Enchilada Vs Chimichanga: What’s the Difference?

Enchilada and Chimichanga are popular Mexican foods, great food for parties and they pair well with chips and salsa. Chimichangas are similar to enchiladas but made out of rice instead. With quite similarities, There are some differences in taste, fillings & more.

Let’s find out how enchilada is different from chimichanga. The major difference between Enchilada vs chimichanga is the wrap. A Chimichanga is just like an enchilada except instead of being wrapped inside a flour tortilla they are wrapped inside a corn tortilla. Chimichangas are their American cousin; however, they differ from enchiladas as they don’t include any sort of crusty exterior.

Difference Between enchilada and chimichangas

An Enchilada is a Mexican dish containing meat that is rolled into a tortilla and then cooked. Enchiladas are the best option if you’re looking for something easy to eat but not too heavy.

They’ll give your body energy without filling you up completely. This is because they are usually pretty low on calories and high in protein.

On the other hand, chimichangas are great for those who want a big meal full of carbs. You can get a ton of meat and veggies in this dish, making it a popular choice among vegetarians and vegans.

Origin

Enchiladas originated in Mexico. They were brought to America by Spanish settlers. Americans have changed the recipe slightly and added different ingredients including cheese and beans.

In 1929, the first chimichanga was created by Maria Elena Soto at her restaurant called El Farolito in San Francisco, California. She originally served them stuffed with meat.

Today, most people think that the origin of chimichangas is from Mexico due to their similarities with burritos. However, they were invented by Mexican Americans.

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Taste

Ingredients used in making are what mainly provide the delicious taste of these two popular Mexican dishes. Enchilada contains pepper (capsicum) and onion/garlic which makes this dish a tasty spicy touch.

So, if you’re a fan of spicy dishes, Enchilada is for you. Chimichanga is a popular Tex Mex dish. It consists of fried corn tortillas stuffed with seasoned ground meat and topped with cheese.

One thing is for sure both are quite delicious. To be more specific about the taste, Enchilada’s taste is very similar to tostade. On the flip side, The chimichanga is pretty similar to the burrito.

Nutrition

Enchilada & Chimichanga is a popular dishes in the United States, Mexico, and South America. Its ingredients vary by region and country. While many people may have different opinions about its nutritional value, this delicious dish is not exactly an unhealthy choice.

Chimichanga has quite a few great health benefits! Here are the top three reasons why nutritionists recommend eating enchiladas & Chimichangas over other foods.

Protein

Enchiladas & Chimichanga contain a high amount of protein compared to other Mexican meals. They are usually served with beans, rice, and corn tortillas, which make them a great option if your diet tends to be low in protein.

Beans and grains are filling and high in fiber, while the protein in corn tortillas keeps your hunger levels steady throughout the day.

Fiber

It’s not unusual to find enchiladas packed with fiber. You’ll typically find them topped with cheese, guacamole, sour cream, and lettuce. These toppings add variety to your meal and help keep you full longer.

Additionally, the fiber in these items helps lower cholesterol and reduce blood pressure. They may help reduce cholesterol levels and provide other health benefits.

Calcium

Protein is an essential component that can greatly improve your health, as well as other bodily functions. Enchilada contains 9.6 grams of protein that could be a helping hand in your daily protein intake. Chimichanga is rich in protein. It contains 33g of protein.

Health Benefits

Enchilada & Chimichanga contains high levels of fiber, carbohydrates, protein, and vitamins B6 and C. It can help reduce cholesterol, protect against heart disease, lower blood pressure, and may even aid weight loss efforts. Here are some health benefits which lets you to the craving for these delicious dishes.

Energizing

The combination of spicy ingredients in Enchilada can give your body a boost, particularly if you combine them at night before bedtime.

By using a little spice, you’re able to create a better environment for sleep, allowing you to get a restful night’s sleep. You’re likely to feel energized throughout the day, giving you that extra push to do everything you need to accomplish.

Appetite Suppression

Spicy foods like Enchilada are known to suppress appetite, making them useful for those who struggle with weight issues. The heat from spices stimulates the release of endorphins, which are compounds in the brain that produce feelings of happiness.

Endorphins have been shown to block hunger signals and reduce cravings for sweets. This allows you to eat less without experiencing any negative effects, like overeating.

Improves Sleep Quality

Chimichanga helps you sleep better. If you wake up frequently or suffer from insomnia, adding chimichanga into your diet could help improve your sleep quality.

Spices contain volatile oils that act as natural sedatives, helping you drift off to dreamland much easier. Plus, they stimulate blood flow, which helps keep your body warm and comfortable while you sleep.

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Food Fillings

Enchiladas have been around since ancient Mexico and are known for their versatility and deliciousness. They can be filled with almost anything from vegetables, beans, cheese, meat, and even chocolate!

Chimichanga is a Mexican dish that has only hot fillings that consist of deep-fried tortillas filled with meat, cheese, beans, and other ingredients. There are many types of ways to make chimichangas according to what kind of fillings you want to put inside.

If you’re looking to make these yourself, Using corn tortillas instead of flour ones are considered to be a good option. You should also use lean ground beef and not fatty beef. Other meats that go great into this food include pork, chicken, turkey, carnitas, and even shrimp!

Enchilada vs chimichanga: which one is tastiest?

Which one is tastier? Combining all the pieces makes the chimichanga the winner when it comes to taste. if we were to eat both of them, we would have to go with the chimichanga since it doesn’t contain any sort of cheese or sauce while the enchilada isn’t anything special. 

Conclusion

So, now you know the difference between Enchilada & Chimichanga – No more confusion when selecting and ordering the next dish at your favorite restaurant. Choose which suits your taste the best and make your and your loved one day.

As stated above, both dishes are packed with nutritional values so you can add them to your nutritional meal.