Mexican Recipes

If you love Mexican food, you won't mind that I'm starting the week off with six yummy Mexican recipes. Today's offerings include Cheese and Bean Quesadillas and Enchilada ‘Lasagna’. Enjoy!

SWEET POTATO AND BLACK BEAN ENCHILADAS

This is from Vegetarian Times, and begins, "The originality and flavor profile of this recipe made this veg version of enchiladas a standout among others. Make it for guests (vegetarian and not) because everyone will enjoy it. And since the enchiladas can be made the night before and they travel well, so the dish is great for a potluck or party."

Makes 8 servings

To view this online, go to https://www.vegetariantimes.com/recipes/sweet-potato-black-bean-enchiladas/.

Ingredients

Sauce

1 15-oz. can tomato sauce

1 tsp. ancho chile powder

1 tsp. chili powder

1 tsp. garlic powder

1 tsp. onion powder

1 tsp. dried oregano

1/2 tsp. chipotle chile powder

Filling

1 Tbs. extra virgin olive oil

1 small onion, diced (1 cup)

1 1/2 lb. sweet potatoes, peeled and diced (3 cups)

1 15-oz. can diced tomatoes, drained

1 16-oz. jar prepared medium salsa

2 cloves garlic, minced (2 tsp.)

1 chipotle chile in adobo sauce, drained and minced

1 15-oz. can black beans, rinsed and drained

1 12-oz. round queso fresco, divided

Enchiladas

16 6-inch corn tortillas, warmed

2 limes, cut into wedges

1 avocado, sliced

1/2 cup sour cream, for garnish

Preparation

To make Sauce: Bring all ingredients to a simmer in saucepan over medium heat. Whisk to combine, then remove from heat. Season with salt and pepper, if desired.

To make Filling: Heat oil in separate saucepan over medium heat. Add onion, and sauté 3 to 5 minutes, or until soft. Add sweet potatoes, tomatoes, salsa, garlic, chipotle chile, and 1/2 cup water; bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium-low, and simmer 30 to 40 minutes, or until sweet potatoes are soft. Mash mixture with potato masher until combined. Add black beans, and cook 5 minutes. Stir in half of queso fresco, and remove from heat.

To assemble Enchiladas: Preheat oven to 350ºF. Brush 13- x 9-inch baking dish with oil. Spread 1/2 cup Sauce in bottom of dish. Fill tortillas with Filling. Roll, and pack close together seam-side down in baking dish. Top with remaining Sauce and queso fresco. Bake 15 minutes. 4. Adjust oven to broil. Broil Enchiladas 5 minutes, or until cheese is browned and bubbly. Let rest 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with lime wedges, avocado slices, sour cream, and cilantro sprigs, if using.

HOMEMADE BAKED CHURROS

This is from Old El Paso, and begins, "These homemade churros take just 15 minutes of prep time so that you can enjoy the flavor of classic Mexican churros without all the frying fuss. What's the trick? Use Pillsbury™ Crescent Rolls to turn them into crescent churros! They're simple to pull together; brush the crescent rolls with butter, sprinkle with cinnamon sugar, and twist for a fun and easy way to make a churro. Melted chocolate adds even more decadence to this sweet baked churros treat."

Prep Time: 15 minutes; Total Time: 35 minutes; Makes 8 servings

To view this online, go to https://www.oldelpaso.com/recipes/homemade-baked-churros.

Ingredients

1 tablespoon sugar

1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1 can (8 oz) refrigerated Pillsbury™ Crescent Rolls (8 count)

1 tablespoon butter, melted

1/4 cup semisweet chocolate chips

Preparation

Heat oven to 375°F. In small bowl, mix sugar and cinnamon; set aside.

On lightly floured work surface, unroll dough; press into 13x8-inch rectangle. Firmly press perforations to seal. Brush top of dough with some of the melted butter. Sprinkle cinnamon sugar on one half of short side of rectangle.

Fold dough over top. Press to seal. With rolling pin, lightly roll dough to press layers together. Brush remaining butter on top. With sharp knife or pizza cutter, cut lengthwise into 8 strips. Twist each strip 3 times; place on ungreased large cookie sheet.

