Hello, dear friends of Paulina Cocina! Today we bring you one of those treasures that Mexican cuisine has to offer: Cheese Quesadillas easy, versatile, and practical recipe , because it solves your hunger problem in just a few minutes and with something very tasty. It's a delicious combination of corn or wheat tortillas , filled with cheese and other ingredients, which, when heated until the cheese melts, create an irresistible delicacy, especially for those who love to see a pile of melted cheese together, like us!
In this article, you'll find useful information about quesadillas , from their origins to the ingredients they contain and what you can add. And as is often the case, we're providing an easy recipe explaining how to make cheese quesadillas that you can prepare anytime.
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About quesadillas
Quesadillas with cheese are a very popular dish; in fact, they're included in my list of 10 traditional Mexican food recipes because they're a classic. They're made primarily with corn or wheat tortillas ( taco dough ), filled with cheese, but they can also be made with other ingredients according to your personal taste.
The word " quesadilla " comes from the Spanish word "queso," as the star ingredient in this dish is, in fact, cheese . However, they aren't limited to just cheese; they can also be served with a wide variety of , such as meat, chicken, vegetables, beans , and more, depending on each person's preferences and creativity.
What ingredients do they have?
The base of Mexican quesadillas is a tortilla, either corn or wheat flour. The tortilla is filled with cheese, which can be Oaxaca , Chihuahua, Manchego , or others. The important thing is that it's a cheese that melts well so that it permeates the entire tortilla.
In addition to cheese, other ingredients can be added, depending on taste and region. Some of the most popular options include shredded chicken, chorizo, mushrooms, peppers, onions, refried beans, or avocado.
Each ingredient contributes its own flavor and texture, creating an irresistible combination.
What other name are they known by?
Although the word " quesadilla " is widely used to refer to this delicacy, in some regions of Mexico it is known by other names. For example, in northern Mexico, it is commonly called " gringa " when prepared with a wheat flour tortilla , and " quesadilla " when made with a corn tortilla.
Origin and history
Quesadillas have their roots in ancient Mexican cuisine , where corn was a staple food. It's believed that the Aztecs already made corn tortillas and filled them with various 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 other countries , thanks to their authentic flavor and versatile ingredient combinations.
Healthy quesadillas
To enjoy healthy, delicious yet lighter quesadillas, it's best to use corn tortillas , which are lighter and contain fewer calories than wheat flour tortillas.
You can also use low-fat or even vegan cheeses to reduce the fat content. It's also good to incorporate a good amount of vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini to increase the nutritional value.
It's also best to cook the lighter version of homemade quesadillas on a griddle or in a preheated oven, rather than frying them.
5 tips for preparing homemade quesadillas
- Choose a good cheese pairing : Mix different types of cheeses to achieve a unique flavor. Oaxaca and Chihuahua cheeses are often excellent choices for a creamy interior.
- Use fresh tortillas: Fresh tortillas are more flexible and easier to handle. Avoid using dry or cracked tortillas, as they may break when folded.
- Control the heat: If cooking in a pan, be sure to regulate the heat so the cheese melts gradually without burning the tortilla. If baking in the oven, preheat the oven and place the quesadillas on the center rack.
- Experiment with 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 quesadillas with garnishes: guacamole , hot sauce, sour cream, or fresh salads are great options to accompany a plate of quesadillas.
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Mexican quesadillas recipe
Yields: 4 portions
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Ingredients
- Corn tortillas 4
- Grated cheese (can be cheddar, mozzarella, Manchego or other)
- Additional ingredients (optional): shredded chicken, diced beef, sauteed vegetables, refried beans, etc.
- Vegetable oil
How to make cheese quesadillas step by step
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add a few drops of vegetable oil. Place a tortilla in the hot skillet and spread an even layer of grated cheese over the entire surface.
- 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.
