The Enchilada is a traditional Mexican dish that offers a long history of taste and tradition. As a result, it’s become a popular menu item at many Mexican restaurants, including The Original Grande. But, where does this meal’s history begin and why has it become so popular amongst foodies?
The Origin of the Enchilada
the dish dates all the way back to the Mayans. Corn was a staple crop at the time and corn tortillas, originally called tlaxcalli, were very common. Upon their arrival to the Americas, Spanish Conquistadors changed the name tlaxcalli to tortilla. They also documented a feast in which they were served an early type of enchilada which was an empty corn tortilla dipped in a chili sauce. Over time, people would stuff the tortillas with different meats and cheeses to eventually be the dish we know and love today.
The Enchilada Today
No longer is the dish exclusive to Mexico, it’s gone global. It’s not uncommon to find the dish all over Canada or the United States. You’d also be pleasantly surprised to find it in places like the U.K. and other European countries. While enchiladas cooked up in these countries are typically less authentic than what you may find in Mexico, we can all agree that any enchilada is better than no enchilada.
There are no boundaries when it comes to today’s dish. People are filling their tortillas with a variety of different ingredients to fill their appetites and diets. This includes:
- Chicken
- Beef
- Shrimp
- Pork
- Fish
- Potatoes
- Peppers
- And countless other vegetables
Different Styles to Consider
In Mexico and some parts of the southern United States, the stacked enchilada is common. This is where a tortilla is fried, then topped with your choice of meat, cheese, and other toppings, then another one is added on top. This is typically done three times.
The other style to consider is simply filling, rolling, and topping your dish with chili sauce and cheese. This is more inauthentic to how the traditional Mexican dish would look, but it’s super delicious nonetheless.
Craving an Enchilada? Stop By The Original Grande
We know, history can work up an appetite; especially when it’s about something so cheesy and delicious. Don’t worry, The Original Grande has what you need. We serve some of the best Mexican fare in Kansas at cheap prices and in exceptional quality. Visit a location near you and see why people are saying “Viva Grande!”
