Blue corn enchiladas offer a vibrant twist on traditional Mexican cuisine, combining the earthy flavor of blue corn tortillas with a hearty vegetarian filling and rich enchilada sauce. This recipe is perfect for those seeking a wholesome, colorful dish that’s both satisfying and packed with nutrients.
Whether you’re a committed vegetarian or simply want to add more plant-based meals to your repertoire, these enchiladas are sure to become a favorite at your dinner table. The combination of black beans, roasted vegetables, and melty cheese wrapped in nutrient-dense blue corn tortillas creates a delightful balance of textures and flavors that will impress family and friends alike.
Not only do blue corn tortillas add a beautiful color to your plate, but they also provide a slightly nuttier taste compared to regular corn tortillas. Paired with a homemade red enchilada sauce and a filling bursting with veggies, this recipe is a celebration of wholesome ingredients coming together in a comforting, delicious way.
Get ready to dive into a meal that’s as nourishing as it is flavorful!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Blue corn enchiladas stand out for their unique flavor, vibrant color, and nutritious profile. Made with wholesome ingredients, this vegetarian recipe is perfect for anyone looking to enjoy a meatless meal without sacrificing taste or satisfaction.
The recipe is highly adaptable, allowing you to customize the filling with your favorite vegetables or beans. Plus, it’s perfect for meal prep or feeding a crowd, thanks to its easy assembly and delicious leftovers.
Blue corn tortillas are naturally gluten-free, making this an excellent option for those with dietary restrictions.
Best of all, this recipe is packed with fiber, protein, and antioxidants, ensuring a balanced and nourishing dish. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just yourself, these enchiladas bring warmth, flavor, and a touch of southwestern flair to your table.
Ingredients
- 12 blue corn tortillas
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, canned, or frozen)
- 1 medium red bell pepper, diced
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese (or vegan cheese for dairy-free)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional for extra cheesiness)
- 1 ½ cups enchilada sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
- Optional toppings: sliced avocado, sour cream, lime wedges
Equipment
- Large skillet or sauté pan
- 9×13 inch baking dish
- Mixing bowl
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Spatula or wooden spoon
- Grater (if shredding cheese)
- Aluminum foil (optional, for baking)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease your baking dish with olive oil or cooking spray.
- Prepare the vegetable filling. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for about 3 minutes until translucent.
- Add the garlic, red bell pepper, and corn. Cook for another 5 minutes until the vegetables are tender but still crisp.
- Stir in the black beans, cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for 2-3 minutes until everything is warmed through and fragrant. Remove from heat.
- Warm the blue corn tortillas. To make them pliable, wrap the tortillas in a damp kitchen towel and microwave for 30 seconds, or warm them briefly in a hot skillet.
- Assemble the enchiladas. Spread about ½ cup of enchilada sauce evenly on the bottom of the baking dish. Spoon 2-3 tablespoons of the vegetable mixture onto each tortilla, sprinkle with a little shredded cheese, then roll tightly.
- Place the rolled tortillas seam-side down in the baking dish. Repeat until all tortillas are filled and in the dish.
- Pour the remaining enchilada sauce over the top of the rolled tortillas. Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese evenly over the sauce.
- Cover the dish with aluminum foil. Bake for 20 minutes, then remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Remove from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh cilantro and your choice of optional toppings like avocado slices or a squeeze of lime.
- Serve warm and enjoy!
Tips & Variations
“For extra flavor, roast your vegetables before adding them to the filling. You can also swap the black beans for pinto beans or add sautéed mushrooms for a meatier texture.”
- Make it vegan: Use dairy-free cheese or omit cheese altogether, and opt for a vegan enchilada sauce.
- Add greens: Stir in fresh spinach or kale into the filling at the end of cooking for added nutrition.
- Spice it up: Add chopped jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the filling for more heat.
- Homemade enchilada sauce: Make your own sauce with tomato paste, chili powder, garlic, and vegetable broth for a fresher taste.
- Blue corn tortilla substitute: If you can’t find blue corn tortillas, yellow or white corn tortillas work fine, though the color and flavor will differ.
