Savory Lamb Enchiladas: A Fusion of Flavors Recipe Page

Ingredients

  • 1.5 pounds of lamb shoulder, cubed
  • 2 tablespoons of olive oil
  • 1 white onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves of garlic, minced
  • 1 can (15 ounces) of red enchilada sauce
  • 1 can (4 ounces) of chopped green chilies
  • 1/2 teaspoon of ground cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon of chili powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 8-10 large flour tortillas
  • 2 cups of shredded Monterey Jack cheese
  • 1/4 cup of chopped fresh cilantro
  • 1 cup of sour cream (optional)

Steps and instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Heat the olive oil in a large frying pan over medium-high heat. Add the lamb and cook until browned on all sides. This should take about 5-7 minutes.
  3. Remove the lamb from the pan and set aside. In the same pan, add the onions and garlic and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
  4. Add the enchilada sauce, green chilies, cumin, and chili powder to the pan, stirring well to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then add the lamb back into the pan. Cook for an additional 10 minutes until lamb is fully coated with sauce.
  5. Season the lamb mixture with salt and pepper to taste.
  6. Spread a small amount of the sauce on the bottom of a 9x13 inch baking dish.
  7. Fill each tortilla with a generous portion of the lamb mixture and a sprinkle of shredded cheese, then roll up and place seam-side down in the baking dish.
  8. Pour the remaining sauce over the top of the enchiladas and sprinkle with the remaining cheese.
  9. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  10. Allow the enchiladas to cool for a few minutes before serving, garnished with the chopped cilantro and a dollop of sour cream if desired.

Tools for making

Recipe variations

  • Substitute the lamb with cooked chicken or beef for a different flavor.
  • Use corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas for a gluten-free option.
  • Add diced bell peppers or jalapeños for added spice and flavor.
  • Experiment with different cheese varieties such as cheddar, pepper jack, or queso fresco.
  • Add black beans or refried beans to the filling for extra protein and texture.
  • Include roasted vegetables like zucchini, squash, or corn for a vegetarian option.
  • Replace the red enchilada sauce with green or mole sauce for a different taste.
  • Garnish with sliced avocado, diced tomatoes, or sliced olives for added freshness.
  • Sprinkle crumbled cotija cheese or queso blanco on top for a tangy twist.
  • Serve with a side of guacamole, salsa, or Mexican rice for a complete meal.

Recipe overview

This delicious and satisfying Lamb Enchiladas recipe brings a hearty twist to a classic Mexican dish. Tender cubes of lamb shoulder are cooked with a flavorful blend of onions, garlic, chilies, and traditional Mexican spices, then rolled in soft flour tortillas with a generous sprinkle of Monterey Jack cheese. The enchiladas are then baked until the cheese is melted and bubbly, resulting in a meal that's packed with flavor and sure to impress. With prep and cooking time combined, you can expect this dish to be ready in just over an hour. Garnish with fresh cilantro and a dollop of sour cream for an extra layer of flavor. Whether you're making a weeknight dinner for your family or serving up a feast for friends, these Lamb Enchiladas are a must-try.

Common questions

  1. Can I use a different meat instead of lamb? Yes, you can substitute lamb with other meats like beef or chicken if you prefer.
  2. Can I use corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas? Yes, you can use corn tortillas if you prefer. Just keep in mind that corn tortillas tend to be a bit more fragile, so you may need to warm them slightly before rolling to prevent cracking.
  3. Can I make this recipe ahead of time? Absolutely! You can assemble the enchiladas ahead of time and refrigerate them until you're ready to bake. Just make sure to adjust the baking time accordingly, as they may need a few extra minutes in the oven if they're cold when going in.
  4. Can I freeze the leftovers? Yes, you can freeze the leftovers. Wrap the enchiladas tightly in aluminum foil or place them in an airtight container before freezing. They should last for up to 3 months in the freezer. To reheat, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight and then bake in a preheated oven until heated through.
  5. Can I add other toppings or fillings to the enchiladas? Absolutely! Feel free to get creative with your toppings and fillings. Some popular options include diced tomatoes, sliced jalapenos, guacamole, or even a drizzle of hot sauce.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Baking dish - A 9x13 inch baking dish is recommended for baking the enchiladas.
  • Frying pan - A large frying pan is needed to brown the lamb and cook the onion and garlic.
  • Spatula - A spatula will come in handy for flipping and stirring the lamb while browning.
  • Chef's knife - A sharp chef's knife is essential for chopping the onion and mincing the garlic.
  • Cutting board - A sturdy cutting board provides a safe and stable surface for chopping ingredients.
  • Oven mitts - Oven mitts or heat-resistant gloves are necessary for handling the hot baking dish.
  • Grater - If you are using block cheese, a grater will be useful for shredding the Monterey Jack cheese.
  • Serving platter - A large serving platter will allow you to present the enchiladas beautifully at the table.
  • Garnish tools - You may want to have scissors or a sharp knife for chopping the fresh cilantro for garnishing the dish.

Origin stories

Enchiladas have a rich and storied history in Mexican cuisine, dating back to Mayan times. Originally, enchiladas were simply corn tortillas dipped in chili sauce. It wasn't until the Spanish Conquest that ingredients like meat, cheese, and other spices were introduced to the mix. The term 'enchilada' itself means 'in chili' and reflects the dish's historical roots. This recipe for Lamb Enchiladas is a delightful twist on the traditional chicken or beef variety. Lamb, while not the most common meat used in Mexican cooking, is celebrated in several regional dishes and offers a robust and flavorful alternative. Enjoy this fusion of ancient tradition and modern innovation.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.