Spanish word

enchilada

Pronunciation

IPA/entʃiˈlaða/

Meaning

  • feminine nounenchilada

Example

Quiero una enchilada, por favor.

I want an enchilada, please.

Illustration for enchilada (enchilada)

More examples

La enchilada de pollo es muy sabrosa pero un poco picante.

The chicken enchilada is very tasty but a little spicy.

Core concept

Tortilla wrapped around a savory filling and topped with chile sauce.

Common phrases

  • pedir una enchilada

    order an enchilada

  • comer una enchilada

    eat an enchilada

  • una enchilada de pollo

    a chicken enchilada

Similar words

taco: Thin tortilla folded over fillings and eaten by hand.
burrito: Large flour tortilla tightly wrapped around fillings into a handheld roll.
tostada: Crisp fried flat tortilla topped with savory ingredients.
quesadilla: Tortilla filled with cheese, folded or sandwiched and heated.

Definition in Spanish

Plato tradicional mexicano: una tortilla rellena cubierta con salsa de chile y a veces espolvoreada con queso.

Word origin

From the Spanish verb enchilar (en- 'put on' + chile), originally meaning 'something given chile', so enchilada denotes a tortilla prepared with chile sauce.

Usage tips

  • Menus and servers often distinguish enchiladas by their sauce (salsa verde, salsa roja, mole), so naming the sauce or saying 'con salsa' clarifies what will arrive.

Related words

  • enchilarseason with chiliverb
  • enchiladochili-seasonedadjective

Word lists with this word