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Are you a fan of Mexican cuisine who loves to try something new? While enchiladas and burritos might look alike, they are actually two distinct dishes that offer very different flavor experiences. Whether you’re looking for cheesy entrees to enjoy with friends or want an easy meal to make at home, this comprehensive guide will help you understand the differences between enchiladas and burritos so you can start cooking up delicious recipes.
What is Enchilada?
Enchiladas are a type of Mexican food that consists of a corn tortilla filled with savory ingredients, such as meats, cheeses, beans, and vegetables. The tortillas are then rolled up and topped with sauce. Enchilada sauces can be red or green depending on the style of dish. It is also common for enchiladas to be covered in melted cheese before serving.
What is Burrito?
A burrito is another popular Mexican dish that features a flour tortilla wrapped around a filling of meat, beans, cheese, and other ingredients. Unlike enchiladas, burritos do not contain sauce or cheese toppings but may be served with salsa or guacamole. Burritos are usually somewhat thicker than enchiladas and can be eaten with a fork or hands.
Similarities
Main Ingredients
Both enchiladas and burritos feature a tortilla as the main ingredient, along with various meats, cheeses, beans, and vegetables.
Cooking Techniques Used
Enchiladas and burritos can both be cooked in the oven, on the stovetop, or even in a slow cooker.
Differences
Size & Shape
Enchiladas are usually thinner and consist of rolled-up corn tortillas, while burritos are thicker and consist of a folded flour tortilla.
Toppings & Sauces
Enchiladas are typically topped with sauce and cheese before serving, while burritos do not contain any additional toppings or sauces.
Serving Style
Enchiladas are served cut into pieces and can be eaten with a fork, while burritos are served whole and typically eaten with your hands.
Popular Variations/Regional Dishes
Enchiladas can be filled with a variety of ingredients, including meats, cheeses, beans, and vegetables. Popular regional variations include enchiladas verdes (green enchiladas) and enfrijoladas (black bean enchiladas). Burritos can also come in a range of flavors, such as chile relleno burrito or breakfast burrito.
Nutritional Facts of Each Dish
Enchiladas can range from 200-400 calories per serving and usually contain around 10 grams of fat, 15 grams of protein, and 15-20 grams of carbohydrates. Burritos are slightly higher in calories (350-450 per serving) and typically have more fat and carbs than enchiladas with 13-18 grams of fat and 20-30 grams of carbohydrates.
Which One Is Healthier?
Both enchiladas and burritos can be healthy, depending on the ingredients used. To make a healthier version of either dish, you may choose lean meats, low-fat cheeses, and fresh vegetables as fillings. Additionally, using corn tortillas in place of flour tortillas will reduce the amount of carbohydrates in the meal.
Frequently Asked Questions | Enchilada and Burrito
1. Is an enchilada always made with chicken?
No, enchiladas can be made with any type of filling including beef, pork, seafood, vegetables and cheese. Chicken is one of the most popular options, but it is not the only option.
2. Are burritos and enchiladas similar?
Yes, both burritos and enchiladas are Mexican dishes composed of tortillas wrapped around a variety of fillings. The main difference between the two dishes is that enchiladas are typically covered in sauce while burritos are served with salsa or sour cream.
3. Is there cheese in an enchilada?
Yes, cheese is often used as a filling for an enchilada along with other ingredients like meat, beans and vegetables.
4. What type of tortilla is used for a burrito?
A burrito is typically made with a flour tortilla, although corn tortillas can also be used.
5. Is an enchilada vegetarian?
Yes, enchiladas can be made to be vegetarian by using vegetables or beans as the filling instead of meat.
6. Are enchiladas spicy?
Enchiladas are usually served with red or green chili sauce on top, which gives them a slightly spicy flavor. However, you can customize the level of spiciness depending on your preference.
7. Do I need to cook a burrito before eating it?
Burritos are usually assembled and then heated in the oven or microwave before eating.
8. Are burritos and enchiladas served with the same toppings?
No, enchiladas are usually served with red or green chili sauce on top while burritos can be served with salsa or sour cream. Other toppings such as onions, tomatoes and avocados are also commonly used to garnish both dishes.
Conclusion
Enchiladas and burritos may look similar, but they are actually two distinct dishes that offer different experiences. While enchiladas are typically topped with sauce and melted cheese before serving, burritos do not contain any additional toppings or sauces. Enchiladas are usually thinner and consist of rolled-up corn tortillas, while burritos are thicker and consist of a folded flour tortilla. Both can be healthy depending on the ingredients used to make them, so experiment with different fillings and flavors to find your favorite recipe!
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