Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main ingredients in Tropical Pineapple & Black Bean Enchiladas?
The main ingredients include vegetable oil, yellow onion, red bell pepper, pineapple tidbits, black beans, chopped green chilies, cilantro, low-fat cheddar cheese, mild enchilada sauce, and whole wheat tortillas.
Is this recipe considered healthy?
Yes, these enchiladas are designed as a healthy alternative, featuring high fiber content from black beans and whole wheat tortillas, while being low in fat.
What temperature should I set my oven to?
The oven should be preheated to 350°F (175°C) before baking.
How long do the enchiladas need to bake?
The enchiladas should bake for a total of 35 to 40 minutes.
Should I cover the baking dish while it is in the oven?
Yes, cover the dish tightly with foil for the first part of the baking process, then remove it for the final 5 to 10 minutes.
What brand of black beans is recommended?
The recipe suggests using one 15-ounce can of Progresso black beans, drained and rinsed.
Can I use the pineapple juice from the can?
Yes, you should reserve 1/3 cup of the pineapple juice to mix with the enchilada sauce for the topping.
What type of cheese is best for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 3 cups (12 ounces) of shredded low-fat cheddar cheese, divided between the filling and the topping.
What size baking dish do I need?
A 13x9-inch glass baking dish is recommended for this recipe.
How many tortillas does this recipe use?
This recipe uses 8 whole wheat flour tortillas, either 8 or 9 inches in size.
What kind of enchilada sauce should I buy?
The recipe recommends one 10-ounce can of Old El Paso mild enchilada sauce.
Is this a vegetarian recipe?
Yes, this recipe is vegetarian as it uses black beans as the primary protein source.
How do I prepare the filling?
Sauté onion and peppers, then stir in pineapple, beans, and chilies. Finally, fold in 1/2 cup of cilantro and 2 cups of cheese.
What are the suggested toppings for serving?
Each enchilada can be topped with a tablespoon of reduced-fat sour cream and a teaspoon of fresh cilantro.
How long should I sauté the onions and peppers?
Sauté the chopped yellow onion and red bell pepper for about 4 to 5 minutes until softened.
What is the secret to the 'tropical' flavor in this dish?
The tropical flavor comes from the combination of pineapple tidbits in the filling and pineapple juice in the sauce.
Was this recipe recognized in any competitions?
Yes, this recipe was a Top-100 finalist in the Pillsbury Bake-Off.
How much filling goes into each tortilla?
Each tortilla should be filled with approximately 3/4 cup of the vegetable and bean mixture.
Should I grease the baking dish?
Yes, you should spray the glass baking dish with cooking spray before assembling the enchiladas.
Can I use corn tortillas instead of whole wheat?
While the recipe specifies whole wheat flour tortillas, you could use corn, though the texture and rolling method may vary.
How do I prevent the tortillas from sticking to the foil?
The instructions recommend spraying the side of the foil that faces down with cooking spray.
What is the total amount of cilantro needed?
You will need 1/2 cup for the filling, plus several teaspoons more for garnishing the finished dish.
How much salt is used in the recipe?
The recipe calls for 1 teaspoon of salt to be stirred into the vegetable mixture.
Is the sauce poured directly over the tortillas?
The sauce is mixed with reserved pineapple juice first, then poured evenly over the rolled tortillas.
How should the tortillas be placed in the dish?
The rolled tortillas should be placed seam side down in the prepared baking dish.
Does the cheese need to be fully melted inside before rolling?
The instructions say to fold the cheese into the warm mixture so it melts slightly before you begin filling the tortillas.
What brand of green chilies is mentioned?
The recipe suggests using Old El Paso chopped green chilies.
How much sour cream is needed in total?
Approximately 1/2 cup of reduced-fat sour cream is needed to provide 1 tablespoon for each of the 8 enchiladas.
Can I use fresh cilantro?
Yes, the recipe specifically calls for chopped fresh cilantro to provide the best flavor.
What provides the protein in this dish?
The protein is primarily provided by the black beans and the low-fat cheddar cheese.