Hello dear friends of Paulina Cocina! Today we bring you one of those treasures that Mexican cuisine offers us: Cheese quesadillas. A super recipe easy, versatile and practical, because it solves your hunger issue in a few minutes and with something very tasty. It is a rich combination of corn or wheat tortillasfilled with cheese and other ingredients, which when heated until the cheese melts, create an irresistible delicacy, especially for those who love to see a lot of melted cheese together, like us!
In this note you will find useful information about quesadillas, from its origin to the ingredients it contains and those that can be added to it. And as usually happens in these cases, we leave you an easy recipe where we explain how to make cheese quesadillas to prepare at any time.
About the quesadillas
Las cheese quesadillas They are a very popular dish, in fact they enter my ranking of 10 traditional Mexican food recipesBecause they are a classic. They are mainly made with corn or wheat tortillas (taco dough), which are filled with cheese, but can also have other ingredients according to your personal taste.
The word “quesadilla” comes from the Spanish term “queso”, since the star ingredient of this dish is, precisely, he queso. However, they are not limited only to carrying cheese, since they can add a wide variety of ingredients such as meat, chicken, vegetables, beans (beans) and more, according to the preferences and creativity of each person.
What ingredients do they have?
The basis of the Mexican Quesadillas is the tortilla, either corn or wheat flour. The tortilla is filled with cheese, which can be of the type Oaxaca, Chihuahua, Manchego, among others. The important thing is that it is a cheese that melts well so that it permeates everything.
In addition to cheese, they can carry other ingredients according to tastes and the region. Some of the more popular options that can be added are: shredded chicken, chorizo, mushrooms, bell peppers, onions, refried beans, or avocado.
Each ingredient brings its own flavor and texture, creating an irresistible combination.
By what other name are they known?
Although the word “quesadilla” is widely used to refer to this delight, in some regions of Mexico it is known by other names. For example, in the North of mexico it is common to call itgringa” when prepared with wheat flour tortilla y “quesadilla” when made with corn tortilla.
Origin and history
Quesadillas have their roots in the old mexican kitchen, where corn was a fundamental food. It is believed that the Aztecs already prepared corn tortillas and filled them with different ingredients.
With the arrival of the Spanish and the introduction of dairy products, cheese became a key ingredient. Over the years they have become very popular in Mexico and in other countriesthanks to its authentic flavor and versatility in the combination of ingredients.
healthy quesadillas
to enjoy some healthy quesadillas, delicious but lighter, it is better to use Corn tortillaswhich are lighter and contain fewer calories than wheat flour.
You can also use low-fat cheeses or even vegan cheeses to reduce fat content. It is also good to incorporate a good amount of vegetables such as spinach, mushrooms or zucchini (courgettes), to increase its nutritional value.
It is also better to cook the light version of the homemade quesadillas on a griddle or in a preheated oven, and not fried.
5 tips to prepare homemade quesadillas
- Choose a good combination of cheeses: mix different types of cheeses to obtain a unique flavor. Oaxaca cheese and Chihuahua cheese are often great options for a creamy interior.
- Using fresh tortillas: fresh tortillas are more flexible and easier to handle. Avoid using dry or cracked tortillas, as they can break when folded.
- Control the fire: if cooked in a skillet, be sure to regulate the heat so that the cheese melts gradually without burning the tortilla. If they are baked, preheat the oven and place the quesadillas on the center rack.
- Experiment with the ingredients: Don’t be afraid to try different combinations of ingredients. Experiment with meats, vegetables, sauces and seasonings to discover new and tasty variations.
- Serve the quesadillas with garnishes: Guacamole, hot sauce, sour cream or fresh salads are excellent options to accompany a plate of quesadillas.
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Mexican Quesadillas Recipe
Yield: 4 portions
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Ingredients
- corn tortillas 4
- Grated cheese (can be cheddar, mozzarella, Manchego or another)
- Additional ingredients (optional): shredded chicken, diced meat, sautéed vegetables, refried beans, etc.
- Vegetable oil
How to make quesadillas with cheese step by step
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add a few drops of vegetable oil. Place one tortilla in the hot skillet and spread an even layer of grated cheese over the entire surface of the tortilla.
- If you want to add additional ingredients, such as shredded chicken, meat, or vegetables, do so by spreading a thin layer over one half of the tortilla. Fold the tortilla in half, covering the ingredients with the cheese.
- Cook the quesadilla for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and the cheese is completely melted.
- Remove the quesadilla from the pan and repeat the process with the remaining tortillas and cheese.
- Cut the quesadillas into triangles and serve hot. They can be accompanied with guacamole (avocado), hot sauce or sour cream.
Source: www.paulinacocina.net
