Friday, November 7, 2008

Chicken Enchiladas with Pumpkin Sauce and my Mom's Chicken Enchilada Casserole


Certain things are just really hard to photograph, like little kids and dinner. I don't like taking pictures of casseroles or certain types of foods because the photo just doesn't do justice to how good the dish tastes. At least you know these 2 taste better than they look. Plus the darkness is really coming too early.
Anyway, on to the food. I saw the recipe for Enchiladas with Pumpkin Sauce on Clara's blog, I heart food 4 thought. I thought they sounded interesting and I am always looking for ways to use pumpkin besides dessert. Don't get me wrong, I love pumpkin desserts, but I think pumpkin is really versatile.
My mom has a really quick chicken enchilada recipe that everyone in our family loves and I had a ton of cooked chicken in the fridge, not to mention pumpkin, so I made these both on the same night. I knew I would like the pumpkin sauce, but wanted to give some of the pickier eaters a little variety, plus they both rewarm well, so more leftovers for everybody.
I added some shredded zucchini and black beans to the enchiladas with pumpkin sauce to up the veggie value because I love beans and shredded zucchini pretty much melts into anything (I always use it is spaghetti sauce, etc). I was a little bit skeptical of the pumpkin sauce because it was a little thin, but it cooked up beautifully. So, ignore the pics and make some enchiladas!

Enchiladas with Pumpkin Sauce from Everyday Food: Good Food Fast, found on I heart food 4 thought
1/2 rotisserie chicken, skin removed, shredded
1 small zucchini, shredded
1 1 /2 cups black beans, rinsed and drained
6 scallions, thinly sliced
1-15oz can pumpkin puree
4 garlic cloves, peeled
1 jalapeno chile (remove ribs and seeds for less heat if desired)
1 tsp chili powder
8 corn tortillas
1-1/2 cups grated sharp white cheddar cheese
Preheat oven 425F
In a medium bowl, combine the chicken, zucchini, black beans, and scallions. Season generously with salt and pepper, set aside.
In a blender, puree the pumpkin, garlic, jalapeno, chili powder, 2-1/2 cups water, 2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp pepper until smooth. Pour 1 cup of sauce in the bottom of an 8-inch square or other baking dish.
Lay the tortillas on a work surface; mound the chicken mixture on half of each tortilla, dividing evenly. Roll up each tortilla into a tight log; place seam side down in the baking dish.

Pour the remaining sauce on top; sprinkle with cheese. Place dish on baking sheet; bake until cheese is golden and sauce is bubbling, about 25-30 minutes. Let cool 5 minutes before serving.
my Mom's Chicken Enchilada Casserole
2 cups cooked, shredded or cubed
1 10-oz can cream of chicken soup
1 small can evaporated milk
1 or 2 4.5-oz cans, chopped green chiles (depending on how hot you want it)
salt and pepper
corn tortillas ( I also make these with flour tortillas, which my hubby prefers)
shredded cheese
Preheat oven to 375 degrees. In a bowl, combine chicken, cream of chicken soup, evaporated milk, and green chiles. Spoon 1 cup of the sauce on the bottom of a casserole dish. Layer corn tortillas on top. Sprinkle with shredded cheese. Continue layering sauce, tortillas, and cheese, until the casserole dish is full. I usually end with tortillas on top and then sprinkle a little cheese on the very top. Bake for 20-30 minutes, until bubbly and warmed through. Let sit for 5 minutes before serving.
Coming up next- Artsy-Foodie's Spaghetti Squash and Quinoa Bake

16 comments:

  1. those look yummy!! i know, sometimes the picture just doesn't show how good the food really is!

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  2. OMG!!!!! I LOVE LOVE LOVE your new look, Mary Ann! I mean, I loved the old one too, but your new blog design is just do fun! And these enchiladas look amazing - and I actually have some leftover pumpkin in my fridge. Maybe tonight? Do you know that I went to make your butternut squash pasta with shallots last night and forgot about (and therefore burned) the butternut squash that was in the oven? I am starting to think that there is something wrong with me.

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  3. I love your new look Mary Ann!! I actually saw it on Hannah's blog and it immediately caught my eye and then I realized it was your!!!

    The colors, the design, it's awesome and so you!

    Enchiladas look yummy too of course!

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  4. Your new look is absolutely darling! It is so bright and welcoming. Ah, I love enchiladas and could probably eat them at every meal. The pumpkin sauce sounds like a brilliant twist on the original. Very impressive.

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  5. These sound incredible! Thanks for passing on the recipe. We're having a comfort food recipe contest and would love to have you enter one of your favorite recipes! Check out the contest at MarxFood.com

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  6. Oh yummy recipe! I love using pumkin in about everything! You always have such great ideas! I LOVE your blog makeover! Cute, Cute!

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  7. Loving the new blog makeover! That banner is just too cute. Glad you enjoyed the pumpkin enchiladas!
    /Clara

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  8. Priscilla- Glad you are with me on this one! Thanks for coming by!

    Cathy- so sad about the squash!! You should throw these together tonite. Super easy!

    Aggie- Thanks so much! I love the new look too and after I saw what she did with yours, I went for it!

    Bridgett-Thanks- the pumpkin did add a little something special to these!

    Emily- Thank you so much. I love the new design and the enchiladas!

    CB- I really need to thank you! I have gotten so many great recipes from your blog. Yummy!

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  9. Love the new look! I've given you an award and a meme! Enjoy!

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  10. Cute new layout! Also FYI, I also got my Pier 49 $40 the other day in the mail.

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  11. I love your new design! My blog is in desperate need of a makeover.. I don't even have a header! I agree, some dishes are more difficult to photograph, but you did a great job with your pics!

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  12. mare---this looks awesome. how in the world did you do this? teach me? i think i will make your pumpkin enchiladas this week! i need to start experimenting with the whole pumpkin puree from scratch lalalla before thanksgiving.
    xo

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  13. Mare-
    I love your blog makeover, it is amazing, and I get tired just looking at all the deliciousness you make. You amaze me.

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  14. That looks like a wonderful dinner and I LOVE the new look on the blog- wow!

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  15. i was just getting on here to get the recipe to make this, and then i remembered that BRAZIL DOES NOT HAVE TORTILLAS. isn't that crazy? argh!
    i guess i can make them, but i don't want to get too far ahead of myself.

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Thank you for taking the time to make a comment on my blog! I appreciate you checking out my creations and leaving your thoughts. I will try to get back to you, through comments here or by visiting your blog. Thanks again!
Mary Ann