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Delicious Green Chili White Bean Enchiladas Recipe: Healthy & Easy

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Green Chili White Bean Enchiladas are a comforting, hearty, and flavorful dish that combines creamy white beans, zesty green chiles, and melty cheese. This vegetarian-friendly recipe is not only easy to prepare but also packed with nutrients, making it a perfect choice for weeknight dinners or family gatherings. Originating from Mexican cuisine, enchiladas have evolved over time to include diverse fillings and sauces, catering to various dietary preferencesGreen Chili White Bean Enchiladas

Ingredients

For the Filling:

  • 1 tsp olive oil
  • 1 cup white onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 can (15 oz) cannellini beans (or navy beans), drained and rinsed
  • 1 can (4.5 oz) chopped green chiles
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1/4 cup water

For the Sauce:

  • 1 tbsp butter
  • 1/2 cup white onion, chopped
  • 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup low-sodium vegetable broth
  • 1 can (7 oz) chopped green chiles
  • 1/2 cup light sour cream
  • Salt to taste

For Assembly:

  • 8 small corn or flour tortillas
  • 3/4 cup shredded reduced-fat Mexican cheese blend
  • Fresh cilantro or scallions for garnish

Method of Preparation

Step 1: Prepare the Filling

  1. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
  2. Add onions and garlic; sauté for about 3 minutes until soft.
  3. Stir in cannellini beans, green chiles, cumin, and water. Simmer for 10 minutes until thickened. Set aside.

Step 2: Make the Sauce

  1. In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
  2. Add onions; cook until translucent (about 4 minutes).
  3. Stir in flour and cook for 1 minute.
  4. Gradually whisk in vegetable broth until smooth.
  5. Add green chiles and salt; simmer for another minute before stirring in sour cream.

Step 3: Assemble the Enchiladas

  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Spread a thin layer of sauce on the bottom of a baking dish.
  3. Fill each tortilla with about 3 tablespoons of the bean mixture; roll tightly and place seam-side down in the dish.
  4. Pour remaining sauce over the enchiladas and sprinkle with cheese.

Step 4: Bake and Serve

  1. Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
  2. Remove foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
  3. Garnish with fresh cilantro or scallions before serving.

Cooking Tips

  • Warm Tortillas: Warm tortillas in the microwave to prevent cracking while rolling.
  • Creamy Sauce: For extra creaminess, blend the sauce before pouring it over the enchiladas.
  • Cheese Options: Use Monterey Jack or cheddar cheese for a sharper flavor.

Mistakes to Avoid

  • Overfilling tortillas can cause them to break during assembly.
  • Skipping preheating the oven may lead to uneven cooking.
  • Using overly salty canned beans without rinsing can overpower the dish.

Serving Tips

Pair these enchiladas with:

  • A fresh green salad or guacamole for added texture.
  • Mexican rice or cauliflower rice for a complete meal.

Health Benefits of Ingredients

  1. White Beans: High in protein, fiber, and essential minerals like magnesium.
  2. Green Chiles: Rich in vitamin C and antioxidants that boost immunity.
  3. Cilantro: Contains anti-inflammatory properties and aids digestion.

Why You’ll Love This Dish

These enchiladas are perfect for anyone craving bold flavors without compromising on health. The creamy filling combined with tangy green chile sauce creates a balanced yet indulgent meal that’s both satisfying and nutritious.

Origin of Enchiladas

Enchiladas trace their roots back to Mexico, where they were traditionally made by rolling tortillas around simple fillings like beans or meat and topping them with chili sauces. Over time, variations like this Green Chili White Bean version have emerged to cater to modern tastes.

Interesting Facts

  • The word “enchilada” comes from the Spanish word enchilar, meaning “to season with chili.”
  • White beans are often called “navy beans” because they were a staple food for sailors in the U.S. Navy.

Summarized Recipe

Ingredients:

White beans, green chiles, tortillas, onions, garlic, cumin, sour cream, cheese.

Steps:

  1. Sauté onions and garlic; mix with beans and spices for filling.
  2. Make creamy green chile sauce by whisking broth into cooked onions and flour.
  3. Assemble enchiladas by filling tortillas with bean mixture; top with sauce and cheese.
  4. Bake at 375°F for about 30 minutes.

Enjoy your delicious Green Chili White Bean Enchiladas!

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