Shelly's Recipe

CRAWFISH ENCHILADAS

Category: Fish and Seafood

1/4 pound (1 stick) unsalted butter
1 cup finely chopped onions
1 cup canned green chilies, chopped
3/4 cup finely chopped green bell peppers
2 3/4 teaspoons of salt
2 3/4 teaspoons of white pepper
1 1/2 teaspoons ground red pepper (cayenne)
3/4 teaspoon dried oregano leaves
1/2 teaspoon minced garlic
3 cups heavy cream
1 cup dairy sour cream
8 cups grated Monterrey Jack cheese or other white (preferably non-processed) cheese (2 pounds)
2 pounds peeled craw fish tails
2/3 cup very finely chopped green onions
1/2 cup cooking oil
20 (6-inch) corn tortillas

In a large skillet melt 1/2 stick of the butter. Add the onions, green chilies, bell peppers, 1 1/4 teaspoon of salt, 3/4 teaspoon of white pepper, 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper, 1/4 teaspoon of oregano and the minced garlic. Saute over medium heat for 10 minutes, stirring often.

Stir in the cream and bring mixture to a rapid boil; then reduce the heat and simmer uncovered 10 minutes, stirring constantly. Add the sour cream; with a metal whisk, beat continuously until the sour cream is dissolved, about 3 minutes. Add 3 cups of the cheese and stir until melted. Set the sauce aside.

In a 4-quart saucepan melt the remaining 1/2 stick butter. Add the crawfish, green onions and the remaining 1 1/2 teaspoon of salt, 2 teaspoons of white pepper, 1 teaspoon of red pepper, and 1/2 teaspoon of oregano.

Saute over medium heat for about 6 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add the cheese sauce to the crawfish mixture

and stir well. Simmer until the flavors are well blended, about 6 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Set aside.

In a small skillet heat the oil to 325 degrees. Holding the tortilla with metal tongs, dip each into the hot oil just long enough to soften, about 1 second on each side; drain on paper towels.

Spoon about 1/3 cup sauce on each tortilla and roll up tortilla; place seam side down in a baking dish. Cover the tortilla from end to end with a generous amount of additional sauce. Then sprinkle it with the remaining cheese.

For the prettiest presentation, place the enchiladas under a broiler near the flame until the cheese melts and begins to brown, about 2 minutes. Or, bake the enchiladas in a 350 degrees until cheese melts, about 5 to 8 minutes. Serve immediately.