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An enchilada is a traditional Mexican dish. Enchilada comes from the verb enchilar (= "to add chile pepper to"). Enchilada literally means "seasoned with chiles". The traditional enchilada sauce is just that—dried red chile peppers soaked and ground into a sauce with other seasonings. However, red enchilada sauce may also be tomato-based with red chiles, while green enchilada sauce is usually made of tomatillos and green chiles. Mole may also be used as enchilada sauce.The enchilada is typically made with a corn (maize) tortilla which is fried briefly in hot lard or oil to soften it, and then dipped in the chosen enchilada sauce. The tortillas are filled and rolled up, placed in a casserole, then layered with sauce and possibly other additions such as cheese and chopped onions. Fillings may be almost anything, depending on the cook's taste and means. While enchiladas made with chicken, meat or cheese fillings are very popular (chicken being the most common), vegetables, seafood, eggs, or bananas may also be used. One popular variant consists of potatoes and white cheese.Since the filling and sauce are prepared before assembling the enchiladas, baking in an oven serves to heat through rather than cook the dish. Common garnishes are cream, diced or sliced onions and grilled cheese (enchiladas suizas), sour cream, lettuce, olives, chopped onions, chili peppers, and fresh cilantro. Fried eggs or cecina (salted, cooked meat strips) may be added as a final touch or as a side dish.A Picture of "green" enchiladas with Mexican rice, tomotaoes, and nopales, acting as side dishes. [1]Since this is a very simple dish to prepare, the phrase "estas no son enchiladas" (these are not enchiladas) is used, tongue in cheek, in Mexico City to refer to something that is not simple. This phrase is commonly used in response to impatient complaints. The enchilada also has its place in English slang, in the phrase "the whole enchilada." plain layout @ HOT FreeLayouts.com
