Traditional Mexican Enchiladas Are Not What You'd Expect | Passport Kitchen | Epicurious

For the first episode of Passport Kitchen, Chef Saúl Montiel from Cantina Rooftop in New York returns to Epicurious to make traditional enchiladas verdes, a recipe taught to him by his grandmother. With simple to source ingredients and a recipe that doesn't ask for any real expertise in the kitchen, these enchiladas may become your new favorite go-to.
Follow Chef Saúl on Instagram at @chefsaulmontiel and @CantinaRooftop
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[@matthewrosso8569]

“I wish I had a beer and my mom next to me “ Truer words were never spoken.

[@armandopina8529]

Very Mexican I'm so blessed to have my 94 y/o mother

[@leonhelen]

Hello 👋 Mathew

[@cratorcic9362]

@@armandopina8529Very blessed indeed

[@chiragnk602]

Saul gives you family vibes. He's the cool uncle that everyone loves

[@FAT9L]

He's definitely the tío that brings a case of Modelo to the party and tells stories in the backyard

[@Luz-yk4hb]

Team Saul

[@katl8825]

The cool uncle everyone wishes they had!

[@Skyblade22]

I really want to go to his house and have dinner, that would make my life lol

[@cwg73160]

“family vibes” jfc

[@KamekazeKuban]

Saul is such a character!!! I feel like he was just being super informative but still managed to make it slightly funny!! He’s an amazing chef, love how he gave similarities to Italian counterparts for people who aren’t really used to traditional Mexican ingredients!! I can’t give him enough praise!! His playing was stellar too!! Definitely seems like a genuinely great person to be around!!

[@enderdude5000]

E

[@krisbailey8537]

Saúl

[@PanchoKnivesForever]

@@krisbailey8537 😂 Good catch! 👍🏽

[@hoperoesler]

And with a straight face too! 🤣

[@KamekazeKuban]

@@PanchoKnivesForever look at his chef’s coat, there’s no tilde

[@Mak_irie]

I’m a simple woman. I see anything with chef Saul, I click. He’s so funny and just chill

[@UDjVirus]

Totally hahah

[@farticlesofconflatulation]

69 likes 😅

[@louiedoee]

@@farticlesofconflatulation wow the number after 68 and before 70?! So cool

[@keslyajennifer]

The has this passion for Mexico in a lot of different things. Saul got me dreaming about those sauces, charisma, music and gorditas.

[@michaelsullivan3581]

E sopes, por favor!

[@sauin.]

Now do a whole series of Saul cooking mexican food we can easily make at home. This stuff is delicious.

[@nollypolly]

YES! I'm not a huge fan of Mexican restaurants (bc of that stupid cilantro gene) so I would watch every second! And probably repeatedly as I make the recipes. Epicurious, DO IT!

[@oscarmart1]

youtube.com/@ChefSaulMontiel

[@2116sassafrass]

Please! Loved the video

[@1bullneck1]

@@nollypolly Same here, it really is a shame.

[@thaixle7]

Saul, please. You need your own show. Anyone else listening here?

[@chronicallynerdy4074]

"All I want now is a beer next to me and my mom next to me." 🥺😭 Love Saul, he's one of the best. 💕💜💕

[@flowertrue]

Agreed

[@jesuschristiscallingyou953]

He seems like a very sweet guy.

[@carriemartinez2933]

Same here!!!!!

[@nollypolly]

Love him! Such a genuinely sweet human.

[@salvadorarreolarodriguez6165]

Saul is demonstrating traditional Mexican food techniques in an incredible way... nixtamalization, the use of lard, the use of metate... obviously as in all Mexican cuisine there are many variants, but I liked it, direct, simple and traditional...

[@el_equidistante]

sure "simple", very few people in Mexico make tortillas from scratch

[@boredandagitated]

@@el_equidistante my aunts still do in Mexico but they’re poor. They do not however use a metate, they walk to the town mill to have their corn milled

[@The40Glock1]

​@@boredandagitated facts

[@iancuspinera1160]

As a mexican, it’s so good to hear foreign people say lovely things about México when they try our food. Our history is so rich, one of the richest in the world, and our gastronomy speaks about it.

[@insaneweasel1]

I just came back from Mexico and it's amazing! Wonderful country and very friendly people. I could see myself living there it was so nice.

[@leonhelen]

Don you mind we connect and you tell me more about your place ? I have a vacation paid trip to chose between Singapore and Mexico. Your view might just be what I am hoping for a conviction, thanks

[@GravyBaby420]

I can’t express how much I love Mexico and Mexican people.

