Three Star Enchiladas

Three Star Enchiladas Recipe - Native American Cuisine

Region / culture: Native America | Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 1 hour | Servings: 6

Introduction

Three Star Enchiladas are a delicious and flavorful Mexican dish that is sure to impress your family and friends. These enchiladas are filled with a savory bean purée, sautéed vegetables, and topped with a rich tomato squash sauce. They are perfect for a cozy dinner or a festive gathering.

History

Enchiladas have been a staple in Mexican cuisine for centuries. The dish is believed to have originated in Mexico, where it was traditionally made with corn tortillas filled with various ingredients such as meat, cheese, beans, and vegetables. Over time, different regions in Mexico have developed their own unique variations of enchiladas, each with its own special twist.

Ingredients

12 corn tortillas
1.5 cups bean purée
vegetable oil spray
1 medium onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 red pepper, sliced thin
1 green pepper, sliced thin
1 qt (946 ml) tomato sauce
1 zucchini or summer squash, diced
2 tbsp cilantro
0.5 cup reduced fat shredded cheddar or monterey jack cheese

How to prepare

In a pan, sauté onions, garlic, peppers, and squash in oil until they become tender.
Add tomato sauce and cilantro to the pan.
Reduce the heat and let it simmer for 15 minutes.
Coat a casserole dish with vegetable oil spray and line it with half of the tortillas.
Spread bean dip over the tortillas and sprinkle with cheese.
Layer the remaining tortillas on top.
Pour the tomato squash sauce over the tortillas and cover the dish.
Bake it in the oven at 350°F (177°C) for 1 hour.

Variations

Substitute the bean purée with shredded chicken or beef for a meatier version.
Add diced jalapeños or hot sauce for a spicy kick.
Use different types of cheese such as cheddar or Monterey Jack for a different flavor profile.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to sauté the vegetables until they are tender but still slightly crisp for the best texture.

- Use a good quality tomato sauce for a rich and flavorful sauce.

- Be sure to coat the casserole dish with vegetable oil spray to prevent sticking.

- Let the enchiladas rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Three Star Enchiladas with a side of Mexican rice, guacamole, and salsa for a complete and satisfying meal.

Cooking Techniques

Sauté the vegetables until they are tender but still slightly crisp.

- Simmer the tomato squash sauce to allow the flavors to meld together.

- Bake the enchiladas in the oven until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas for a gluten-free option.

- Substitute the summer squash with zucchini or eggplant.

- Use vegan cheese for a dairy-free version of the dish.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the enchiladas ahead of time and refrigerate them before baking. Simply cover the dish with foil and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, remove the foil and bake as directed.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the enchiladas with fresh cilantro, sliced avocado, and a dollop of sour cream for a beautiful and appetizing presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Three Star Enchiladas pair well with a crisp and refreshing salad, a side of Mexican street corn, or a cold beer or margarita.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover enchiladas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place the enchiladas in the oven at 350°F (177°C) for 15-20 minutes or until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Three Star Enchiladas contains approximately 250 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Three Star Enchiladas contains approximately 30 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Three Star Enchiladas contains approximately 8 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Three Star Enchiladas contains approximately 10 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Three Star Enchiladas are a good source of vitamin C, vitamin A, and potassium.

Alergens

Three Star Enchiladas contain dairy (cheese) and gluten (tortillas). They may also contain soy depending on the brand of tomato sauce used.

Summary

Three Star Enchiladas are a balanced meal that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. They are also rich in vitamins and minerals, making them a nutritious choice for a meal.

Summary

Three Star Enchiladas are a delicious and satisfying Mexican dish that is perfect for any occasion. With a flavorful bean purée, sautéed vegetables, and a rich tomato squash sauce, these enchiladas are sure to become a new favorite in your recipe repertoire. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of discovering this recipe for the first time is a happy memory that I hold dear in my heart. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl, that I first learned how to make Three Star Enchiladas. The recipe was passed down to me by my dear friend Maria, who was a wonderful cook and always had a way of making the most delicious meals.

I remember the day like it was yesterday. Maria invited me over to her house for a cooking lesson, and I was thrilled to learn from her. She had a warm smile and a kind heart, and I knew that I was in for a treat. As we stood in her cozy kitchen, surrounded by the aroma of spices and flavors, Maria began to show me how to make the enchiladas.

She started by sautéing the onions and garlic in a skillet, filling the air with a tantalizing scent. Then she added the ground beef and cooked it until it was browned and seasoned to perfection. Next, she mixed in the diced tomatoes, green chilies, and enchilada sauce, creating a rich and flavorful filling for the enchiladas.

Maria then showed me how to assemble the enchiladas, carefully spooning the filling into each tortilla and rolling them up tightly. She placed them in a baking dish and covered them with a generous amount of cheese before baking them in the oven until they were golden brown and bubbly.

As we sat down to enjoy our meal, I took my first bite of the Three Star Enchiladas and was instantly transported to a place of pure bliss. The flavors were bold and comforting, and I knew that this recipe would become a staple in my own kitchen for years to come.

I thanked Maria for sharing her recipe with me, and she smiled warmly, knowing that she had passed on a piece of her culinary legacy to me. From that day on, I made Three Star Enchiladas for my family and friends, sharing the love and joy that Maria had instilled in me through her delicious recipe.

Over the years, I have made some slight adjustments to the recipe, adding my own personal touch to make it truly my own. I have experimented with different types of cheeses, spices, and fillings, but the essence of the dish remains the same – a comforting and flavorful meal that brings people together and warms the soul.

As I stand in my own kitchen now, preparing Three Star Enchiladas for my grandchildren, I can't help but smile as I think back to that day with Maria. Her passion for cooking and her generosity in sharing her recipes have inspired me to become the cook that I am today.

I am grateful for the memories, the laughter, and the shared meals that have come from this recipe. It has become more than just a dish – it is a symbol of friendship, love, and tradition that I will cherish for the rest of my days. And whenever I make Three Star Enchiladas, I am reminded of Maria and the joy that cooking can bring into our lives.