Creative Ways to Use Tortillas Beyond Tacos and Enchiladas

Explore unique tortilla recipes beyond the usual tacos—like Enfrijoladas, Pastel Azteca, and the nutrient-rich Champurrado.

Creative Ways to Use Tortillas Beyond Tacos and Enchiladas
What lies beyond tacos, quesadillas & enchiladas? Tortillas are a delicious and versatile ingredient.

Tortillas aren't just for tacos, quesadillas and enchiladas—there's a whole world of delicious possibilities waiting to be explored. Here are some of our favorite recipes to inspire your tortilla adventures:

Enfrijoladas

Season and blend some beans until smooth. Heat the bean puree in a medium pot until it reaches a gentle simmer. Warm each tortilla on a skillet for about 30 seconds per side. Using tongs, dip the tortilla in the bean puree and place it on a plate. Fold it into a quesadilla or turnover shape. Top with cream and your choice of cheese (feta, queso blanco, cheddar, etc.). Garnish with cilantro for an extra burst of flavor.

Pastel Azteca

Think of this as a Mexican lasagna! Layer tortillas with your favorite fillings and top generously with cheese. Bake until bubbly and golden. This dish is rich in flavor and texture and will quickly become a favorite. It can be frozen (baked or unbaked) for up to a month, or kept in the fridge for several days.

Creamy Tortilla Snack

For a simple, comforting treat, warm a couple of tortillas, tear them into half-inch pieces, and mix them with equal parts sour cream and heavy cream. Season with salt to taste. It's the ultimate comfort food that’s creamy and satisfying!

Champurrado

This ancient Aztec beverage combines chocolate with the unique texture of tortillas. In a blender, combine 1/4 cup of your favorite chocolate powder, 2 tortillas, a cup of milk, and a bit of maple syrup. Blend until smooth, then transfer to a small pot and simmer close to a boil. Serve with a dollop of whipped cream. This delicious drink is not only tasty but also rich in nutrients. The Aztecs used to give this drink to pregnant women for its high nutritional value, though they used maize rather than milk.

Chilaquiles

Imagine nachos but with a savory twist. Let tortillas sit out overnight to dry slightly. In a medium-hot pan, heat a bit of oil and toast tortilla triangles until crispy. Drain on paper towels. Top with your favorite salsa (verde or roja), beans, white onions, and cilantro. Finish with one or two fried eggs for a hearty and flavorful meal.

Enjoy experimenting with these recipes and discovering new ways to use tortillas. Happy cooking!