Today we’re going to look at the similarities and differences of three lesser known delicious Mexican dishes: enfrijoladas, entomatadas and enmoladas.
Everyone knows what an enchilada is right? A quickly fried corn tortilla that’s dipped in a chile based sauce then filled with either cheese, meat or even veggies then closed.
Enchiladas are on every Mexican restaurants menu.
But how about the similar but lesser known Mexican dishes such as enfrijoladas, entomatadas and enmoladas?
I bet you don’t see them on your local Mexican restaurant’s menu.
However, these delicious dishes are just as yummy so let’s get into what they are!
What are enfrijoladas?
Enfrijoladas are basically the same thing as enchiladas but instead of the tortillas being dipped in a chile based sauce they’re dipped into a sauce made from beans.
The bean sauce can be made with either canned or fresh cooked pinto or black beans.
Fresh cooked beans are best but canned beans are great for when you just don’t have the time. And they still turn out super delicious.
Enfrijoladas are typically filled with crumbled queso fresco but they can also be filled with shredded cheese, shredded chicken or even scrambled eggs for a breakfast version.
Beans translates to ‘frijoles’ in spanish. So when you see the word ‘enfrijoladas’ you can know that it has to do with beans because it has part of the word ‘frijoles’ in it.
What are entomatadas?
Entomatadas are just like enfrijoladas and enchiladas but instead of the fried tortillas being dipped into a chile or bean based sauce they’re dipped into a delicious tomato sauce.
The tomato sauce is usually made using fresh tomatoes but canned tomato sauce can also work in a pinch.
Entomatadas are typically filled with crumbled queso fresco but can also be filled with shredded cheese or shredded chicken.
They’re a light, fresh and easy meal that’s perfect for lunch.
Tomato translates to ‘tomate’ in spanish. So when you see the word ‘entomatadas’ you can know that it has to do with tomatoes since it has part of the word ‘tomate’ in it.
What are enmoladas?
Enmoladas are also just like entomatadas, enfrijoladas and enchiladas. However instead of dipping the fried tortillas into a chile, bean or tomato based sauce the tortillas are dipped into a mole sauce.
Enmoladas are an excellent way to use up leftover mole.
The mole used for enmoladas can either be homemade or it can be the jarred mole paste variety.
Homemade is usually always best but homemade mole is not quick or easy to make.
Luckily the jarred mole paste is a quick and still very delicious way to make and enjoy mole sauce.
Enmoladas can be filled with shredded chicken or turkey. I’ve also just used Mexican rice as the filling before and they were really good!
You can guess that ‘enmoladas’ have to do with mole since it has part of the word ‘mole’ in it.
As you can see these three dishes are all very similar the main difference being the type of sauce that is used.
These dishes are all very delicious, simple and resourceful.
That is what I love the most about Mexican cuisine.
The fact that it has the ability to take the most simple of ingredients and transform them into something so amazing and full of flavor.
I always tell people that if they’re looking to cut down on their grocery budget they should consider learning to cook authentic Mexican food.
Now that you know what these three simple dishes are which do you think you’ll try first?
If you enjoyed this post you should check out my other post on the differences between pupusas, gorditas and arepas.
Thanks for visiting, see you soon!