[@texanboiii562]

What part of Mexico were you born in?

[@iancuspinera1160]

@@texanboiii562 Monterrey, NL

[@saberasadiqafattah7592]

The process of grinding the masa on that rock is very very similar to something we do here in Bangladesh. It's also probably done in India, Pakistan, Nepal, and other countries in South East Asia. In Bangladesh we traditionally make pastes of garlic, onion, ginger, mashes, and even powdering some spices on "shil-pata." It also has these two stones, and we follow this exact technique to grind everything to a paste.

[@Bllue]

The metate is used to grind chiles too!

[@saberasadiqafattah7592]

@@Bllue yes and a lot more than that!

[@ijaan108]

We use the clay tawa too

[@arifl5492]

Nowadays we only use it for shutki borta

[@charmagne2102]

The metate is also used for grinding spices and nuts into paste. Such as Mole and other chocolate products. However the most common and modern way is to use grinding mills now.

[@llspragulus]

Epicurious!! We need more of him!! We need all his knowledge!!! Please make more videos of him making traditional Mexican food PLEASE!! 😁

[@kbar4462]

Saul really is the coolest. Awesome to watch and learn from

[@enderdude5000]

E

[@fluffycritter]

I like how this “simplest recipe” for enchiladas involves making your own tortillas from scratch, including the hand-grinding of the masa harina from raw corn.

[@randygarcia8429]

Most authentic ✨💖

[@yesmansam6686]

I mean, if you're in the area. You get tortillas of this caliber from your local tortillaria.

[@johnmcpudding857]

This is very simple though, just requires plenty of time and effort to make everything from scratch. Strictly technically speaking, this is very simple you will be able to do yourselves quite likely if you tried. Courage, don't be intimidated by the seemingly massive undertaking, do it few times and it will all start becoming almost naturally.

[@AntonioCabarr]

In Mexico simple means “taking the time to make it with heart”

[@johnmcpudding857]

@@AntonioCabarr Simple thing made with love always beats something complex made half assed. The love you put into your food translates directly into the taste of what you have made.

[@walgreenscal]

i LOVE LOVE LOVE these cultural segments. please do more of these please

[@WorldsOkayestSorcerer]

This man needs a Food Channel show RIGHT NOW.

[@kristinloehrmann5262]

At 4:58 when he says "a little bit of cilantro," and I'm cheering because that's the whole bunch in my grocery store!

[@oscarolvera9069]

Boy you could do a complete series of all the different type of enchiladas you can find in Mexico, I love the enchiladas potosinas of my grandpa

[@oscarolvera9069]

@Jasper Hass The enchiladas potosinas are from San Luis Potosí, they have a unique flavor dough is make with a combination of Chile ancho and different types of corn. You have to made it in an specific processor machine. You can add just cheese (queso prensado) or combination of cheese and a salsa specific made for this enchilada then you have to put it in a comal. You can eat it with onions, fry beans, and avocado and you can also fry the enchilada. There is also enchiladas mineras, Rojas, enchiladas suizas, de mole, enchiladas rojas, enchiladas tamaulipecas, placeras, zacatecanas, enchiladas de nata, enchiladas de requeson, and I don’t remember other type of enchiladas but as I say you can do a complete season of taco chronicles about the different type of enchiladas

[@AntonioSerranoMx91]

Mineras de Guanajuato.

[@boredandagitated]

@@AntonioSerranoMx91 Que bello my Guanajuato

[@igiveupfine]

i've heard of these recipes before, but i really liked how he gave them context for other recipes/cultures that he understands we've already heard a lot more about. makes me understand this more.

[@jesuschristiscallingyou953]

Exactly. Italian is such a relatable reference.

[@jesuschristiscallingyou953]

Exactly. Italian is such a relatable reference.

[@steveworthington9017]

What I love about your video's is your honesty towards the food that you are cooking, there's no fancy sauce or a swoosh across the plate, it is literally what it is, beautiful 👍🏽

[@Stuntman707]

Real Mexican food is just amazing. Honestly my favourite type of food.

[@ChubbyUnicorn]

This Chef has a wonderful personality. I appreciate his personality.

[@iraul10]

The comment at the end of the video is the jewel of the crown. Saul you are great!, ¡un orgullo ver que se preserven estas tradiciones!.

