4 ingredients for Enchiladas Mineras

Welcome to Paulina Cocina! Today we go straight to the heart of Guanajuato with the recipe of the famous Enchiladas Mineras, a traditional dish that was born in the kitchen of the region’s mining workers and combines authentic local flavors with a rich history.

We put on our apron to make some delicious homemade mining enchiladas with all the Guanajuato style, but first we are going to review all the tips so that this recipe does not fail!

About Enchiladas Mineras

Las mining enchiladas They are an iconic dish from Guanajuato, with origins in the region’s mining history, but also with a flavor that is difficult to beat.
Enchiladas stand out for being tortillas bathed in a special sauce of chile guajillofilled with fresh cheese and accompanied by shredded chicken, papasy carrots. Famous for being the perfect dish to fill workers with energy.

This recipe is a perfect combination of simplicity and flavor, representing a rich culinary tradition that is maintained throughout the centuries.

History and origin of the mining enchiladas of Guanajuato

To connect with the flavor of the enchiladasit is important to understand a little about its origin. This dish has its roots in Guanajuatowhere they are a iconic dishfor being a mining area famous for its silver mines.

• It is said that the wives of miners prepared these enchiladas so that their husbands could take home a hearty meal to give them energy at work.

The enchiladas not only gave energy to the workers, but also became a sign of affection and family support. Over time, the mining enchiladas became a culinary icon of Guanajuatorepresenting the effort, perseverance and rich gastronomic tradition of the region.

Varieties of Mexican enchiladas: beyond mining enchiladas

Mexico is home to a wide range of enchiladas, in this territory there are many types of enchiladaseach with its unique touch and characteristics depending on the region, with variations in sauces, fillings and accompaniments.

Below are other versions that stand out throughout the country:

1. Green Enchiladas: Made with green tomato sauce and chili.
2. Red Enchiladas: With guajillo or ancho chili sauce.
3. Swiss Enchiladas: Covered with creamy sauce and gratin with cheese.
4. Enchiladas Potosinas: Small red tortillas with dried chili sauce.
5. Mole Enchiladas: Covered with mole poblano.

These varieties are just a reflection of the great culinary diversity of Mexicowhere each region contributes its local ingredients and traditions to this iconic dish.

Mining enchiladas at festivals and celebrations

It is clear that the mining enchiladas They were born as an everyday food, but over time they have become protagonists of many celebrations and festivals in Guanajuato, and how could they not? since its colors and flavors invite you to celebrate.

• During events like Cervantino Festivalit is common to find versions of mining enchiladas in almost every corner of the state.

This dish represents Guanajuato pride and its connection with local history. Its popularity continues to grow, both among locals and tourists looking for a authentic Mexican cuisine experience.

Enchiladas Guanajuatenses: different regional versions

Although the mining enchiladas are the most recognized in Guanajuato, the region offers a great diversity of enchiladas that vary according to the ingredients and the local traditionshighlighting unique flavors and preparations.

• In Guanajuato you can find other variants, such as enchiladas with sauces based on chili pasilla, Guajilloand other local chilies that vary in spiciness and complexity of preparation.
• Fillings also vary, from traditional options such as beans, fresh cheeseo porkto more contemporary versions.

Each type of enchilada in Guanajuato has its own identity, where traditional flavors are mixed with local creativity, they all share the respect for the rich Mexican culinary tradition.

Tips and tricks to prepare perfect mining enchiladas

• Cheese is the star: Although the original recipe uses fresh or ranchero cheese, if you want to experiment, you can try stronger cheeses such as panela or cottage cheese. Of course, it should be a cheese that melts well.

• Fry the tortillas: This is one of the secrets of mining enchiladas. By frying the tortillas dipped in sauce, you will achieve a crunchy texture and toasted flavor that is key in this recipe.

• Caring for the sauce: If you like it spicy, you can add hotter chiles to the guajillo sauce or even a little chile de arbol. However, traditional mining enchiladas are not very spicy, so this is adjusted based on personal tastes.

• Various accompaniments: Don’t limit yourself to just chicken. You can vary the garnishes with other types of meat, such as shredded beef or even pork. Potatoes and carrots are essential, but you can also add other cooked vegetables such as chayote or pumpkin.

The role of the guajillo chili in mining enchiladas

The guajillo chili is a key ingredient in mining enchiladas, it is what gives them that vibrant red color and a mild flavor with a slightly sweet touch.

Although not extremely spicy, this ingredient provides a perfect balance to the dish, along with the other ingredients. Although guajillo is the traditional option, you can also try it with other types of chiles to give it your personal touch, always respecting the essence of the chiles. Guanajuato mining enchiladas.

The mining and Guanajuato enchiladas: two names of the same dish

How? So mining enchiladas are the same as Guanajuato enchiladas?

Yes, they are the same. The mining enchiladas They are a typical dish from Guanajuato, and are sometimes simply called “enchiladas guanajuatenses”. However, the term “mining” highlights its origin in the mines of the region.

Can you make mining enchiladas without meat?

Of course! Although the traditional recipe includes chicken, you can opt for a vegetarian version, simply remove the chicken and use more potatoes, carrots and other vegetables. Fresh cheese is key to maintaining the essence of the dish.

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Recipe for mining enchiladas from Guanajuato:

Yield: 4 servings

Preparation time: 40 minutes

Ingredients:

• 2 papas
• 4 carrots
• 1 teaspoon vegetable broth
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 2 tomatoes
• 6 chiles
• 1/4 white onion
• 1 clove of garlic
• 1 tablespoon tomato extract
• Oil

To serve:

• 8 corn tortillas
• 1 tablespoon oil
• 100 grams of crumbled fresh cheese
• 100 grams of sliced ​​romaine lettuce
• Optional: rice and/or beans to accompany. Additionally, you can add sour cream on top.

How to make mining enchiladas

1. Peel and cut the potatoes and carrots.
2. Heat oil in a frying pan and fry the potatoes and carrots together until golden brown. Move constantly.
3. Season this preparation with the broth and oregano. Reserve.
4. To make the sauce: Cut the tomatoes into quarters, cook them together with the seeded chilies in boiling water for 5/7 minutes.
5. Blend the above, along with the onion, garlic, tomato extract, oregano and 1 ¼ cup of the chili cooking water. Strain and reserve.
6. Heat oil in a pot and fry the sauce, now liquefied, for 5 minutes over high heat. Lower the heat and let it cook until it has the consistency of a thick sauce.
7. To serve: Dip the tortillas in the sauce and fry them on both sides in a hot pan with a little oil.
8. Fill the tortillas with the cheese and serve two enchiladas per plate. Spread the sautéed vegetables on top and finish with a little fresh lettuce. Let’s eat!