Bake 13 to 15 minutes or until golden brown. Remove from cookie sheet to cooling rack. Cool 5 minutes.

Meanwhile, in small microwavable bowl, microwave chocolate chips uncovered on High 60 seconds, stirring halfway through, until chips can be stirred smooth. Spoon into resealable food-storage plastic bag; partially seal bag. Cut small tip from corner of bag; drizzle melted chocolate over tops.

Expert tips

Traditional churros are strips of dough that are deep-fried and rolled in cinnamon and sugar. We simplify them by sprinkling cinnamon sugar on crescent dough, twisting it into strips, and baking.

For a more casual look for your Homemade Baked Churros, dip the fork into the melted chocolate, and quickly move your wrist back and forth to create a zigzag pattern.

It’s handy to keep a kitchen ruler nearby, so you can make sure your rectangle turns out the right size.

If you love these Baked Crescent Churros, try these Mini Churro Doughnut Holes. It's the cinnamon-sugar fair food you can make right in your kitchen.

Looking for something a little more decadent? Try this recipe for Dulce de Leche Mocha Ice Cream Dessert. It's a make-ahead treat that will go fast!

VEGETARIAN BEAN AND RICE BURRITO

This is from Jolinda Hackett on The Spruce Eats. She wrote, "Quick and easy, vegan bean and rice burritos are a perfect vegetarian dinner idea. This basic recipe includes plenty of Mexican spices, is a great way to use up leftover rice, and can be customized to whatever you have on hand.

"The secret to this delicious burrito is cilantro-lime rice. Many restaurants rely on it for vegetarian burritos as well, and it's as simple as mixing chopped cilantro and lime juice into cooked rice. You'll gently heat the rice then wrap it into a burrito with sautéed onion, garlic, black or pinto beans, hot sauce, and a few spices. Add extra toppings such as non-dairy sour cream, homemade guacamole, salsa, and black olives if you like.

"These burritos are so filling that they're almost a complete and balanced meal on their own. If you'd like a side dish, consider elote (Mexican street corn), refried bean taquitos, or simply slice up an avocado and serve it on top of any fillings that didn't fit in the tortillas."

Prep Time: 12 minutes; Cook Time: 12 minutes; Total Time: 24 minutes; Makes 4 servings

To view this online, go to https://www.thespruceeats.com/vegetarian-bean-and-rice-burrito-recipe-3378550.

Ingredients

2 cups cooked rice

2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped

2 limes, juiced

1/2 medium onion, diced

3 to 4 cloves garlic, minced

2 tablespoons vegetable oil (or olive oil)

1 (15-ounce) can black beans (or pinto beans), drained

1 tablespoon chili powder

1/2 teaspoon ground cumin

1 tablespoon hot sauce, or to taste

Pinch salt, to taste, optional

4 (10-inch) large tortillas

Directions

Gather the ingredients.

In a large microwave-safe bowl, toss together cooked rice and fresh chopped cilantro, and drizzle with the lime juice. Heat in the microwave or on the stove just until hot, and give it a quick stir.

In a separate large skillet, sauté the onion in vegetable oil or olive oil for 5 minutes, or until the onion is soft. Add the garlic and cook another minute.

Reduce the heat to medium-low, add the black beans or pinto beans, and season with the chili powder, cumin, and hot sauce, stirring to combine. You can add a bit of salt if you'd like, but you shouldn't need too much with all the other seasonings. Allow the beans to cook until heated through, about 5 minutes.

Spoon the cilantro-lime rice and the black bean mixture onto lightly warmed flour tortillas, and add any additional toppings you want.

Wrap the burritos: Fold the short ends in, then fold one long side over the filling and gently push to ensure the fold is tight before rolling up the remainder of the burrito.

Cut in half, and serve immediately.

Tips

Warm tortillas are much easier to fold. You can microwave them under a damp paper towel for 15 seconds, place them on a griddle over low heat, or wrap them in foil and bake for about 15 minutes at 350 F.

Try to keep your fillings 3 to 4 inches wide and about 8 inches long. If you add more, your veggie burrito may not close properly.

