Behold the power of fresh tomatillos matched with a plate of enchiladas. Enchiladas verdes are typically filled with shredded chicken and topped with a white cheese like Monterrey Jack. The tomatillo sauce in this recipe is also great over chile rellanos, tacos or just with tortilla chips. Just add rice, beans, pico de gallo and cilantro. You’ve got a full dinner!
I love serving a plate of hot enchiladas on my colorful Fiesta ware dishes.
Ingredients
Tomatillo Sauce
- 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil
- 1 pound of tomatillos
- 2 garlic cloves
- 1 cup finely chopped yellow onion
- Salt and pepper to taste
Enchiladas
- 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil
- 12 corn tortillas
- 3 cups shredded cooked chicken
- 2 cups shredded Monterey Jack
- Sour Cream (for garnish)
- Chopped cilantro (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F.
- Spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
- The tomatillo sauce:
- Soak the tomatillos in a bowl of cold water to loosen the husks. Drain and peel off the husks.
- Place the tomatillos and garlic in a saucepan with water to cover the tomatillos halfway and bring to a boil. Boil until the tomatillos about ten minutes, or until tender. Drain. Transfer the tomatillos and garlic to a blender and blend to a puree.
- Heat the 2 tablespoons of oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the pureed tomatillos and the onion, and season with salt and pepper. Bring to a simmer, and simmer for about five minutes.
- The Filling:
- Pour ½ inch of vegetable oil into a skillet and heat over medium-high heat until hot. One at a time, dip the tortillas into the hot oil to soften them, just a few seconds. Transfer to paper towels to drain.
- Fill the center of each tortilla with ¼ cup of shredded chicken and fold over the sides. Place seam side down in the 9×13 baking dish.
- Top enchiladas with warm tomatillo sauce. Sprinkle the enchiladas generously with the grated Monterey Jack.
- Bake for about 10 minutes until the cheese is bubbly. Serve at once.
- Garnish with sour cream and cilantro.
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If you want a spicier verde sauce, add one finely chopped jalapeño or serrano chile, to taste.
Other enchilada sauces to pour over cheese enchiladas are Chile con Carne Sauce, Tomatillo Sauce, Ranchero Sauce and Chipotle Sauce.