Enchiladas con Pollo

Fast and EASY!!!  Absolutely the right choice for a Tuesday dinner.  Clifton hooked this one up for next to nothing.  This shiz had some flavor people.  I'm blogging it because it is completely unconventional and completely gourmet.  Gourmet on an everyday budget.  There are so many calorie cutting ideas in this one it is almost hard to know where to start.  My favorite is the use of the hot broth to soften the tortillas before rolling the enchiladas....very clever and way more flavorful than dipping them in oil.  The traditional Spanish rice has become Spanish couscous.  It could have even been done with brown rice.  These ordinary ingredients make for an extraordinary dish.  This one really works on the strength of the spices used.

What you will need:

6 corn tortillas ($.25)

6 chicken strips ($2.50)

1 cup couscous ($.50)

1 can tomato sauce ($.25)

1/4 cup any mexican cheese ($.40)

1/2 bunch cilantro ($.24)

1/4 chopped onion ($.30)

1 jalepeno

Spices:

fresh cracked pepper

garlic powder

1/4 tsp comino

2 cloves garlic

How to make it happen:

Ready for this....yes you....the one who is too busy to make a home cooked meal....listen.  Bring 2 cups of water to a boil with everything but the chicken, tortillas and couscous.  Add the chicken and boil until done.  Remove the chicken and allow to cool before shredding.   Use a hand mixer to blend the liquid mixture.  Dip the tortillas into the mixture to soften before rolling with the shredded chicken and placing into a baking dish.  Bring 1 1/2 cup of the liquid to a boil and toss in the couscous...cover and remove from heat.  Pour the remaing sauce mixture over the enchiladas and top with the cheese...cover with foil...bake at 350 degrees for 20 minutes.  You could even add a little non fat sour cream to the chicken if you wanted.  I know your tired, but you just fed a family of four for less than 5 bucks.  We paired this with a little salad...but you could just have easily added black beans for another $.65 or so.  I really love spending time in the kitchen preparing a great meal, but i have just as much respect for quick and easy.  This meal is a great way to avoid the drive thru because your pressed for time and provide a homecooked, nutritious meal for the family.