History of Enchiladas Suizas
Enchiladas Suizas is a classic Mexican dish that originated in the central region of the country. The name "suizas" means Swiss in Spanish, but there's no actual Swiss connection to the dish. The name is believed to have been coined by a restaurant owner who thought that the creamy sauce used in the dish resembled Swiss cheese.
The dish is made up of tortillas filled with chicken, cheese, and other ingredients, rolled up, and then covered with a creamy green sauce made with tomatillos, green chilies, and heavy cream. The dish is then baked until the cheese melts and the flavors meld together.
Enchiladas Suizas is a popular dish in Mexico and is also widely enjoyed in the United States and other countries. The dish has evolved over time, and there are many variations, but the basic components remain the same.
Ingredients
To make enchiladas suizas, you'll need the following ingredients:
- 12 corn tortillas - 3 cups shredded cooked chicken - 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese - 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro - 1/2 cup sour cream - 1/4 cup chopped onion - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 tablespoon olive oil - Salt and pepper to taste - 1 cup chicken broth - 1/2 cup heavy cream - 1/2 cup chopped tomatillos - 1/4 cup chopped green chilies
Steps to Make Enchiladas Suizas
1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic and cook until the onion is translucent and the garlic is fragrant, about 2-3 minutes.
3. Add the shredded chicken to the skillet and stir to combine with the onion and garlic. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. In a separate bowl, combine the shredded Monterey Jack cheese, chopped cilantro, and sour cream.
5. Soften the tortillas in the microwave or on a griddle for a few seconds until they are pliable.
6. Spoon a small amount of the chicken mixture and the cheese mixture onto each tortilla and roll up tightly. Place the rolled tortillas seam-side down in a large baking dish.
7. In a blender or food processor, combine the chicken broth, tomatillos, green chilies, and heavy cream. Blend until smooth.
8. Pour the sauce over the enchiladas, making sure that they are fully covered.
9. Bake the enchiladas in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until they are heated through and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
10. Serve hot with additional chopped cilantro and sour cream, if desired.
Tips for Making the Perfect Enchiladas Suizas
- Use a rotisserie chicken or leftover cooked chicken to save time. - If you prefer a spicier dish, add more chopped green chilies or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce. - If you don't have tomatillos, you can use green tomatoes or even canned green enchilada sauce. - For a vegetarian version, substitute the chicken with sautéed mushrooms or roasted vegetables. - Serve with a side of refried beans and Mexican rice for a complete meal.
Conclusion
Enchiladas Suizas is a classic Mexican dish that's easy to make and sure to impress. With its creamy green sauce and delicious chicken and cheese filling, it's a crowd-pleaser that's perfect for a family dinner or a party. Follow our simple guide to make your own mouth-watering enchiladas suizas at home, and enjoy the flavors of Mexico in your own kitchen.
