Jefferson's Table: Santa Barbara Fiesta Famous Enchiladas!

Rich and Sultry, Plump yet Shapely

Experience this Classic Feast Day Celebrity

Fiesta in Santa Barbara is like an annual cleansing of the soul, a sort of purification that re-makes the participant and the remarkable city in a mystical way? It’s really a celebration of the early California ideal of romantic, unfettered spirit and breathtaking landscapes with stunning architecture. For the native born in Santa Barbara, this ritual is a chance to demonstrate a remarkable heritage and in this way insure the future of our rare legacy for yet another year. Finally, it is a passionate plea to all who live here, and all who visit, to love it deeply, and preserve it always. And, who’s kidding who, there is a certain amount of just downright shameless letting loose.

In our early years, the Fiesta tradition did herald the planning of many events like today but in a much more “homespun” way. No fancy polka dotted dresses and shawls for us? We made our tiered skirts and giant flowers with colorful crepe paper. Beside the spectacular dancing and outdoor markets a favorite happening was the Fiesta Block Party a with fabulous spread of classic Fiesta dishes. The star of the banquet table in our neighborhood were our very special enchiladas that always vanished soon after they were served? We are still famous for these mouthwatering favorites. See our secret recipe below.

If you want to experience a very fine Fiesta Dinner and a wild celebration with revelers go to one of our favorite montecito "hangouts", Cafe del Sol. Great ambiance and delicious Santa Barbara style dishes, anytime of the year.

LA FIESTA PEQUEÑA

The Little Fiesta" officially opens Old Spanish Days on the steps of Santa Barbara's historic Old Mission. This event features Fiesta's traditional songs and dances: tunes of the Californios, Flamenco, Spanish classical and Mexican folklórico dances. The dramatic star of the evening is a spectacular dancer all in white..."The Spirit of Fiesta"

A magical night of dancing under the Harvest Moon.

Fiesta Enchiladas

Ingredients:

Yellow Corn Tortillas 16-18
Ground Meat, Turkey or Veggie Substitute 2lbs.
Large yellow onion chopped medium
3 cloves of garlic
1/4 Cup of chopped Cilantro or Parsley
1 Tbls. Spicy paprika plus powdered Chipotle (or to taste)
Salt & Pepper
1 large can diced tomatoes
Longhorn Cheddar Cheese cut to 2” sticks
Monterey Jack Cheese cut to 2” sticks

Parmesan cheese grated
Cheese grated large for top
1 cup chopped scallions
1 large can of sliced black olives (drained)
2 avocados diced
1 head Iceberg Lettuce shredded
3 fresh tomatoes sliced thin

For the cooking oil we use combo of corn oil-butter or lard. Use what you like.
Enchilada Sauce (use our sauce recipe link here) or we also like Las Palmas (can)

Directions:
This is a great dish to make with family or friends helping and sipping some zesty Margaritas...
Start by adding some cooking oil in a large skillet on medium heat and add the chopped yellow onion...as it turns translucent add the ground meat, turkey or substitute...add the garlic and the spices and cook until nicely browned. Remove to drain on kitchen paper. When ready to use, add the chopped cilantro or parsley and place in bowl on the assembly line. Now prepare the other bowls filled with the following ingredients...Cheddar & Monterey cheese sticks, Parmesan cheese, chopped scallions, black olives sliced, avocados diced, iceberg lettuce shredded and fresh tomatoes sliced.
Now the process begins: You will need two skillets, one you will already have with the remains of cooking the meat. In this pan add the 4 cups of sauce or 2 cans of Las Palmas and the large can of diced tomatoes. Heat this to simmer. In another skillet add cooking oil to fill bottom by 1/4” and heat to slightly smoking. Now take the tortillas, one at a time and dip them into the sauce tenderly with tongs and then BE CAREFUL and step back and put the tortilla in the hot oil for only ten seconds and then delicately place in a non-reactive baking dish. (this can be tricky and takes a little time to get it right) Now it is ready to fill with each ingredient in the assembly line. Do not pack too tightly and roll so that the seam is toward the bottom.

When the enchiladas are all filled take the remains of the sauce and add additional diced tomatoes if needed. Taste for spices S &P and the pour over the enchiladas finishing off with a generous sprinkling of cheese. Now these can sit in the refrigerator until 1 hr. before serving or just pop them in a 350 oven covered with foil and bake for 45 minutes. Remove foil and bake for another 10 minutes to create a slightly brown & bubbly finish.

To Serve we have all the classic accompaniments ... Rich chili beans, Spanish Rice, Sour Cream, Chopped Cilantro.

Comments

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Nice! Happy new year to everyone, and a great 2011!

Posted by: Carly | January 05, 2011 at 08:37 PM

It does sound like a fun event. I love SB too, what's not to love? As a child who grew up in Los Angeles I miss the beautiful Mexican dancing and dresses. I was captivated as a kid!

Posted by: Amber | October 13, 2009 at 02:53 PM