Queso Fresco Enchiladas with Tomato Cumin Sauce
Queso Fresco Enchiladas with Tomato Cumin Sauce Recipe | Vegetarian Food from Canada
Introduction
Queso Fresco Enchiladas with Tomato Cumin Sauce is a delicious and flavorful Mexican dish that combines cheesy enchiladas with a tangy and spicy tomato cumin cream sauce. This dish is perfect for a family dinner or a gathering with friends, as it is sure to impress even the pickiest eaters.
History
Enchiladas have been a staple in Mexican cuisine for centuries, with various regional variations and fillings. The addition of queso fresco, a fresh and mild cheese, adds a creamy and slightly tangy flavor to the dish. The tomato cumin cream sauce adds a unique twist to the traditional enchilada sauce, giving it a rich and aromatic flavor profile.
Ingredients
Enchiladas
- 8 corn tortillas
- 2 cups oil (for frying the tortillas)
- 1 lb (454 g) grated queso fresco (substitute monterey jack if needed)
- 1 diced onion
- 0.5 bunch chopped cilantro
Tomato cumin cream sauce
- 4 roma tomatoes (roasted for 12 minutes and blended)
- 1 serrano chile (chopped)
- 1 tbsp ground cumin
- 3 cups sour cream
- 1 cup heavy cream
How to prepare
Enchiladas
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C).
- Heat the oil in a frying pan to about 325°F (163°C).
- Gently fry the tortillas one at a time in the oil until they become soft, not crispy.
- In a bowl, mix the cheese, cilantro, and onion together.
- Fill each tortilla with about two ounces of the cheese mixture and roll it up tightly.
- Place the enchiladas in a greased casserole dish and top them with a layer of the tomato cream sauce.
- Sprinkle more grated cheese on top and bake covered for 12 – 15 minutes.
- Uncover and bake for an additional 3 minutes to brown the top.
Tomato cumin cream sauce
- In a bowl, mix all the ingredients together until they are well incorporated.
- Keep the mixture covered and refrigerated for up to 1 week.
Variations
- Substitute the queso fresco with another type of cheese, such as cheddar or pepper jack, for a different flavor profile.
- Add cooked chicken, beef, or vegetables to the filling for a heartier enchilada.
- Use a different type of salsa or sauce, such as green salsa or mole, for a unique twist on the dish.
Cooking Tips & Tricks
Make sure to fry the tortillas just until they are soft, not crispy, to ensure they are pliable for rolling.
- Rolling the enchiladas tightly will help prevent the filling from spilling out during baking.
- Covering the enchiladas with the tomato cumin cream sauce before baking will help keep them moist and flavorful.
- Sprinkling extra grated cheese on top before baking will create a deliciously gooey and cheesy topping.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Queso Fresco Enchiladas with Tomato Cumin Sauce with a side of Mexican rice, refried beans, and a fresh salad for a complete and satisfying meal.
Cooking Techniques
Roasting the tomatoes before blending them will enhance their flavor and add a smoky depth to the sauce.
- Frying the tortillas before filling and rolling them will prevent them from becoming soggy during baking.
- Baking the enchiladas covered first, then uncovering them for a few minutes, will ensure they are cooked through and have a crispy top.
Ingredient Substitutions
Use corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas for a gluten-free option.
- Substitute Greek yogurt for the sour cream for a lighter sauce.
- Use canned diced tomatoes instead of fresh roma tomatoes for a quicker sauce.
Make Ahead Tips
The tomato cumin cream sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
- The enchiladas can be assembled and stored in the refrigerator, covered, for up to 24 hours before baking.
Presentation Ideas
Garnish the Queso Fresco Enchiladas with Tomato Cumin Sauce with fresh cilantro, diced avocado, and a dollop of sour cream for a colorful and appetizing presentation. - Serve the enchiladas on a bed of shredded lettuce or cabbage for added texture and freshness.
Pairing Recommendations
Pair the Queso Fresco Enchiladas with Tomato Cumin Sauce with a cold Mexican beer or a refreshing margarita for a festive and enjoyable meal.
- Serve the enchiladas with a side of Mexican street corn or grilled vegetables for a complete and satisfying dinner.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Store any leftover enchiladas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat the enchiladas in the oven at 350°F (177°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.
- The tomato cumin cream sauce can be reheated on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed.
