Serg’s Offers Up Authentic Enchiladas

The enchilada can be dated back to the Aztec and Mayan civilizations, when both would used the newly invented tortilla to wrap around bits of meat or fish. Moving forward, the enchilada evolved slightly with the addition of cheeses, chili peppers and various sauces. For Chef Sergio Arellano, owner of Serg’s Mexican Kitchen in Manoa and Waimanalo, authentic enchiladas start from scratch.

“Enchiladas are very authentic, a very traditional plate in Mexico. I remember eating enchiladas at least once a week growing up at home,” says Arellano. “I started making my enchiladas when I was 10 years old, just helping my mom and grandmother in the kitchen.”

Arellano — who was born in East Los Angeles, and grew up in Mexico City — is adamant about making sure all his dishes are as fresh as possible, especially those enchiladas, which he takes a great family pride in creating. Serg’s Mexican Kitchen uses the basics of fresh tortillas stuffed with your choice of chicken, beef, pork, carnitas, al pastor (split grilled meat), cheese or vegetarian. You then have your choice of two spicy sauces to top that enchilada foundation, either red or green. The red sauce is made from a combination of guajillo and pasilla chilies, while the zesty spice of the green sauce comes from fresh tomatillo, chili peppers, onions, garlic and Arellano’s secret ingredients. To top off the enchiladas, Serg’s Mexican Kitchen uses fresh Mexican cheese, queso fresco and cilantro.

“I would not change anything about my enchiladas. It is all about consistency, people love them, they have never had anything like this on the island,” Arellano adds.

Serg’s Mexican Kitchen

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