The History of the Enchilada

Enchiladas are typical Mexican dishes consisting of a corn tortilla rolled around a filling and dipped in chili sauce. According to The Best Flavors of Mexico, the word “enchilada” first appeared in 1885, meaning “In Chile.” Yet the Aztecs are certainly responsible for the concept of using tortillas as a wrap. Today, you can walk into authentic Mexican restaurants and see diners enjoying mouth-watering enchiladas. What about enchiladas makes them so unique and different from other Mexican dishes? In order to answer this, let us first dive into its origin.

Origin of the Enchilada

The practice of people rolling other food into tortillas has existed for centuries. The Mayans were among the first people to make what resembled enchiladas with empty corn tortillas immersed in chili sauce. Later on, when Spanish conquerors reached Mexico, they recorded the dish and added other ingredients to it.

According to History Today, around 1845, Mexican dishes started integrating into American culture, becoming the basis for what would later be known as Tex-Mex Cuisine. Enchiladas quickly gained popularity among locals as a favorite lunch food.

However, it was in the 20th century that enchiladas became widely accepted. In 1949, an American food and drink magazine described enchiladas as a Mexican meal cooked more for visitors than for local consumption. This was because of how rich and delicious they were, causing people to long for a taste.

Varieties of Enchiladas

Today’s enchiladas are typically made with chicken or beef but can also be filled with beans, veggies, or cheese. Many authentic Mexican restaurants serve different varieties of enchiladas. Some of the most common types are Enmoladas, Enchiladas Suizas, Enfrijolada, Enchiladas de Camaron, Salsa Verde ecnhiladas, and Enchiladas Potosinas.

The presentation styles of enchiladas also vary depending on the country. For instance, in Canada and the U.S., enchiladas are first stuffed with food, rolled, and then topped with sauce and cheese. On the other hand, in Mexico, stacked enchiladas are more common. They come with a tortilla topped with meat and another enchilada.

Enchiladas are nutritious and may easily be tailored to a person’s preference. They are a fantastic option for anyone looking to try a traditional Mexican dish in authentic Mexican restaurants because of their rich history and vast assortment of meat, cheese, and garnishes. Come visit our restaurant for an authentic enchilada today!