Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary dish in this recipe?
The dish is Smoky Black Bean and Corn Enchiladas with a homemade Chipotle Sauce.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, these enchiladas are vegetarian-friendly as they use black beans and corn as the main filling.
What are the main ingredients for the filling?
The filling consists of black beans, corn, onion, green pepper, garlic, chipotle peppers, and various spices.
How do you make the homemade enchilada sauce?
The sauce is made by whisking chili powder, flour, cocoa powder, Mexican oregano, cumin, and garlic into a paste with water, then simmering with vegetable stock and tomato sauce.
What is the purpose of adding cocoa powder to the sauce?
Cocoa powder is used in the enchilada sauce to add depth and a rich, smoky flavor profile.
What oven temperature is required for baking?
The oven should be preheated to 350ยฐF (175ยฐC).
How long do the enchiladas need to bake?
The enchiladas should bake for 40-45 minutes until they are bubbly and heated through.
What size of tortillas should be used?
The recipe calls for 10 flour tortillas that are 8-9 inches in size.
How should the tortillas be prepared before filling?
The tortillas should be warmed in the microwave for 30 seconds to make them easier to roll.
What type of cheese is used for the topping?
Cotija cheese, either crumbled or grated, is used as a topping.
How much filling goes into each tortilla?
Each tortilla should be filled with about 1/2 cup of the black bean and corn mixture.
Should the black beans be drained before cooking?
No, the recipe specifies using one 15-ounce can of undrained black beans for the filling.
Should the corn be drained?
Yes, the 10-ounce can of corn should be drained before being added to the mixture.
What provides the smoky flavor in the filling?
The smoky flavor comes from the addition of 4-5 seeded and minced chipotle peppers.
How long should the bean and corn mixture simmer?
The mixture should simmer uncovered for 30 minutes to evaporate liquid and meld flavors.
What type of baking dish is recommended?
A 13x9 inch baking dish lightly sprayed with cooking spray is recommended.
How do you arrange the enchiladas in the dish?
Roll the tortillas tightly and place them seam-side down in the baking dish.
How much sauce is placed at the bottom of the pan?
Spread about a third of the prepared enchilada sauce evenly across the bottom of the dish before adding the tortillas.
When should the lime juice and cilantro be added?
Stir in the lime juice and chopped cilantro after the bean mixture has finished simmering and is removed from the heat.
How long should the dish cool after baking?
Allow the enchiladas to cool for at least 5 minutes before serving.
What are suggested side dishes for these enchiladas?
They are great served with guacamole and cilantro-lime rice.
What kind of oil is used to sautรฉ the vegetables?
One tablespoon of olive oil is used to sautรฉ the onion and green pepper.
Does the sauce require stock?
Yes, the sauce uses 1 cup of vegetable stock.
How many garlic cloves are needed in total?
The recipe uses 6 cloves total: 2 crushed for the sauce and 4 minced for the filling.
Is Mexican oregano different from regular oregano?
While similar, Mexican oregano has a more citrusy flavor profile and is specifically requested in this recipe.
What type of flour is used for the tortillas?
The recipe specifies using flour tortillas, which provide a soft and sturdy wrap for the filling.
Can I adjust the spiciness of the sauce?
Yes, you can adjust the amount of chili powder (2-3 tablespoons) and chipotle peppers (4-5) to suit your heat preference.
What is the texture of the sauce after simmering?
The sauce should be thick enough to coat the enchiladas after simmering for 10 minutes uncovered.
Is there any salt in the filling?
Yes, 1/2 teaspoon of salt is added to the bean and corn mixture during the simmering process.
What is the total number of ingredients used?
This recipe utilizes a total of 23 ingredients to achieve its complex, smoky flavor.