*Naturally Ella received a major update! See what the new site is all about.
There are many meals I make but never share. Most of the time, it's because I didn't write them down or have been winging it for so long, it seems strange to write about it. These spinach enchiladas are one of those recipes, primarily the enchilada sauce. I never buy store-bought sauce because with a few pantry staples, you can make your own (and it taste better too). It's taken me years to finally write it down and it's adapted from The Fauxmartha's recipe. I also purposely left these vegan but cheese can easily be added.
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+ Sauce makes enough for two meals. Measure out the sauce you need, then let the remaining sauce cool and freeze in an airtight container.
If you own a copy of the Easy Vegetarian Kitchen, you know that enchiladas are one of my 50 base meals. Both the sauce and filling can be changed based on what's in season and what you have on hand. This tomato sauce is my go-to, all seasonal sauce because I always have canned tomatoes on hand. I think spinach enchiladas are one of the easier variations, only because the spinach doesn't need cooked ahead of time. I could also list 100's of variations but a few of my favorite, similar to this recipe:
The Filling: If you're looking to keep the greens/legume combo try: kale and black beans or chard and kidney beans. Depending on the season, another easy addition is roasted squash (summer or winter).
Add Cheese: I'm not vegan but I think Mexican food is such an easy thing to make vegan without missing anything. However, cheese is amazing in enchiladas. Sprinkle a good melting cheese (gouda, smoked mozzarella, pepper jack) inside each enchilada and over the top before baking.
Add Spice: My typical enchilada sauce has a small kick thanks to a pinch of cayenne. If you want it spicier, use The Fauxmartha's recipe with jalapeños (+ seeds) or add part (or a whole) chipotle in adobo sauce.
You might have noticed, but 2016 has been deemed 'the year of pulses' but in my kitchen, every day is a pulse day. Lentils have always been a favorite of mine, primarily because of their quick cooking and easy adaptability. A few of my favorite lentil dinner recipes:
Red Lentil Masala with Spinach
Chipotle Lentil Tacos
Curried Lentils with Rhubarb Chutney
I totally agree with you: the homemade sauces are so much better than the store bought ones! I love the variations you added.
I love your new design, Erin! You've implemented so many great and practical features- you are such a great vegetarian resource. Enchiladas look great- fresh, colorful, and flavorful!
I LOVE the new site, Erin! It's beautiful. And I lovelove enchiladas -- I'm going to have to try these very soon!
I was so exciting to see this recipe pop up in my instagram feed this morning! I can't find any decent enchilada sauces here at all. I found one at the supermarket and tried it and I've never eaten enchiladas since because it was so awful and tasted plastic and really, just yuk.
I am now looking forward to giving enchiladas a go again seeing this recipe. It looks so delicious!! I might have to add some roast chicken in there for the boyf to keep the peace 🙂 but I love this veggie option. Cannot wait to get into the kitchen and give this ago!! Thanks for sharing! ps. love the new site 🙂
This looks really good and I bet my family won't even know they are eating spinach!
I am LOVING the new look, and this recipe. my daughter has decided to be 100% vegetarian, and I am always looking for meals that the whole family will love - I have two carnivores in the house too 🙂 this one sounds perfect
I love the new site, Erin! It looks amazing!! 😀
Oh my god that looks bloody delicious. Exactly what I've been looking for today! Thank you so much 🙂
Love, Kerstin
http://www.missgetaway.com/
Excellent combination, and healthy, thank you for sharing, adding this one to my recipe books. Thank you
Great recipe!! I love everything about these Spinach/Lentil Enchiladas! Definitely making!!
These are delicious! They were so good that we didn't even miss the cheese. I didn't have lentils on hand so I used black beans. Would definitely make these again!
Probably my perfect meal right here <3
Thank you! What a great list of healthy recipes! I can’t wait to try a few.
My new favorite enchiladas! So delicious! I made them the night before and popped them into the oven today. The tortillas soaked up the sauce and were perfect!
Totally making these tonight! 🙂 Can't wait!!
I'm with you on homemade sauce, especially when it comes to enchiladas!
The sauce is delish! Smoked paprika is my favorite spice, so I was really excited about trying this recipe. Also, I used homemade chicken broth. And for the filling, I added some cumin, mexican seasoning, chicken, and roasted corn. Topped with guacamole. Super!
Update: I also used the filling to stuff some roasted poblano peppers, no sauce, but topped it with a little cheese- was a fabulous combination!!
DELICIOUS! Even for non-vegetarians, don't even miss the meat 🙂 🙂
This is a gorgeous recipe, really easy and very tasty. Looking forward to left overs tomorrow !!
Just made this recipe and it was delicious! My husband & I
thoroughly enjoyed it, and did not miss the meat. We are trying out new vegetarian recipes. Great lunch on this bitter cold day in Ontario. Thanks for posting it!