Enchiladas with homemade Enchilada Sauce....A favorite!

Happy New Year! Here's wishing you all the best for 2009!

Do you like Mexican food? If you do, try these.....these enchiladas were AWESOME! They were even better than some restaurants because I made the sauce myself...and it turned out just delicious.

The secret ingredient in this sauce is Chocolate! yes, dark chocolate.....I had just bought some Chocolate with Chilies in it over the holidays and it came to good use in this recipe....and while there is no*distinct* chocolate flavor in this sauce, it just adds that extra oomph to it!

On with the recipes:

For the Red Sauce:
1-2 cans - strained tomatoes or tomato sauce
-1 red or white onion
-3-6 Chipotles or dried Indian Chilies (adjust to your taste)
-3-4 cloves of garlic
-1 small packet of Taco Seasoning
-2-3 tbsp Dona Maria Mole sauce(optional) but this gives it a LOT of flavor.
-6 small squares of Dark Chocolate - I used Chocolate with Chilies in it
-1 tbsp-Oil
-A pinch of sugar, and some black pepper- to taste

Soak the chilies in some warm water for half an hour. Grind all the ingredients except the tomatoes, taco seasoning and the Chocolate. In a deep pan, heat the oil and add the ground paste of the onions, chilies and garlic. Saute for 10 minutes, and now add the Taco Seasoning. Stir really well and add the tomatoes. Add the chocolate pieces and stir well.Add the sugar and pepper. Simmer on low heat for 20 minutes or more to bring out the flavors.


For the Filling:
I used a spinach, corn, onions and pepper filling. Saute some Onions in a little bit of Olive Oil, add some peppers, corn and the spinach and some Adobo or Mexican Seasoning. Try and get the low sodium one for a healthier version. Mix well and saute until the spinach wilts. This is so versatile, you can add whatever veggies or meat you'd like.

I also added some beans on the side. Mash some black beans and heat. You can use refried beans if you like.

For the toppings and sides: Tortillas, Southwest Cheese or any cheddar/pepperjack mix, Guacamole, Sour cream, Olives, Jalapenos, Green Onions, Taco Sauce and a fresh tomato,cilantro and red onion Salsa. I also made some Mexican rice, but that was just plain rice from the Zatarain's- Jambalaya brand. Use any one that you like.

Assembling the Enchiladas:

Spread some filling on to the tortillas. Roll them up and add some sauce on top, along with the other toppings. Bake in a preheated oven- 350F individually until the cheese melts. Serve with a side of Guacamole, sour cream, and salsa and of course, some rice! Enjoy.

Try this....let me know how you like it!



Again, many warm wishes to ALL of you who come to read this blog....thank you! I appreciate each and everyone of you. Here's to a great 2009!