Christmas Crab Quesadillas

Christmas Crab Quesadillas Recipe from Mexico with Sour Cream and Salsa

Region / culture: Mexico | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 5 minutes | Servings: 6

Introduction

Christmas Crab Quesadillas are a festive and delicious dish that is perfect for holiday gatherings. These quesadillas are filled with lump crab meat, cheese, and a blend of seasonings, creating a flavorful and satisfying meal. The dish is easy to prepare and can be served as an appetizer or main course.

History

The origins of Christmas Crab Quesadillas are not clear, but they are believed to have been inspired by traditional Mexican quesadillas. The addition of lump crab meat and festive garnishes such as red and green bell peppers give this dish a holiday twist, making it a popular choice for Christmas celebrations.

Ingredients

4 lb (1.81 kg) butter or margarine, divided
1 whole shallot (or 2 or 3 green onions), finely minced
1 tsp chopped fresh chives
0.5 lb (227 g) lump crab meat, picked over to remove shells
2 tbsp sour cream
1 tsp chopped fresh dill
salt, to taste
[[hot pepper] flakes], to taste
6 x 10 inches flour tortillas at room temperature
0.75 cup grated monterey jack cheese

Garnish

0.5 cup finely chopped red bell peppers
0.5 cup finely chopped green bell peppers
3 radicchio leaves per plate
salsa
guacamole
sour cream

How to prepare

Preheat the oven to 375°F (191°C).
Reserve 2 tbsp of the butter.
Place the remaining butter in a saucepan and melt over low heat.
Add the shallots and chives.
Saute until translucent.
Remove from the heat and add the crab, sour cream, dill, salt, and hot pepper flakes.
Mix well.
Spread the crab mixture on one half of each tortilla.
Top with a sprinkling of the grated cheese.
Fold the tortillas in half and place them on a baking sheet.
Brush the tops of the tortillas with the reserved butter.
Bake in the preheated oven for about 5 minutes or until the tops are golden brown.
Let rest for 5 minutes before cutting into quarters.
Place 3 small radicchio leaves on each plate.
Fill one with sour cream, one with guacamole, and one with salsa.
Place three triangles of quesadilla on each plate.
Sprinkle with a confetti of chopped green and red bell peppers.

Variations

Substitute lump crab meat with shrimp or lobster for a different flavor.
Add diced tomatoes or jalapenos for an extra kick of heat.
Use different types of cheese such as pepper jack or mozzarella for a unique twist.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to pick over the lump crab meat to remove any shells before using it in the recipe.

- Adjust the amount of hot pepper flakes to suit your taste preferences.

- To make the quesadillas extra crispy, cook them in a skillet with a little butter instead of baking them in the oven.

Serving Suggestions

Christmas Crab Quesadillas can be served as an appetizer with salsa, guacamole, and sour cream on the side. They can also be served as a main course with a side salad or rice.

Cooking Techniques

Saute the shallots and chives until translucent to enhance their flavor.

- Fold the tortillas in half to create a crispy and golden brown exterior.

- Bake the quesadillas in the oven to melt the cheese and heat the filling evenly.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use butter or olive oil instead of margarine.

- Substitute green onions with shallots or red onions.

- Use parsley or cilantro instead of chives.

Make Ahead Tips

Prepare the crab mixture and assemble the quesadillas ahead of time. Store them in the refrigerator until ready to bake.

Presentation Ideas

Arrange the quesadilla triangles on a platter with a festive garnish of chopped red and green bell peppers. Serve them on a bed of radicchio leaves for a colorful and elegant presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Christmas Crab Quesadillas pair well with a crisp white wine such as Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc. They also go well with a light beer or sparkling water with a splash of lime.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover quesadillas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat them in the oven or microwave until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Christmas Crab Quesadillas contains approximately 350 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Christmas Crab Quesadillas contains approximately 25 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Christmas Crab Quesadillas contains approximately 20 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Christmas Crab Quesadillas contains approximately 15 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Christmas Crab Quesadillas are a good source of vitamin C, vitamin A, calcium, and iron.

Alergens

Christmas Crab Quesadillas contain shellfish, dairy, and gluten.

Summary

Christmas Crab Quesadillas are a flavorful and satisfying dish that is relatively high in fats and proteins. They are a good source of essential vitamins and minerals, but may not be suitable for those with shellfish, dairy, or gluten allergies.

Summary

Christmas Crab Quesadillas are a delicious and festive dish that is perfect for holiday entertaining. With a flavorful filling of lump crab meat, cheese, and seasonings, these quesadillas are sure to be a hit with your guests. Serve them with salsa, guacamole, and sour cream for a complete and satisfying meal.

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of discovering this recipe for the first time is a joyful one. It was a cold winter day, just a few weeks before Christmas, and I was searching through my old recipe box for something new and exciting to make for the holiday season. As I flipped through the worn and stained index cards, I stumbled upon a recipe that caught my eye: Christmas Crab Quesadillas.

I had never heard of such a dish before, but the combination of crab, cheese, and spices sounded intriguing and delicious. The recipe had been given to me by a friend many years ago, who had learned it from her grandmother. It was a family recipe, passed down through the generations, and I felt honored to try my hand at making it.

I gathered all the ingredients I needed: lump crab meat, shredded cheese, bell peppers, onions, garlic, and a variety of spices. As I began to cook, the kitchen filled with the mouthwatering aroma of sautéed vegetables and fresh seafood. I couldn't help but hum a Christmas carol as I worked, feeling festive and excited to share this new creation with my family.

After assembling the quesadillas and baking them in the oven until the cheese was melted and bubbly, I set the table with a festive red tablecloth and twinkling candles. When my family sat down to eat, their eyes lit up at the sight and smell of the Christmas Crab Quesadillas.

With each bite, they exclaimed over the flavors and textures, savoring every mouthful. The sweet and tender crab meat contrasted beautifully with the melted cheese and spicy peppers, creating a harmony of flavors that danced on their tongues. They couldn't get enough, and I felt a swell of pride and joy at their enthusiastic response.

From that day on, Christmas Crab Quesadillas became a staple at our holiday table. Every year, I would make them for our Christmas Eve dinner, and they became a beloved tradition that my family looked forward to all year long. I loved the way they brought us together, sparking conversation and laughter as we shared stories and memories from years past.

As the years went by, I began to experiment with the recipe, adding my own twists and variations to make it even more special. Sometimes I would add a sprinkle of fresh herbs, or a drizzle of spicy sauce, to give the quesadillas an extra kick. Other times, I would use different types of cheese or seafood, to keep things interesting and exciting.

No matter how many times I made them, the Christmas Crab Quesadillas never failed to impress. They were a hit with everyone who tried them, from friends and neighbors to distant relatives who came to visit during the holidays. I even entered them in a local cooking competition once, and won first prize for the most creative and delicious dish.

But for me, the true reward came from seeing the smiles on my family's faces as they enjoyed every bite of my Christmas Crab Quesadillas. It was a joy to share something so special and delicious with the people I loved, and I knew that this recipe would be a part of our holiday celebrations for years to come.

So as I sit here, on another cold winter day, flipping through my old recipe box once again, I can't help but smile at the memory of discovering Christmas Crab Quesadillas for the first time. It was a moment of pure serendipity, a happy accident that led to a new tradition and a lifetime of delicious memories. And as I pass this recipe down to the next generation, I know that it will continue to bring joy and laughter to my family for years to come.