Nutrition Information
Calories per serving
Each serving of Queso Fresco Enchiladas with Tomato Cumin Sauce contains approximately 400 calories.
Carbohydrates
Each serving of Queso Fresco Enchiladas with Tomato Cumin Sauce contains approximately 30 grams of carbohydrates.
Fats
Each serving of Queso Fresco Enchiladas with Tomato Cumin Sauce contains approximately 25 grams of fats.
Proteins
Each serving of Queso Fresco Enchiladas with Tomato Cumin Sauce contains approximately 15 grams of proteins.
Vitamins and minerals
Queso Fresco Enchiladas with Tomato Cumin Sauce is a good source of calcium, vitamin C, and vitamin A.
Alergens
This recipe contains dairy (cheese, sour cream, heavy cream) and wheat (tortillas).
Summary
Queso Fresco Enchiladas with Tomato Cumin Sauce is a balanced meal that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins, along with essential vitamins and minerals.
Summary
Queso Fresco Enchiladas with Tomato Cumin Sauce is a delicious and satisfying Mexican dish that is perfect for a family dinner or a gathering with friends. With its creamy cheese filling and tangy tomato cumin cream sauce, this dish is sure to become a new favorite in your recipe repertoire.
How did I get this recipe?
I remember the thrill of stumbling upon this recipe for Queso Fresco Enchiladas with Tomato Cumin Sauce. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting a bustling farmers market with my dear friend Maria. As we strolled through the rows of fresh produce and artisanal goods, we came across a small stand run by a Mexican family selling homemade cheeses and spices.
Maria and I were immediately drawn to the vibrant colors and enticing aromas coming from their stand. We struck up a conversation with the family and learned that they were passionate about preserving traditional Mexican recipes and flavors. They generously shared their recipe for Queso Fresco Enchiladas with Tomato Cumin Sauce with us, explaining that it was a beloved family dish that had been passed down for generations.
I was captivated by the simplicity of the recipe and the bold flavors it promised. The combination of tangy queso fresco, spicy enchilada sauce, and fragrant cumin was unlike anything I had ever tasted before. I knew I had to recreate this dish in my own kitchen and share it with my family and friends.
I immediately set to work gathering the ingredients for the enchiladas. I picked up a block of fresh queso fresco from a local dairy farm, ripe tomatoes from the farmers market, and fragrant cumin from the spice store. As I chopped, grated, and mixed the ingredients together, I felt a sense of joy and excitement building within me.
Once the enchiladas were assembled and baking in the oven, I turned my attention to the tomato cumin sauce. I simmered the tomatoes with onions, garlic, and a generous amount of cumin until the sauce had thickened and the flavors had melded together beautifully. The aroma that filled my kitchen was intoxicating, and I couldn't wait to drizzle the sauce over the hot enchiladas.
When the enchiladas were finally ready, I carefully removed them from the oven and placed them on a large serving platter. The golden tortillas were oozing with melted queso fresco, and the tomato cumin sauce glistened invitingly on top. I garnished the dish with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime, then called my family to the table.
As we sat down to eat, I watched with anticipation as my loved ones took their first bite of the Queso Fresco Enchiladas with Tomato Cumin Sauce. Their eyes lit up with delight, and I knew that I had struck gold with this recipe. The creamy cheese, spicy sauce, and aromatic spices danced on their tongues, creating a symphony of flavors that brought smiles to their faces.
From that day on, Queso Fresco Enchiladas with Tomato Cumin Sauce became a staple in my recipe repertoire. I shared the recipe with friends, neighbors, and anyone who would listen, spreading the joy and love that went into creating this dish. It became a symbol of my passion for cooking and my appreciation for the rich culinary traditions of Mexico.
As I look back on that fateful day at the farmers market, I am filled with gratitude for the serendipitous encounter that led me to discover this delicious recipe. It has brought me countless moments of joy and connection with others, and I know that it will continue to do so for years to come. So the next time you're craving a taste of Mexico, give my Queso Fresco Enchiladas with Tomato Cumin Sauce a try. I promise you won't be disappointed. ¡Buen provecho!
Categories
| Canadian Recipes | Canadian Vegetarian | Cilantro Recipes | Enchilada Recipes | Heavy Cream Recipes | Jack Cheese Recipes | Plum Tomato Recipes | Queso Blanco Recipes | Serrano Pepper Recipes | Sour Cream Recipes | World Recipes |