Nutrition Facts
Nutrient | Amount per serving (1 enchilada) |
---|---|
Calories | 280 |
Protein | 12g |
Carbohydrates | 35g |
Fiber | 8g |
Fat | 9g |
Saturated Fat | 4g |
Sodium | 600mg |
Calcium | 200mg |
Serving Suggestions
Blue corn enchiladas pair wonderfully with a crisp side salad featuring fresh greens, avocado, and a tangy lime vinaigrette. For a more traditional accompaniment, serve with Spanish rice or cilantro-lime rice.
Consider topping your enchiladas with dollops of sour cream or a vegan alternative, fresh salsa, or pickled jalapeños for extra zing. A side of refried beans or charro beans also complements this dish beautifully.
For a refreshing drink to balance the spices, try a cold agua fresca or a classic margarita. And if you’re interested in exploring more delicious recipes, check out our Classico Sun Dried Tomato Alfredo Sauce Recipe or cool off with our Cinnamon Pecan Ice Cream Recipe.
Conclusion
Blue corn enchiladas are a delightful and nutritious way to enjoy a vegetarian meal that bursts with southwestern flavors and comforting textures. This recipe brings together wholesome ingredients in a way that’s easy to prepare but impressive in taste and appearance.
Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or entertaining guests, these enchiladas are sure to satisfy with their rich, cheesy filling and vibrant blue corn tortillas.
With so many options for customization and a simple cooking process, you can tailor this dish to your preferences and dietary needs without compromising on flavor. Give this recipe a try and discover a new favorite that celebrates the colorful, bold essence of Mexican-inspired cooking.
For more tasty ideas, check out our Chocolate Heaven Cake Recipe for dessert or explore hearty dishes like the Chipotle Black Beans And Rice Recipe.
📖 Recipe Card: Blue Corn Enchiladas Recipe Vegetarian
Description: Delicious blue corn enchiladas filled with a savory blend of beans and cheese, topped with a rich enchilada sauce. Perfectly baked for a hearty and nutritious vegetarian meal.
Prep Time: PT20M
Cook Time: PT30M
Total Time: PT50M
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 12 blue corn tortillas
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1 cup enchilada sauce
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat; sauté onion and garlic until soft.
- Add black beans, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper; cook for 5 minutes.
- Remove from heat and stir in half the cheese and cilantro.
- Warm tortillas to make them pliable.
- Fill each tortilla with the bean mixture and roll up tightly.
- Place enchiladas seam-side down in a baking dish.
- Pour enchilada sauce evenly over the top.
- Sprinkle remaining cheese over the sauce.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish with extra cilantro before serving.
Nutrition: Calories: 350 kcal | Protein: 15 g | Fat: 12 g | Carbs: 45 g
{“@context”: “https://schema.org/”, “@type”: “Recipe”, “name”: “Blue Corn Enchiladas Recipe Vegetarian”, “image”: [], “author”: {“@type”: “Organization”, “name”: “GluttonLv”}, “description”: “Delicious blue corn enchiladas filled with a savory blend of beans and cheese, topped with a rich enchilada sauce. Perfectly baked for a hearty and nutritious vegetarian meal.”, “prepTime”: “PT20M”, “cookTime”: “PT30M”, “totalTime”: “PT50M”, “recipeYield”: “4 servings”, “recipeIngredient”: [“12 blue corn tortillas”, “1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed”, “1 cup shredded cheddar cheese”, “1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese”, “1 cup enchilada sauce”, “1 small onion, finely chopped”, “2 cloves garlic, minced”, “1 teaspoon ground cumin”, “1/2 teaspoon chili powder”, “2 tablespoons olive oil”, “1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro”, “Salt and pepper to taste”], “recipeInstructions”: [{“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Preheat oven to 375\u00b0F (190\u00b0C).”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat; saut\u00e9 onion and garlic until soft.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Add black beans, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper; cook for 5 minutes.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Remove from heat and stir in half the cheese and cilantro.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Warm tortillas to make them pliable.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Fill each tortilla with the bean mixture and roll up tightly.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Place enchiladas seam-side down in a baking dish.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Pour enchilada sauce evenly over the top.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Sprinkle remaining cheese over the sauce.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Bake for 20-25 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Garnish with extra cilantro before serving.”}], “nutrition”: {“calories”: “350 kcal”, “proteinContent”: “15 g”, “fatContent”: “12 g”, “carbohydrateContent”: “45 g”}}