[@cubandarknez]

the comment about the mom at the end, tugs at the heart strings

[@thaliafaudith9387]

Anyone agrees that we need more of this video with chef saul? 😁

[@corpsie-diytools38]

Yeah. His commentary is great

[@jasoncolburn2182]

i thought i was going to skip ahead between him talking, but this guy is a hit to listen to while cooking. wonder if he has his own channel 🤔

[@britneyzzshadow1716]

Yes! And chef ester and gabby.

[@LibraAllWoman]

I DO, I Do!

[@leonhelen]

Yes!😊 I can copy make it 😂 some day, lol

[@yvans.73]

Ahhh, Saul is such a delight! I love hearing him talk about heirloom corn and showing off how to use traditional kitchen tools. I hope we see some more traditional recipes from him!

[@ANAKITINA]

He should have used a molcajete to prepare the salsa . I guess he was too tired aftee using the metate 🤷‍♀️

[@leonhelen]

It’s quite outstanding with what he’d be doing ! Quite impressive indeed ❤

[@justincraig398]

I like this guy ,a lot. I want more videos of him cooking Mexican dishes that if I wasn’t so lazy I could do at home

[@JW-be8wf]

I am a simple man. I see Saul cooking and I watch the entire video with full attention. Work can wait.

[@danielreyes803]

Gracias al chef Saúl por explicar perfectamente la manera de hacer un plato tan de México.

[@enderdude5000]

E

[@justagirlsd3000]

I hate lettuce in hot food. No lettuce in my burrito gracias. Si they look really yum! I wish l could cook faster. If I make anything complicated it takes me so long my back hurts. Like lasagna takes 3 hours with assistance. I want to make homemade tortillas they’re divine. I’m going to Hidalgo’s in TJ to find the comal or whatever it’s called.

[@ethiesm1]

Amēn

[@nollypolly]

@@justagirlsd3000 to be fair, lasagne takes quite a while so it's not you. Both my Italian mom and grandma sit on a stool through most of the prep. But I know what you mean, long recipes can be challenging. I try to just enjoy the process instead of wanting the result if that makes sense.

[@leonhelen]

🎉

[@kieran7675]

Oooh, this is a new series right? Was hoping it'd be Saul, so glad it is, what a guy

[@Damarisn20]

When he said his “mom next to him” I cried. Aww ❤️🥺

[@eclecticexplorer7828]

I love Chef Saúl's personality. He keeps us entertained while teaching us. "You can find queso fresco in any Mexican store. If you don't find it, it isn't a Mexican store." I know it isn't like this everywhere, but here in Los Angeles, you can find queso fresco in any supermarket.

[@mainmaines]

Went to Mexico last year for the first time, and it has given me an even greater appreciation for Mexican culture. Almost all people I met with were so kind and welcoming.

[@leonhelen]

Would you share more light 💡 on your experience please

[@PuffinPsychologist]

We love this!!! We need more!! I am sure that Chef Saul thoroughly enjoyed making this episode and I know he jumped on the opportunity to share his traditions and culture with the whole world, the authentic way! ❤ We absolutely loved it. Thank you chef Saul… we hope to see you again in this series. Which means yes Epicurious, we need more of this series.

[@evelynpedroza595]

Chef Saul always explaining our culture and food. So happy to see his videos. That sauce is exactly how my mom showed me how to make. Now I want me some enchiladas 🙃

[@lalol5203]

Saul is the definition of a true Mexican. Definitely enjoyed watching this video.

[@zrszrs2405]

Chef Saul is the only pure thing left on the internet and his food always looks 🔥🔥🔥

[@nollypolly]

Tbh, I would watch Chef Saúl pour a bowl of cereal. He's so entertaining and just a joy to watch.

[@elenaherholz8932]

I love him! He is so informative, funny and i love how hes so passionate about cooking. Theres something different about people who do not just enjoy eating food, but making food every step of the way. I love this videostyle!

[@jacobsoper4708]

Epicurious is one of my favorite channels. They're super informative, they bring hosts from a bunch of different walks of life, and the tone is always educational.

[@patdfobrox]

I would love more of these Saul traditional recipes videos. He makes delicious looking food out of simple, fresh ingredients and that is exactly how I like to cook.

[@notactuallymyrealname]

YESSSS love seeinig Saúl get a full episode, with a more traditional take on something that has become so different outside Mexico. Can't wait for the next episode!

[@stephgilliam]

Saul has an amazing personality and a very simple way of explaining things, the perfect combination for host imo

[@jmg1619]

I love that I’ve found a chef with Latino accent! It makes the whole experience much genuine. 🥰🥰🥰🥰

[@bhuthemanakuma7557]

I'm a big fan of authentic Mexican food... Indian and Mexican food so similar. Omg, that looks soooooo good.

