Experience the warmth of comfort food with our Butternut Squash & Black Bean Enchiladas.
This delightful dish combines the sweetness of roasted butternut squash, the heartiness of black beans, and the flavorful kick of enchilada sauce, all wrapped in tortillas and baked to perfection.
In this article, we’ll guide you through crafting this satisfying and flavorful enchilada recipe that’s perfect for a comforting dinner. Let’s get started!
Ingredients
For the Filling
- 2 cups of diced butternut squash
- 1 can (15 oz) of black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 small red onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon of chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon of ground cumin
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil
For the Enchilada Sauce
- 2 cups of red enchilada sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 teaspoon of ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon of chili powder
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
For Assembling
- 8 small flour tortillas (corn tortillas for a gluten-free option)
- 1 1/2 cups of shredded Monterey Jack cheese (or dairy-free cheese for a vegan version)
- Fresh cilantro leaves, for garnish (optional)
- Sliced jalapeños, for garnish (optional)
- Sour cream or non-dairy yogurt, for serving (optional)
Steps to Make
Step 1
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a mixing bowl, toss the diced butternut squash with olive oil, chili powder, ground cumin, salt, and black pepper.
- Spread the seasoned butternut squash on a baking sheet and roast in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes or until the squash is tender and slightly caramelized. Set aside.
Step 2
- In a large skillet, heat some olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the finely chopped red onion and sauté for about 2-3 minutes until it becomes translucent.
- Add the minced garlic and sauté for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Stir in the roasted butternut squash, black beans, chili powder, ground cumin, salt, and black pepper. Cook for another 3-4 minutes to heat everything through. Remove from heat.
Step 3
- In a separate saucepan, combine the red enchilada sauce, ground cumin, chili powder, salt, and black pepper. Heat the sauce over medium heat until it’s warm and well-mixed. Remove from heat.
Step 4
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Spread a small amount of enchilada sauce on the bottom of a baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Lay out each tortilla and spoon a portion of the butternut squash and black bean filling down the center of each tortilla.
- Sprinkle shredded Monterey Jack cheese (or dairy-free cheese) over the filling.
- Roll up each tortilla tightly and place it seam-side down in the prepared baking dish.
Step 5
- Pour the remaining enchilada sauce over the rolled tortillas in the baking dish.
- Sprinkle additional shredded cheese over the top if desired.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes or until the enchiladas are heated through, and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish your Butternut Squash & Black Bean Enchiladas with fresh cilantro leaves and sliced jalapeños if you like some extra heat.
- Serve with sour cream or non-dairy yogurt on the side if desired, and enjoy your comforting dinner!
Conclusion
In conclusion, our Butternut Squash & Black Bean Enchiladas offer a wonderful combination of sweet butternut squash, hearty black beans, and zesty enchilada sauce. It’s a perfect choice for a comforting and flavorful dinner that will warm your heart and satisfy your taste buds.
FAQs
Can I use canned butternut squash for convenience?
While fresh butternut squash provides the best flavor, you can use canned butternut squash if you’re short on time. Just make sure it’s drained and rinsed.
Can I make the enchilada sauce from scratch?
Certainly! You can make homemade enchilada sauce by combining ingredients like tomato sauce, chili powder, cumin, and garlic powder. Simmer until it thickens.
How can I make this dish vegan?
To make this dish vegan, use dairy-free cheese and make sure your enchilada sauce is vegan-friendly.
Can I add other vegetables to the filling?
Absolutely! Feel free to customize your filling with other veggies like bell peppers, corn, or spinach.
What’s a good side dish to serve with enchiladas?
You can serve your enchiladas with a side of Mexican rice, a fresh salad, or guacamole for a complete meal.
