If you like eating good food, you have probably enjoyed an enchilada or two before. It is a dish that seems to be universally liked by everyone.
But have you ever wondered what an authentic enchilada is? And what is the long and colorful, albeit at times dark, history behind the rich and flavorful dish that originated from Mexico.
More than a culinary monument, the history of enchiladas is like the history of Mexico on a plate. Its history shows that enchilada is a product of Mexican heritage combined with colonialism and cultural appropriation.
The roots of enchilada date back to the Aztec Empire. Its long history goes way back to pre-Columbian days when eating foods wrapped in a tortilla was the most popular way to eat in the Aztec Empire, particularly in the region of Mexico by the Yucatan.
There is much evidence to suggest that Mayans first created enchiladas when they started eating corn tortillas that had fish rolled in it.
It is similar to a traditional Mayan dish called papadzules. This dish, dipped in pumpkinseed, rolled around chopped boiled egg, and then smothered in tomato sauce, is said to be food for the nobles served for special occasions.
Another trace of enchilada ‘s origin could be found in the book “Historia verdadera de la conquista de la Nueva España” by a Spanish conquistador named Bernal Díaz del Castillo. Published in 1576, the book recounts the time when Spanish conquistadors had their first taste of enchiladas and how its richness led to its historic preservation.
In Diaz’s account, the Spaniards favored some of the local cuisines that were served around in the Aztec Capital and had a particular liking for enchiladas.
It became popular among the conquistadors for its versatility and simplicity as it can be easily made and eaten during long marches.
It wasn’t long before Spanish conquistadors started to appropriate it into their culture and taste. They made modifications and began to use ingredients such as pork, cheese, chicken, and spicy sauces instead of chili paste to raise the flavor profile.
It was during the Spanish colonization that the “modified enchilada” started to be referred to as enchilada, as an effort to fit it into the Spanish culture.
The name enchilada is the past participle of the Spanish word ‘enchilar’ which means ‘to add chili pepper to’ or literally ‘to season or decorate with chili’.
Later on, enchilada became a defining feature of the new Spanish colony. During the colonization period, the colonists of New Spain have begun to slowly adapt this newly discovered simple recipe, even adding a few modifications.
By the time Mexico declared its independence from Spain in 1821, Mexican cuisine began to form its own identity and flavors.
With Aztec and Spanish influences, the enchilada gradually took on the image of distinctively Mexican food. Easily, it became the closest thing the new country had to a national dish.
When multiple territories: Texas, California, and the Southwest were annexed by the United States in the 1840s, American culture started absorbing Mexican cuisine. With enchiladas at the forefront, Mexican cuisine became so popular throughout the Southwest region.
As many people moved to and from the region, they took rec
