Zucchini Enchilada Roll-Ups: A Fresh Take on Mexican Comfort Food
Lighten Up Your Enchiladas with Zucchini “Tortillas”
Zucchini Enchilada Roll-Ups offer a healthy and delicious twist on traditional enchiladas. By replacing traditional flour tortillas with thinly sliced zucchini, you’ll reduce the carb content while enhancing the overall flavor with the zucchini’s natural sweetness. These roll-ups are also a great way to sneak some veggies into your meal. Let’s dive into this unique and nutritious Mexican-inspired dish.
Ingredients:
For the Zucchini “Tortillas”:
- 4 large zucchinis, thinly sliced lengthwise (about 1/8-inch thick)
- Olive oil for brushing
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Enchilada Filling:
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken works well)
- 1 cup black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)
- 1 cup diced bell peppers (any color you prefer)
- 1 cup diced red onion
- 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a blend)
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Enchilada Sauce:
- 2 cups red enchilada sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1/2 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt (optional for added creaminess)
Toppings (Optional):
- Chopped fresh cilantro
- Sliced green onions
- Sliced black olives
- Diced tomatoes
- Sliced jalapeños
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Zucchini “Tortillas”:
- Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. You can also use a broiler.
- Brush both sides of the zucchini slices with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
- Grill the zucchini slices for about 1-2 minutes per side or until they become slightly tender and have grill marks. Set them aside.
2. Make the Enchilada Filling:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, black beans, corn, diced bell peppers, diced red onion, 1 cup of shredded cheese, chili powder, ground cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well to evenly distribute the ingredients.
3. Assemble the Roll-Ups:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Pour 1/2 cup of enchilada sauce into the bottom of a baking dish and spread it evenly.
- Lay a grilled zucchini slice on a clean surface and spoon a generous amount of the filling mixture onto one end. Roll it up tightly and place it seam-side down in the baking dish.
- Repeat this process with the remaining zucchini slices and filling, arranging the roll-ups side by side in the dish.
4. Add the Enchilada Sauce:
- Pour the remaining enchilada sauce over the zucchini roll-ups. If you want extra creaminess, you can drizzle the sour cream or Greek yogurt over the top as well.
5. Bake:
- Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheese on top of the roll-ups.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until the roll-ups are heated through, and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
6. Garnish and Serve:
- Remove the foil and garnish your Zucchini Enchilada Roll-Ups with chopped fresh cilantro, sliced green onions, sliced black olives, diced tomatoes, and sliced jalapeños if you like some heat.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Tips and Variations:
Tips:
- Use a mandoline slicer or a sharp knife to ensure consistent zucchini slices.
- If you don’t have a grill or grill pan, you can use a broiler or a stovetop grill pan.
Variations:
- Customize the filling to your liking. You can add cooked ground beef, turkey, or even roasted veggies.
Customization:
- Serve your Zucchini Enchilada Roll-Ups with a dollop of guacamole, a side of Mexican rice, or a simple salad for a complete meal.
Storage:
- Store any leftover Zucchini Enchilada Roll-Ups in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Cook’s Note:
- Zucchini Enchilada Roll-Ups are a fantastic way to enjoy the flavors of traditional enchiladas while incorporating more vegetables into your diet. The grilled zucchini provides a light and fresh alternative to flour tortillas, making this dish perfect for a healthy, low-carb meal. Whether you’re looking for a weeknight dinner or a dish to impress guests, these roll-ups are sure to please.
