilada spirals contains 80 calories. This makes them a relatively low-calorie option for a satisfying meal.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of enchilada spirals contains 8 grams of carbohydrates. Carbohydrates are an important source of energy for the body and can help fuel your daily activities.

Fats

Each serving of enchilada spirals contains 3 grams of fat. While fats are often demonized in the diet, they are essential for overall health and can help the body absorb certain vitamins and minerals.

Proteins

Each serving of enchilada spirals contains 5 grams of protein. Protein is important for building and repairing tissues in the body, making it an essential nutrient for overall health.

Vitamins and minerals

Enchilada spirals are a good source of vitamin C, thanks to the bell peppers and chilies in the filling. Vitamin C is important for immune function and can help protect against illness.

Alergens

Enchilada spirals contain dairy in the form of cheese. Those with dairy allergies or lactose intolerance should use a dairy-free cheese alternative.

Summary

Enchilada spirals are a balanced meal option that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. They are also a good source of vitamin C and relatively low in calories.

Summary

Enchilada spirals are a fun and flavorful twist on traditional enchiladas. With a balance of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins, they make a satisfying meal option that is perfect for any occasion. Experiment with different fillings and toppings to create a dish that suits your taste preferences. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was immediately hooked. It was at a potluck dinner at my friend Maria's house. She had made these delicious enchilada spirals that were a hit with everyone at the party. I begged her for the recipe, and she was kind enough to share it with me.

Maria explained that she had learned to make the enchilada spirals from her aunt who had picked up the recipe during a trip to Mexico. The combination of flavors and the unique presentation of the dish captured my attention, and I knew I had to try making it myself.

I gathered the ingredients I needed – tortillas, ground beef, cheese, enchilada sauce, and various seasonings. As I started to prepare the dish, I couldn't help but think back to all the recipes I had learned over the years from different people and places. Cooking had always been a passion of mine, and I loved learning new dishes to add to my repertoire.

As I rolled the tortillas filled with the beef and cheese, I couldn't wait to see how they would turn out. The aroma of the enchilada sauce simmering on the stove filled the kitchen, and I knew this dish was going to be a winner.

After baking the enchilada spirals in the oven, I eagerly took them out and let them cool slightly before serving them to my family. The first bite was pure bliss – the flavors melded together perfectly, and the dish was a hit with everyone at the table.

From that moment on, the enchilada spirals became a regular feature on our family's dinner menu. I loved sharing this dish with friends and family, and it quickly became one of my signature recipes.

Over the years, I have made slight adjustments to the original recipe, adding my own personal touch to make it even more delicious. I have passed the recipe on to my daughter, who now makes the enchilada spirals for her own family.

Each time I make these enchilada spirals, I am reminded of that first time I saw the recipe at Maria's potluck dinner. It brings back memories of learning new dishes and the joy of sharing my love of cooking with others.

I am grateful for all the recipes I have learned over the years, each one adding to my culinary repertoire and bringing joy to those I share them with. Cooking has always been a way for me to express my creativity and connect with others, and I am grateful for the many recipes I have collected along the way.

As I continue to cook and explore new dishes, I look forward to adding more recipes to my collection and sharing them with those I love. The enchilada spirals will always hold a special place in my heart, as they remind me of the joy of discovering new recipes and the pleasure of sharing them with others.