Let the burritos sit for a couple of minutes so the tortillas mold to the fillings.

Recipe Variations

Burritos are an excellent opportunity to clean out the refrigerator and pantry. Adding this or that and switching out ingredients is part of the fun of this dish.

Add salsa or pico de gallo, or use either to replace the hot sauce.

Spice up the burrito with canned green chiles or fresh or jarred jalapeño slices.

Toss 1/2 cup of corn or chopped bell pepper to the skillet when sautéing the vegetables.

Fold sliced avocado or a dollop of guacamole into the burrito.

Add a chopped tomato or canned spicy, chunky tomatoes (drained).

Shred vegan cheese and sprinkle it on the filling before folding.

Though not common in a burrito, a bit of shredded lettuce gives it an extra crunch.

For a little extra protein, add a scrambled egg or some leftover tofu scramble.

Are Vegetarian Burritos Healthy?

Generally, vegetarian burritos are pretty healthy because they're filled with beans, rice, and veggies. The nutritional value is going to depend on the ingredients you add. One that will up the calorie count is sour cream, and there's little difference between store-bought dairy and vegan versions. A homemade vegan sour cream is a good alternative.

ENCHILADA 'LASAGNA'

This is from Vegetarian Times, and begins, "Do you like enchiladas? Do you like lasagna? We’re going to assume you’re not a monster and thus said yes to both. Ergo, you will probably like this fun casserole that takes some inspiration from both. Tortillas are used instead of pasta, but you still get the gorgeous striations of cheese, tomato, and carb. Want to make this enchilada dish plant-based? Swap in your favorite vegan egg and shredded mozzarella, and whip up a batch of tofu ricotta for the filling."

Prep Time: 40 minutes; Cook Time: 25 minutes; Total Time: 65 minutes; Servings 8

To view this online, go to https://www.vegetariantimes.com/recipes/enchilada-lasagna-combines-two-family-favorites-in-one/.

Ingredients

1/4 cup olive oil, divided

1 yellow onion, chopped

1 zucchini, diced

1 green bell pepper, diced

2 pinches ground black pepper, divided

1 large clove garlic, minced

1 24-oz jar unsalted pureed strained tomatoes (aka passata)

3/4 cup low-sodium vegetable broth

4 tsp ground cumin

1 tbsp chile powder

1 tsp chipotle chile powder

1/2 tsp sea salt

15-oz tub whole-milk ricotta cheese

1 large egg, lightly beaten

15 6-inch corn tortillas, divided

1 cup shredded Mexican cheese blend or mozzarella cheese

Directions

Preheat oven to 375 degrees fahrenheit. In a large skillet on medium, heat 2 tbsp oil. Add onion, zucchini, bell pepper and pinch black pepper and cook, stirring often, until vegetables are tender, 6 to 8 minutes. Set aside.

Meanwhile, prepare sauce: In a small saucepan on medium-low, heat remaining 2 tbsp oil. Add garlic and cook, stirring often, until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add strained tomatoes, broth, cumin, chile powder, chipotle chile powder, salt and remaining pinch black pepper. Bring to a simmer: cook, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened, 3 to 4 minutes. Set aside.

In a bowl, stir together ricotta and egg. Into a 13 x 9-inch baking dish, pour 1/2 cup sauce. Arrange 5 tortillas in a single layer over top of sauce, overlapping slightly to fit. Dollop half of the ricotta mixture over top, spreading gently.

Spoon half of the vegetable mixture evenly over ricotta and spread 3/4 cup sauce over top. Arrange 5 tortillas in a single layer over top, overlapping slightly. Repeat layers with remaining ricotta mixture and vegetable mixture, then 3/4 cup sauce over top.

Arrange remaining 5 tortillas in a single layer over top, overlapping slightly. Spread remaining sauce over top. Sprinkle with cheese blend. Bake until bubble and cheese is melted, 25 to 30 minutes.

BLACK BEAN AVOCADO ENCHILADAS

This is from Kaitlin on her wonderful site, The Garden Grazer. If you've never heard of it, or checked it out, you really should. Go ahead, I'll wait. (Tap, tap, tap...)

