Enchilada
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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 chile pepper". The traditional enchilada sauce is just that – dried red chili peppers soaked and ground into a sauce with other seasonings. However, red enchilada sauce may also be tomato-based with red chilis, while green enchilada sauce is usually made of tomatillos and green chili peppers. Moles may also be used as enchilada sauce.
The enchilada is typically made with a corn (maize) tortilla which is dipped in the chosen enchilada sauce, and then fried briefly in hot lard or oil to soften it. 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 cheese, chicken, or meat fillings are very popular, vegetables, seafood or eggs may also be used. One popular version 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 (enchiladas suizas), sour cream, lettuce, olives, chopped onions, chili peppers, and fresh cilantro. Fried eggs may be added as a final touch.sv:Enchiladas