Cheesy Spinach Enchiladas: A Flavorful Vegetarian Mexican Delight
Description:
Cheesy Spinach Enchiladas are a mouthwatering, vegetarian dish packed with fresh flavors. The combination of sautéed spinach, creamy Mexican chili cheese spread, and homemade cottage cheese (paneer) creates a filling that’s rich, creamy, and irresistible. Wrapped in soft tortillas and baked with a spicy tomato sauce, these enchiladas are a perfect main course for any meal. Serve with a refreshing drink and a delightful dessert for a complete Mexican-inspired feast!
Cuisine: Mexican
Course: Main Course
Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
| For the Spinach Filling | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Garlic (finely chopped) | 6 cloves |
| Spinach (chopped) | 500 grams |
| Paneer (Homemade Cottage Cheese, grated) | 1/2 cup |
| Britannia Cheese Spread – Mexican Chilli | 2 tablespoons |
| Extra Virgin Olive Oil | 1 teaspoon |
| Salt | To taste |
| For the Spicy Sauce | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Extra Virgin Olive Oil | 1 tablespoon |
| Garlic (minced) | 6 cloves |
| Onion (finely chopped) | 1 medium onion |
| Homemade Tomato Puree | 2 cups |
| Cumin Powder (Jeera) | 1 teaspoon |
| Red Chilli Powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Tabasco Original – Hot Sauce | 1 teaspoon |
| Sugar | 1 teaspoon |
| Salt | To taste |
| Other Ingredients | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Tortillas | 4 |
| Britannia Cheezza (grated cheese) | 200 grams |
| Spring Onion Greens (for garnish) | A few sprigs |
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Servings: 4
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Spinach Filling
- Heat the Olive Oil: In a large pan, heat 1 teaspoon of extra virgin olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the chopped garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Sauté the Spinach: Add the chopped spinach to the pan and sauté until it wilts and reduces in size. This should take about 2-3 minutes.
- Add Cheese and Season: Sprinkle salt to taste and add the grated paneer (homemade cottage cheese) and Britannia Cheese Spread – Mexican Chilli. Stir well until the cheese melts, creating a creamy, flavorful filling. Remove from heat and set aside.
Step 2: Make the Spicy Enchilada Sauce
- Heat Olive Oil: In another pan, heat 1 tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and chopped onion and sauté until the onions become soft and translucent.
- Spices and Sauce: Add cumin powder, red chili powder, Tabasco sauce, sugar, and salt to taste. Stir everything together and let it cook for about 1-2 minutes to bring out the flavors.
- Simmer: Pour in the homemade tomato puree and stir. Bring the mixture to a brisk boil and let it simmer for 8-10 minutes until the sauce thickens and becomes bubbly. Remove from heat.
Step 3: Assemble the Enchiladas
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 180°C (350°F) and allow it to preheat.
- Prepare the Tortillas: Place the tortillas on a flat surface. Spoon a generous portion of the spinach filling onto the center of each tortilla.
- Add Cheese: Add a spoonful of grated Britannia Cheezza over the spinach mixture for extra cheesiness.
- Roll the Tortillas: Carefully roll up each tortilla into a cylinder, making sure the filling is well-contained inside. Place the rolled tortillas seam side down in a baking dish.
- Top with Sauce and Cheese: Pour the spicy tomato sauce generously over the rolled tortillas, making sure to cover them entirely. Sprinkle the remaining grated Britannia Cheezza over the top for a gooey, cheesy finish.
Step 4: Bake
- Bake the Enchiladas: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese on top has melted and is bubbling beautifully.
- Garnish: Once baked, remove the enchiladas from the oven. Garnish with freshly chopped spring onion greens for a burst of color and freshness.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your Cheesy Spinach Enchiladas hot from the oven, with a side of Kiwi Basil Lemonade for a refreshing contrast. For dessert, pair with Salted Caramel Ice Cream with Roasted Almonds to create the perfect end to a flavorful meal.
Tips for the Best Enchiladas:
- Spice Level: Adjust the amount of Tabasco sauce to your taste for a milder or spicier kick.
- Cheese Options: If you prefer a different cheese, you can swap out Britannia Cheezza for a mild cheddar or mozzarella.
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the spinach filling and sauce ahead of time, then assemble the enchiladas just before baking.
These Cheesy Spinach Enchiladas are not only delicious but also a great vegetarian option for any gathering. With creamy cheese, sautéed spinach, and a tangy spicy sauce, each bite is a perfect balance of flavor. Perfect for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or when you want a comforting meal full of vibrant tastes!
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 380 kcal |
| Protein | 12g |
| Carbohydrates | 40g |
| Fat | 20g |
| Fiber | 5g |
| Sodium | 620mg |
| Sugars | 5g |
| Cholesterol | 30mg |
With this recipe, you get the richness of creamy cheese, the freshness of spinach, and the perfect balance of spices, making it a flavorful and satisfying vegetarian meal.
