Vegetarian Enchilada Recipe Made Simple: Ready in 30 Minutes

Vegetarian enchiladas are a fantastic option when you're craving bold, flavourful, plant-based meals. With fresh veggies, rich sauces, and gooey cheese, they deliver all the satisfaction of traditional enchiladas, minus the meat, making them a perfect choice for both vegetarians and anyone looking to explore more plant-based options. However, cooking the perfect vegetarian enchiladas can come with its own set of challenges. Striking the right balance between moisture and texture is essential—too much sauce, and your tortillas can turn soggy; too little, and the dish ends up dry. You also want to ensure that your fillings add a variety of textures and flavours without overpowering the rest of the dish, which can be tricky. That’s why we’ve put together this vegetarian enchilada recipe to help you master these challenges. Ready to dive in? Let’s walk through this simple, step-by-step recipe for mouth-watering vegetarian enchiladas perfect for any occasion!
23 September 2024 4 min read
Plated enchiladas made with a simple vegetarian enchilada recipe

Ingredients for Easy Vegetarian Enchiladas for One

  • 160 g Black beans
  • 1 tsp Chilli flakes
  • 40 g Curly kale
  • ¼ red bell pepper
  • ¼ green bell pepper
  • ¼ yellow bell pepper
  • 5 g Fresh coriander
  • 40 g Grated cheddar
  • 1 tsp Ground cumin
  • 1 tsp Ground paprika
  • 1 tsp Potato starch
  • 1 tsp Dried oregano
  • 2 tbsp Salt
  • 2 tsp Sugar
  • 3 Medium tortilla wraps per student
  • ¼  large Onion
  • 1 tbsp Light-tasting oil
  • 45 g vegetable broth (vegetarian)
  • 50 g Tomato paste

Equipment List

  • 2 Small rectangular baking dish
  • Measuring spoons (teaspoon & tablespoon)
  • 1 frying pan 
  • 1 white Chopping board
  • 1 Knife
  • 1 bowl
  • 1 turner
  • Small reusable ingredient pots
  • Oven / Hot Plate / Stove 
  • Bento Box

Allergens

  • Milk
  • Gluten
  • Sulphur dioxide and sulphites

Step-by-Step Veggie Enchiladas Recipe

Here’s an easy enchiladas recipe vegetarian version that’s perfect for busy weeknights, combining fresh ingredients and bold flavours in just 30 minutes:

A serving of enchiladas made using an enchiladas recipe vegetarian version.
Image Source – Google | Image by – Tastes Better From Scratch

1. Prepare the Filling:

  • Heat 2 tbsp of olive oil in a pan over medium heat.
  • Add the diced onion and cook until caramelised, about 3-4 minutes.
  • Stir in cumin, paprika, and salt.
  • Add the chopped kale and bell peppers, cover the pan, and cook on low heat for 5 minutes until softened.
  • Stir in the drained black beans and cook for another 3 minutes, then set the mixture aside.

2. Make the Enchilada Sauce:

  • In the same pan, heat 1 tbsp of olive oil over medium heat.
  • Add the paprika and starch, stirring to combine, and cook for 2 minutes until fragrant.
  • Slowly add the vegetable broth, tomato paste, oregano, and cumin. Stir well.
  • Bring the sauce to a boil, reduce the heat, and let it simmer for 10 minutes until it thickens.
  • Season with salt and a pinch of sugar to balance the flavours.

3. Assemble the Enchiladas:

  • Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
  • Spread 1/2 tbsp of the enchilada sauce over each tortilla.
  • Add 1-2 heaped tablespoons of the filling in the centre, then roll the tortilla tightly.
  • In an ovenproof dish, spread a layer of enchilada sauce on the bottom. Place the rolled tortillas in the dish, seam-side down.
  • Pour the remaining sauce over the top and sprinkle with grated cheddar cheese (if using).
  • Bake in the preheated oven for 7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbling.

4. Serve:

  • Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve these healthy vegetarian enchiladas hot. Pair with guacamole, sour cream, or a simple salad for a complete meal.

Pro Tips for The Best Ever Vegetarian Enchiladas

Now that you have learnt how to make vegetarian enchiladas, here are some suggestions to ensure your dish is packed with authentic flavour in this easy enchiladas recipe vegetarian version.

  • To make your enchiladas more vibrant, use fresh, locally sourced vegetables. For an authentic vegetarian enchiladas experience, add ingredients like poblano peppers or corn, commonly used in Mexican cuisine.
  • For easy vegetarian enchiladas, opt for pre-cut veggies and canned beans, making this recipe perfect for a quick, delicious meal after a long day.
  • Before assembling your vegetarian Mexican enchiladas, warm the tortillas slightly to prevent cracking and ensure smooth rolling.
  • To make your enchiladas taste more traditional, include spices like cumin, coriander, and smoked paprika in the filling. These will give your authentic vegetarian enchiladas that rich, savoury taste typical of Mexican cuisine.
  • While red enchilada sauce is classic, you can also try green tomatillo sauce to give your Mexican vegetarian enchiladas a tangy twist.
  • Elevate your meal by serving these vegetarian enchiladas in the UK with guacamole, salsa, or refried beans for a complete, satisfying Mexican-style dinner.

Turn Ordinary Meals Into Extraordinary Feasts

As you wrap up preparing your vegetarian Mexican enchiladas, you may realise how much finesse and subtle technique it takes to get them just right. From perfectly frying the tortillas to avoiding sogginess and balancing the flavours of the sauce, there’s a lot to master. And if you’re hosting or aiming for that authentic touch, it can be tricky to nail everything down consistently.

A private cooking class could be a wonderful next step if you’re looking to fine-tune your skills or add a more authentic touch to your enchiladas. These sessions offer personalised, hands-on guidance tailored to your tastes and cooking goals. Whether you’re aiming to master traditional Mexican flavours or experiment with a vegetarian enchilada recipe Indian style, a professional chef can guide you through each step.

All you need to do is request a custom quote, and within minutes, chefs in your vicinity will respond with proposals that suit your needs. You have complete control over the menu. 

With yhangry, you can book sessions with world-class chefs like Chef Antonio or Chef Luke, who will take care of every detail, from sourcing fresh ingredients and providing top-notch equipment to handling the clean-up afterwards, ensuring a seamless and satisfying experience. 

Get free quotes from local chefs

Whether you're hosting a special celebration dinner, looking for a chef during your holiday or weekly meal prep, we will match you to the perfect chefs.

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FAQs

Yes, you should cover enchiladas while baking to retain moisture and ensure even cooking. For the best ever vegetarian enchiladas, uncovering them during the last few minutes will give the cheese a golden, crispy finish without compromising the tender texture of the tortillas​.

To prevent soggy tortillas when making an enchiladas recipe vegetarian version, lightly fry the tortillas in oil for a few seconds on each side before filling them. This creates a barrier that prevents the sauce from soaking in during baking, giving your Mexican vegetarian enchiladas a firmer, more satisfying texture​.

Corn tortillas are traditionally preferred for veggie enchiladas recipe due to their robust flavour and firmer texture, which holds up better against sauces without becoming soggy. While flour tortillas can provide a softer bite, they are more likely to absorb moisture and lose structure, making corn the better option for well-structured, authentic vegetarian enchiladas.

For a complete meal with your veggie enchiladas recipe UK style, you can pair them with flavorful sides like Spanish rice or cilantro lime rice to balance the richness of the dish. Alternatively, lighter options such as a cucumber jicama slaw or Mexican street corn salad (elote) add a refreshing contrast, perfect for enhancing the taste of your enchiladas.