How to Make Entomatadas: A Comforting Mexican Recipe You’ll love
If there’s one dish that perfectly captures your heart and takes you back in time, it’s entomatadas. Whether served as a comforting breakfast, a hearty lunch, or a satisfying dinner, entomatadas combine the simplicity of everyday ingredients with the bold, savory magic of this tomato sauce. Soft tortillas are filled with crumbled cheese and smothered in a zesty tomato sauce! These flavorful, easy-to-make tacos can be customized to fit your family’s taste. Best of all, they’re quick to prepare, making them perfect for busy families who want to reconnect with a homemade meal without spending hours in the kitchen
What Are Entomatadas?
Entomatadas are a classic Mexican dish made from corn tortillas dipped in a savory tomato-based sauce. The word “entomatada” comes from “tomate,” meaning tomato, reflecting the star ingredient of the dish. Entomatadas are similar to enchiladas but with a unique more simple tomato sauce. The sauce is often enriched with garlic, onion, (and chiles if you prefer) making it delicious and nostalgic! Classic Entomatadas are one of those delicious, comforting dishes that take you back in time to those childhood memories that hug you back! Typically, entomatadas are filled with cheesed or chicken, and can be topped with fresh crema, lettuce, and raw onion. This dish is a staple in Mexican homes, especially for lunch or dinner, and it’s easy to customize with whatever ingredients you have on hand.
I love Entomatadas but I don’t have time to make them!
For my extra busy parents who MUST enjoy a tender, savory entomatada with a side of nostalgia, use canned tomato sauce! My mom would make the sauce from scratch but sometimes, as all of us know, you just can’t fit into your schedule to boil the tomatoes! A can of tomato sauce will save you from eating that drive through lameness and you can save your money. Plus, the drive thru food doesn’t hug you back like entomatadas does! So leave your guilt aside and stock your pantry with cans of tomato sauce and use El Pato tomato sauce if you like spicy (If you don’t always stock corn tortillas in your pantry, what are you even doing here?… go get them. Also, a tip I can give you for late night dinners when you’re too tired to cook; when you do have time to boil the tomatoes, play Ana Gabriel and make yourself entomatadas, you can triple the recipe. If you’re taking the time to do the shopping, you’re already dirtying the pan, and you’re already in the kitchen, you’ve done 3/4 of the work! Might as well make your time work double and triple for you. Keep the extra sauce in the freezer container so next time you can grab and go for your next entomatada craving!
Why Entomatadas Are So Loved in Mexico
Entomatadas have been a beloved dish in Mexican households for generations. The combination of simple ingredients—tortillas, tomato, and cheese—creates an incredibly satisfying meal that is both comforting and hearty. Whether enjoyed during a family gathering or as a quick weeknight dinner, they embody the heart and soul of Mexican cuisine.
Moreover, making entomatadas is a family tradition for many. The process of preparing the dish can be a shared experience, with each person contributing to the creation of this tasty meal. Whether it’s frying the tortillas or stirring the sauce, it’s a way to connect with loved ones while savoring the incredible flavors that define Mexican food.
Variations of Entomatadas
While the classic entomatadas recipe is always a hit, you can experiment with different fillings and toppings to suit your preferences. Here are a few ideas:
- Chicken Entomatadas: Shredded chicken (preferably cooked in a flavorful broth) is a popular filling. The juicy, tender chicken pairs perfectly with the tangy tomato sauce.
- Cheese Entomatadas: For a lighter version, use just cheese. You can opt for a mixture of Oaxaca cheese or queso fresco for an authentic taste.
- Vegan Entomatadas: For a plant-based version, use sautéed vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, and corn, or even refried beans as a filling.
Entomatada Hugs
Entomatadas are a nostalgic dish showcasing the rich, vibrant flavors of Mexican cuisine. Growing up, it was on constant rotation at my house and I remember feeling so comforted as soon as I could smell the wonderful caldillo sautéing in the kitchen. The delicious tomato sauce, combined with the warm tortillas and savory fillings, makes it a meal that will satisfy your taste buds and leave you craving more. By following these easy steps, you can recreate an authentic Mexican experience right in your own home.
How to Make Authentic Entomatadas
Ingredients
- 6 Ripe Roma Tomatoes
- 1/2 White onion raw
- 1/2 White onion sautéed
- 2 Garlic cloves
- 1 tsp Mexican oregano
- 1 tsp Cumin
- 1 tsp Better Than Bouillon
- 1 wheel Queso Fresco
- 1 cup Crema Mexicana
- 1 handfull Fresh cilantro
- 1 package Corn Tortillas
- 1/4 cup Avocado Oil or Vegetable Oil
- 1 cup Chicken stock
Instructions
- Step 1: Prepare the Tomato SaucePlace tomatoes in a small stock pot and cover with water. Bring to a boil and lower to simmer. When tomato skin begins to peel and pull apart, turn off heat and let them cool. Roughly chop half white onion and sautée over hot oil for a few a minutes and then add garlic. If you’re adding guajillo chiles, devein them toast them in the same pan but keep an eye on these as you don’t want your chiles to burn. They toast in seconds. After toasting, soak the chiles in water until rehydrated (soft and maleable). Once onion and garlic and onion are fragrant, add these to a blender and let cool for a few minutes. Once tomatoes are boiled (or roasted), transfer the tomatoes, onion, and garlic to a blender. Add the dried chilies (remove the seeds if you prefer a milder sauce). Blend until smooth. Set the sauce aside.
- Step 2: Fry the Tomato Sauce Heat 1 Tbsp of oil and pour salsa into the hot pan. Add spices and lightly simmer the tomato sauce so the flavors come together. At this point, slowly add your cup of chicken stock until you reach a thick salsa.
- Step 3: Fry the TortillasHeat the vegetable oil in a separate skillet over medium heat. Quickly fry the tortillas, one or two at a time, just enough to soften them and make them pliable, not too crispy like chips. You can also lightly warm them on a comal if you want to keep the dish lighter. Once fried, place the tortillas on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb the excess oil.
- Step 4: Assemble the EntomatadasNow comes the fun part: assembling the entomatadas. Take a fried tortilla, dip it into the tomato sauce to coat it evenly, then place it on a serving plate. Add a generous portion of your choice of filling—shredded cheese or cooked chicken are popular options. Fold the tortilla in half, over the filling, ensuring it stays in place.
- Step 5: Top with Sauce and More CheeseOnce all the tortillas are filled, pour the remaining tomato sauce over the top, ensuring each entomatada is generously covered. Sprinkle with extra cheese and garnishes.
- Step 6: Serve and GarnishNow it’s time to serve your delicious entomatadas! Top with a drizzle of crema Mexicana, slices of avocado, and a sprinkle of chopped cilantro or lettuce for a fresh crunch. You can also add fried jalapeños for spice if you like it hot!
