Texas Monthly: Multimedia

Enchiladas De Chile Ancho (April 2001)

Ancho Sauce

6 ancho chiles, core and seeds removed
1 clove garlic
1/4 small yellow or white onion, chopped
1/2 teaspoon dried Mexican oregano (1 teaspoon fresh)
salt to taste

Put first 4 ingredients in a pan, cover with water, and boil until the chiles become very soft, about 20 minutes. Purée in a blender and press through a strainer. Add salt. (Note: This recipe makes enough sauce to coat the enchiladas; if you want more, double the amounts.)

Enchiladas

1/2 cup vegetable oil (for sautéing)
12 corn tortillas
12 ounces Monterey Jack cheese, grated
4 ounces queso fresco, grated (about 1 cup), for garnish
1/2 cup finely chopped onion
1/2 cup coarsely chopped cilantro
1 cup crema fresca or sour cream

Preheat oven to 300 degrees. Heat oil in a sauté pan over medium-high heat. Dip tortillas in chile sauce, then cook briefly in the hot oil (no more than 5 seconds on each side or they will disintegrate). Place each tortilla on a flat surface, sprinkle Monterey Jack cheese on it (slightly off center), roll up snugly, and put on an ungreased baking sheet with the seam side down. Heat in oven until cheese melts, 5 to 7 minutes.

Garnish enchiladas with queso fresco, onion, cilantro, and a dollop of crema fresca. Makes a dozen enchiladas.

Recipes from Round and Round, April 2001
Enchiladas de Chile Ancho Recipe
Rosario’s Tacos Callejeros Recipe
Tortilla Turnovers Recipe