Seafood Enchiladas

Seafood Enchiladas are a luxurious and flavorful twist on the traditional enchilada, featuring tender shrimp, crab, or a mix of your favorite seafood, all wrapped in soft tortillas and smothered in a creamy, zesty sauce. This dish combines the fresh, delicate flavors of the sea with the rich warmth of Mexican spices, making it a perfect choice for a special dinner or when you want to impress your guests. The creamy sauce, often made with sour cream, cheese, and green chilies, adds a velvety texture that complements the seafood beautifully. Baked until bubbly and golden, these enchiladas are a delightful and indulgent meal that brings the taste of the ocean to your table.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb shrimp, peeled, deveined, and chopped
• 1/2 lb lump crab meat
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 8 small flour tortillas
• 1 1/2 cups shredded Monterey Jack or cheddar cheese
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 can (4 oz) diced green chilies
• 1/2 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
• Lime wedges (for serving)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Cook the Seafood: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute. Stir in the shrimp, cumin, chili powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook the shrimp until just pink and opaque, about 3-4 minutes. Remove the skillet from heat and gently fold in the crab meat. Set aside.
3. Prepare the Sauce: In a medium mixing bowl, combine the sour cream, diced green chilies, and heavy cream. Stir in 1 cup of the shredded cheese, reserving the rest for topping the enchiladas.
4. Assemble the Enchiladas: Spoon a generous amount of the seafood mixture down the center of each tortilla. Roll up the tortillas and place them seam-side down in the prepared baking dish. Pour the sour cream sauce evenly over the top of the enchiladas.
5. Bake: Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese over the enchiladas. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the enchiladas are heated through.
6. Garnish and Serve: Remove the enchiladas from the oven and garnish with freshly chopped cilantro. Serve hot with lime wedges on the side.

These Seafood Enchiladas are a delightful combination of fresh seafood, creamy sauce, and warm tortillas, making them an indulgent yet easy-to-prepare dish that’s sure to impress.