Okay, this recipe begins, "A vegan black bean enchilada with creamy avocado, sweet corn, and quinoa. Topped with a delicious Mexican-inspired enchilada sauce!"

Prep Time: 30 minutes; Cook Time: 25 minutes; Total Time: 55 minutes

To view this online, go to https://www.thegardengrazer.com/black-bean-avocado-enchiladas/.

Ingredients

1/2 cup white quinoa (uncooked)

2 medium avocados

15 oz. can black beans

1 1/2 cups sweet corn (I use frozen or canned)

4-5 green onions

1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro

1 tsp. ground cumin

8 large tortillas (or about 10-12 corn tortillas)

Nutritional yeast for sprinkling

Optional: lightly sautéed spinach

For the enchilada sauce:

3 cups vegetable broth

1/4 cup tomato paste

1/4 cup all-purpose flour (I use gluten-free)

2 Tbsp. olive oil

2 tsp. ground cumin

1/2 tsp. smoked paprika

1/4 tsp. garlic powder

1/4 tsp. onion powder

1/4 tsp. chili powder

Salt/pepper to taste

Directions

Rinse and cook quinoa according to package directions. (For 1/2 cup quinoa I use 1 cup water or veggie broth.)

Meanwhile, make the enchilada sauce: In a small bowl, add flour and spices. In a saucepan over medium heat, add olive oil. Once warm, add tomato paste and flour/spices. Cook 1 minute, whisking. Whisk in broth, and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to simmer, and cook until thickened, about 8 minutes. Salt/pepper to taste.

Meanwhile, dice the avocado and slice green onions.

In a large bowl, add black beans (rinsed and drained), corn (thawed if frozen), green onions, cumin, and lightly sautéed spinach if using. Add cooked quinoa and stir. Add avocado and lightly toss to combine.

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).

In a 9×13-inch baking dish, pour a small amount of sauce to coat the bottom.

Evenly distribute the black bean/quinoa mixture down the center of each tortilla, roll up, and place seam side down in the dish. Pour remaining sauce over the enchiladas.

Bake for about 25 minutes. Garnish with more fresh cilantro, green onions, or sprinkle with nutritional yeast before serving if desired.

Notes

For gluten-free: Use GF flour and GF tortillas. (I use Bob's Red Mill gluten-free all-purpose flour.)

CHEESE AND BEAN QUESADILLAS

This is from the June 2004 Vegetarian Times, page 24. It begins, "Any time of day you yearn for Tex-Mex flavors, whip up one of these quesadillas for a filling, nutritious meal. These work well with a creamed corn soup to start and a bowl of sweet seasonal berries to end the meal. To drink? Chilled fruit juice." Makes 6 servings.

To view this online, go to https://www.vegetariantimes.com/recipes/cheese-and-bean-quesadillas/.

Ingredients

1-1/2 cups no-fat refried beans

1 cup corn kernels

1/2 cup salsa

6 8-inch low-fat tortillas, preferably flavored

2 cups grated cheddar-flavored soy cheese

1 tsp. chili powder, or more as desired

3 tomatoes, stemmed and chopped

1 avocado, peeled and chopped

1 tsp. ground cumin

Preparation

Combine beans, corn kernels and salsa in a saucepan, and cook, stirring, over medium heat until hot.

Place a tortilla flat on a work surface. Sprinkle about 1/3 cup cheese over tortilla. Spread about 1/2 cup bean mixture on one half of tortilla, and fold tortilla over to encase filling and cheese. Set aside. Repeat with remaining ingredients until 6 quesadillas are ready for cooking.

Spray a large nonstick skillet with nonstick cooking spray, and heat over medium heat. Put 3 quesadillas into skillet, and cook, turning 2 or 3 times, until tortillas brown slightly on both sides and cheese melts. Remove from skillet, and place on individual serving plates. Repeat with remaining quesadillas. Respray skillet as needed to prevent any sticking.

Toss together chili powder, tomatoes, avocado and cumin. Sprinkle mixture with lime juice, and season with salt and pepper. Spoon equal portions of mixture over quesadillas, and serve.