vegetable enchiladas
www.annies-eats.net
for the sauce:
- 1 tsp. canola oil
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tbsp. chili powder (I am a spice pansy, so I started with 2 tbsp and added more from there)
- 2 tsp. ground cumin
- 2 tsp. sugar
- 2 (8 oz.) cans tomato sauce
- ½-¾ cup water
- Salt and pepper
for the filling:
- 1 (15 oz.) can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 tbsp. canola oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 red or yellow bell pepper, seeded and chopped fine
- 1 (8 oz.) zucchini, halved lengthwise, seeded and chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1½ cups enchilada sauce (above), divided
- 1 cup finely crumbled queso fresco or feta cheese
- ½ cup minced fresh cilantro
- ¼ cup drained chopped canned green chiles
- Salt and pepper
for assembly:
- 12 (6-inch) corn tortillas
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Lime wedges, for serving
To make the enchilada sauce, heat the oil in a saucepan over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the garlic, chili powder, cumin and sugar and cook just until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Stir in the tomato sauce and water, bring to a simmer and cook until slightly thickened, about 5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste. (This makes more sauce than you will need for the enchiladas. The extra can be frozen for later use or passed with the enchiladas for serving.)
Preheat the oven to 450˚ F. Transfer half of the black beans to a bowl and mash with a fork until almost completely smooth. Set aside. Add the oil to a large skillet and heat over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the onion and bell pepper and cook until slightly softened, 5-7 minutes. Add the zucchini and cook just until tender, 3-5 minutes more. Stir in the garlic and cook just until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Stir in the mashed beans and remaining whole beans and cook until warmed through, about 2 minutes.
Transfer the veggie mixture to a large bowl and stir in ½ cup of the enchilada sauce, the queso fresco, cilantro and green chiles. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
To assemble, briefly microwave the tortillas until warm and pliable, about 30 seconds. Place 1/3 cup of the filling mixture down the center of a tortilla. Tightly roll up the tortilla and place in a 9 x 13-inch baking dish, seam side down. Repeat with the remaining filling and tortillas. Pour 1 cup of the sauce over the enchiladas, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar over the top of the sauce. Cover with foil and bake until the enchiladas are heated through, about 10 minutes. Remove the foil and continue to bake until the cheese is melted, 3-5 minutes more. Sprinkle with additional queso fresco and cilantro for garnish, if desired. Serve warm with lime wedges.