[@Kogobean]

i'm a simple woman, i see Saúl i click. he's just so fun to watch

[@cjpaisano]

He's the only chef I've ever seen use a metate on how to make corn tortillas!! YES!! Great job. Can you give him his own show?

[@Cupofgo]

Saul is a global treasure. I sincerely hope they pay him handsomely for all of his work. He could create his own cooking channel.

[@HashtagTheKate]

Give this man his own series!!!! Every time he pops up, its good stuff!

[@karldi7648]

Mi hermano. Gracias por llevar la cultura al mundo! Me encantas, Saúl!

[@mrpeccator1]

Honestly, one of the best cooking videos on youtube. More of Chef Saul!

[@lizvillegas6603]

It's wonderful how Saul's videos are love letters to his country's cuisine! His joy is contagious.

[@kermitdafrog444]

Saul is probably my favorite chef on the channel

[@elwaifutv]

Passport Kitchen huh... If we get to see more of Saul with this, please make it a series, this video was so cool in every possible way

[@wparo]

Beautiful to watch. I like this chef. You can tell he is a humble man with strong family values. His mother has taught him well.

[@LauraC369]

Thank you for this vid AND nixtamal with metate method!!! Like to ask... did anyone see him add cumin or ground pepper?? No, right? Now THIS is Authentic Mexican cooking!!!!! 🇲🇽🇲🇽🇲🇽 Once you see those ingredients by the shovel, it's called TexMex.

[@TheHaubs11tx]

Saul is probably my favorite, the joy he gets from cooking and food is inspiring

[@ew2545]

I adore the beginning of this series. It's incredible in terms of teaching us the history and how to cook it, obviously. Truly incredible. Thank you.

[@sherburck]

I love your sense of humor interjected throughout your presentation!

[@winniekosmel9373]

Always watch Epicurus when I see Saul is on. He could cook me dinner any time!

[@daniescc9622]

Sabes que la salsa va a estar buena cuando reaccionan como lo hicieron en 5:13 You know it’s gonna ve a good salsa when you get a reaction like that 🤣

[@yizudien1696]

This guy is my favorite chef for this style food. His burrito from the food science channel are amazing.

[@VRodz-11]

True words from Saul Queso fresco can be found in any Mexican store. If you can't find it, that store's not Mexican. 😆🇲🇽💃

[@robertpalmer3166]

I live in South Texas. Every store is a Mexican store. I can get queso fresco pretty much anywhere.

[@robertofraustovaldez9729]

@@robertpalmer3166 i want to go to texas, it's a pretty nice country

[@DrDingsGaster]

I'm just glad I can buy it at walmart over here. That cheese is crazy delicious.

[@el_equidistante]

That's not even true for all of Mexico

[@victorgomez9583]

It’s funny cause it’s true.

[@VerhoevenSimon]

I love episodes with Saul

[@dantethunderstone2118]

Saúl really is the best. Funny, educational, proud and most importantly still scared of his mom

[@3MasterG]

I've dissented with Saul a couple of times, but this, this, my friends, is MASTER. Respect, Saul!!

[@flowertrue]

This was so informative! Saúl is so funny and cute, but also this really helped bring into focus some aspects of Mexican cooking that I've never really understood, like nixtamalization, and why you should use tomatillos. And when he wished his mom was there I got teary-eyed. I miss my mom. She's far away too.

[@leonhardable]

Saul is just the 🐐 of epicurious

[@lucascerqueira202]

Chef Saul means instant click! He's funny, cool and really talented. Loved getting to know more about tradicional Mexican food

[@thialove2121]

Too cool... Every minute watching was worth every moment KNOWING the teacher has taught the simple process of loving LIFE! THANK YOU!

[@TTM1895]

Saúl is simply fantástico

[@sylviaastorga4196]

Saul….great presentations, food & explanation. Felicidades 👌🏻

[@nae9033]

Watching this video makes me appreciate authentic Mexican food! Thank you Saul ❤️

[@thefarmingnurse]

I love how simple and complex it is

[@CreepyMisfit7]

Enchiladas, beer and have Mom to share with. Doesn't get better than that.

[@rodrigul3]

I saw Saul ❤ and just clicked and watched! He’s that entertaining and an AMAZING COOK! Watching him cook is like seeing my Mom cook.

[@michelledenise5515]

Oh damn he really did it from scratch 🤯👍🏻🙌🏻 Doing it this way from scratch does taste the best but when I'm on crunch time I'll use Mazeca to do my hone made tortillas lol but this TASTE THE BEST GOOD JOB SAUL 👍🏻

[@diabeticidiot]

Maseca is good enough. We mexicans use it all the time.

