Difference Between An Enchilada And A Burrito
Mexican cuisine is one of the most flavorful and exciting cuisines in the entire world. With a wide variety of dishes to choose from, it can be difficult to discern the differences between some of the most popular dishes. One such pair of dishes that often causes confusion is the enchilada and the burrito. While they may look similar on the surface, they are actually quite different in their composition, origin, and preparation. Here, we’ll take a closer look at the difference between an enchilada and a burrito.
What is an Enchilada?
An enchilada is a traditional Mexican dish that is made by rolling a tortilla around a filling and then covering it in sauce. The tortilla is typically filled with meat, cheese, beans, or a combination of these ingredients. The sauce that is used to cover the enchilada is usually made with chili peppers, tomato sauce, and various other spices. Once the enchilada is assembled, it is often baked in the oven until the tortilla is crispy and the filling is melted and heated through.
What is a Burrito?
A burrito, on the other hand, is a larger flour tortilla that is filled with a variety of ingredients, including meat, beans, cheese, vegetables, and rice. The burrito is then typically wrapped tightly so that the filling does not fall out, and it is often served with salsa, sour cream, and guacamole. Burritos can be served hot or cold, and they are often eaten as a meal on their own or as a hearty snack.
Differences in Origin
While both enchiladas and burritos are now popular throughout the United States and other parts of the world, they have different origins in Mexico. Enchiladas originated in the Mexican city of Cuernavaca and are considered a traditional Mexican dish. Burritos, on the other hand, were not invented until much later and are considered to be a more contemporary Mexican dish that was popularized in the northern parts of Mexico and in the United States.
Preparation Differences
The preparation of enchiladas and burritos also differ quite significantly. Enchiladas are typically made by assembling the dish in layers, beginning with the tortilla and then adding filling and sauce on top. The dish is then baked in the oven until it is heated through and the tortilla is crispy. Burritos are typically made by filling a large flour tortilla with ingredients and then wrapping it tightly to create a pocket. The burrito is then cooked on a griddle or in a pan until it is heated through and the tortilla is slightly crispy.
Conclusion
While enchiladas and burritos may look similar on the surface, they are actually quite different in their composition, origin, and preparation. Enchiladas are a traditional Mexican dish that are typically filled with meat, cheese, and other ingredients and then covered in sauce before being baked in the oven. Burritos, on the other hand, are a more contemporary Mexican dish that are typically filled with a variety of ingredients, wrapped tightly in a flour tortilla, and then cooked on a griddle or in a pan. Whether you prefer enchiladas or burritos, there is no denying that Mexican cuisine is full of exciting and delicious dishes to explore.