Golden Corn and Poblano Enchiladas with Roasted Tomatillo Sauce
Baked corn and poblano pepper enchiladas drenched in a tangy roasted tomatillo sauce, bringing bright, layered flavors ideal for Cinco de Mayo festivities. This mexican-inspired cinco de mayo (vegetarian) ready in about 60 minutes blends (from about 3 ears) fresh corn kernels, small corn tortillas, shredded Monterey Jack cheese into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 350 calories and feeds 6, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 2 cups (from about 3 ears) fresh corn kernels
- 2 medium, roasted, peeled, and diced poblano peppers
- 12 small corn tortillas
- 2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small, diced white onion
- 3, minced garlic cloves
- 1 lb, husked and quartered tomatillos
- 1 small, seeded jalapeño
- 1/4 cup, chopped fresh cilantro
- 1 tbsp fresh lime juice
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 425°F. Toss 1 lb husked and quartered tomatillos and 1 small seeded jalapeño with 1 tbsp olive oil on a baking sheet. Roast for 20 minutes until softened and slightly charred.
- Step 2: While tomatillos roast, heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add 1 small diced white onion and 3 minced garlic cloves, cooking for 4-5 minutes until translucent and fragrant.
- Step 3: Add 2 cups fresh corn kernels and 2 roasted, peeled, and diced poblano peppers to the skillet. Cook for 3 minutes until warmed through. Remove from heat.
- Step 4: Transfer roasted tomatillos and jalapeño to a blender with 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro, 1 tbsp fresh lime juice, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Blend until smooth.
- Step 5: Lightly soften 12 small corn tortillas by warming them wrapped in a damp towel in the microwave for 30 seconds.
- Step 6: Spread 1/2 cup of the tomatillo sauce evenly over the bottom of a 9x13-inch baking dish. Fill each tortilla with about 1/4 cup of the corn and poblano mixture and 2 tbsp shredded Monterey Jack cheese, then roll tightly and place seam side down in the dish.
- Step 7: Pour remaining tomatillo sauce evenly over the enchiladas and sprinkle with remaining 1 3/4 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese.
- Step 8: Bake uncovered for 15-18 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly. Let cool for 5 minutes before serving.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Golden Corn and Poblano Enchiladas with Roasted Tomatillo Sauce take to make?
Total time is about 60 minutes (25 min prep + 35 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.
How do I store leftover Golden Corn and Poblano Enchiladas with Roasted Tomatillo Sauce?
Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.
Can I substitute ingredients in Golden Corn and Poblano Enchiladas with Roasted Tomatillo Sauce?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Golden Corn and Poblano Enchiladas with Roasted Tomatillo Sauce for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
Is Golden Corn and Poblano Enchiladas with Roasted Tomatillo Sauce vegetarian?
Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
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