[@michelledenise5515]

@@diabeticidiot I've used mazeca too becuase mom always. If I had the time I would do it from exactly like in the vidoe 😋

[@senorital.5806]

@@diabeticidiot Not all Mexicans always use maseca fresh masa brought from a tortilleria

[@MrElliotc02]

I don't think I'll do any of this but I love watching you do it.

[@Actually_Woke_6277]

The indigenous aspect of Mexico is so beautiful

[@dmarti47]

No soy mexicano así que hasta ahora me entero cómo es que se hacen enchiladas mexicanas. ¡Gracias por compartir!

[@oscarolvera9069]

Esta es una versión muy específica hay diferentes estilos, enchiladas Potosínas, queretanas, etc

[@KuroiWinter95]

@@oscarolvera9069 Más que una versión "muy específica" es una versión muy genérica, el tipo de enchiladas que encontrarías en todo el país,las queretanas y potosinas están más atadas a su respectiva región.

[@oscarolvera9069]

@@KuroiWinter95 Wey dijiste exactamente lo mismo con diferentes palabras jaja

[@oscarolvera9069]

@@KuroiWinter95 pero está bien sólo querías sentirte incluido, si hay enchiladas muy específicas por región como ya lo dije en mi primer comentario.

[@davetinoco]

You will notice in Italian and Mexican cooking that one of our key features that sets us apart from other countries is we always cook dishes which represent the colors of our flags. Red white and green throughout all our dishes.

[@justayoutuber1906]

The Mexican and Italian flags are only a bit over 200 years old. Food is older than that

[@davetinoco]

@@justayoutuber1906 Food changes. The modern recipes we know are about the same age. That doesn't change what I said at all.

[@nollypolly]

It could also be that the flags were influenced by the cuisine. In any case, both cuisines are loved by most!

[@baggydude7582]

Also tomatoes, tomatoes for everything

[@treyporter7611]

This guy is so great. Who wouldn’t love that?

[@lawyerdoctor]

Thank you for sharing this piece of your home with me!

[@jonathannothling1826]

THANK YOU FOR GIVING US SAUL HES A MAGICIAN

[@edd2184]

This looks so good I probably eat the the plate, fork, knife and spoon too 🤣

[@geoffryallan7261]

Hats off to you, whole ingredients and no processed food - that is what cooking is all about❤!!!!!!!!!!

[@kanamii_7246]

ngl saul always brings smile on my face, its his character and beeing so funny and kind and also i love his spanich accent

[@AllisonTheBeast]

I love Chef Saul, he's so much fun in all of his videos. Definitely need to try this dish!

[@lydacious7338]

While I was watching this video I realised I was smiling the whole time. This man makes me happy! Loved this video!

[@bam241990]

We have the same last name your sooo cool 😎 glad we are MEXICANS FOR LIFE!!!

[@meowmeow8103]

Everything you do makes me nostalgically hungry.

[@bruresende]

Omg, Saúl is amazing, I love his vibes!!! And now I want some enchiladas made this way...

[@davevazquez6188]

My mouth is watering, I can imagine how delicious those enchiladas are from everything being so fresh.

[@renata6002]

Oooooh, yes please, I am interested in this new series you are making.

[@mnels5214]

The perfect person to launch this series

[@healthyfamilymeals621]

Wow this is simply amazing!! I enjoyed every bit of it, love how he explains everything in detail! The Matete brought so much childhood memories (my grandmother had matete & she also used it for grinding fresh corn, there are so many similarities) Thank you for sharing this incredibly beautiful traditional Mexican recipe!!

[@ThePandaWarrior]

This video is an absolute delight, watching Chef Saul make Enchiladas

[@Bllue]

His spicy face at tasting the salsa cracked me up. It reminds me that we're not normal for loving the amount of spice in our food

[@KuroiWinter95]

Actually, we are, India, a lot of countries in southeast Asia and and some regions of China and even in Korea, people like spicy food too, and those reagions of the world have more than half of the world population, so yeah, it's actually pretty normal.

[@davidbryden7904]

Homemade tortillas are a whole 'nother level! 😋You will never look at the store bought the same.

[@genarodelreal6276]

A video with Chef Saul never disappoints. I love his vibe and his food!

[@feraguilar4175]

Cuando el chef tiene acento la comida va a estar deliciosa! Saul es un crack! 🙌🏼