Butternut Squash and Mushroom Enchiladas with Tomatillo Sauce
The tomatillo is a plant of the nightshade family, related to the cape gooseberry, bearing small, spherical and green or green-purple fruit of the same name. Tomatillos originated in Mexico, and are a staple of that country’s cuisine.
Yields 12 Servings
For the enchiladas
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 1 large jalapeño, chopped, seeds and ribs removed
- 1 cup chopped bell pepper (2 peppers)
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2-3 cups butternut squash, peeled and cubed
- ½ teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon cumin
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 16 ounces fresh chopped mushrooms
- 12-15 corn tortillas
- 2 cups shredded cheese
- Mexican toppings: cilantro, avocado, queso fresco
For the sauce
- 2 lbs. tomatillos
- 4 cloves garlic
- ½ cup cilantro
- 2 cups broth
- ½ cup half and half or cream
- salt to taste
Instructions
- Sauce: Remove the husks and place the tomatillos on a greased baking sheet. Roast for 20 minutes at 400 degrees, until the skins have brown or black spots on them and the tomatillos are soft. Place in a blender with the garlic and cilantro and puree until mostly smooth. Transfer to a saucepan and add the broth. Simmer for 20 minutes, until the sauce has thickened. Add the cream and season with salt.
- Squash Filling: In a large nonstick pan over high heat, roast the jalapeño and bell pepper. Do not stir too often; let the skins get browned and roasted. Add the onions and saute for a few minutes. Add the squash, 1 tablespoon butter, cumin, chili powder, and salt; saute until the squash is fork tender. Set aside.
- Mushroom Filling: Place 1 tablespoon butter back in the pan; add the mushrooms and saute until soft and browned. Season with salt and additional cumin and chili powder.
- Assembly: Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Wrap the tortillas in a moist paper towel and warm in the microwave. Stuff the softened tortillas with a little bit of squash and mushrooms. Roll and place seam-side-down in a baking dish. Repeat until finished; cover with sauce and top with cheese. Bake for 10-15 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly. Serve with your favorite toppings.