Quarterback Quesadillas

Quarterback Quesadillas Recipe - Vegetarian Mexican Food

Region / culture: Mexico | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 5 minutes | Servings: 4 |

Vegetarian diet

Introduction

Quarterback Quesadillas are a delicious and satisfying dish that is perfect for game day or any casual gathering. Packed with flavorful ingredients like Smithfield Lean Generation pork roast, cheese, jalapenos, and cilantro, these quesadillas are sure to be a hit with your family and friends.

History

The exact origins of Quarterback Quesadillas are unknown, but they are believed to have been inspired by traditional Mexican quesadillas. This recipe puts a unique twist on the classic dish by using Smithfield Lean Generation pork roast as the main protein, adding a delicious and savory flavor to the dish.

Ingredients

1 lb (454 g) of cooked Smithfield Lean Generation pork roast, chopped
1 cup of grated reduced-fat monterey jack cheese
1-2 jalapeno peppers (optional), seeded and minced (Use rubber gloves when handling hot peppers)
0.25 cup of minced onion
0.25 cup of chopped cilantro
0.25 tsp of salt
0.5 tsp of black pepper
8-10 inches of flour tortillas
tomato salsa

How to prepare

Preheat the oven to 500°F (260°C).
In a large bowl, combine the pork, cheese, jalapeno, onion, cilantro, salt, and pepper.
Arrange one-eighth of the filling on half of each tortilla.
Fold each tortilla over to create a half-moon shape.
Place the quesadillas on shallow baking pans, making sure they are not touching.
Bake the quesadillas until they are crisp and golden, approximately 5 minutes.
Transfer the quesadillas to a cutting board and cut them into wedges.
Serve the quesadillas with salsa.
Important: Smithfield Lean Generation Pork cooks 15-20% faster than ordinary pork. Do not overcook.

Variations

Substitute the pork roast with cooked chicken or beef for a different flavor profile.
Add diced tomatoes, bell peppers, or black beans to the filling for added texture and flavor.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to chop the pork roast into small, bite-sized pieces to ensure even cooking and distribution throughout the quesadillas.

- Adjust the amount of jalapenos to suit your spice preference. For a milder flavor, remove the seeds and membranes from the peppers before chopping.

- To prevent the quesadillas from becoming soggy, be sure to bake them at a high temperature (500°F) for a short amount of time until they are crisp and golden.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Quarterback Quesadillas with a side of guacamole, sour cream, and salsa for dipping.

Cooking Techniques

Baking the quesadillas at a high temperature ensures that they become crispy and golden without becoming soggy.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use regular pork roast if Smithfield Lean Generation pork roast is not available.

- Substitute the reduced-fat cheese with regular cheese if desired.

Make Ahead Tips

Prepare the filling for the quesadillas in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator until ready to assemble and bake.

Presentation Ideas

Arrange the cut quesadilla wedges on a platter and garnish with fresh cilantro leaves for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Quarterback Quesadillas with a cold beer or a refreshing margarita for the perfect game day snack.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover quesadillas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Quarterback Quesadillas contains approximately 300 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Quarterback Quesadillas contains approximately 25 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Quarterback Quesadillas contains approximately 12 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Quarterback Quesadillas contains approximately 20 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

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

Alergens

Quarterback Quesadillas contain dairy (cheese) and wheat (tortillas).

Summary

Quarterback Quesadillas are a balanced meal option, providing a good mix of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats, along with essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Quarterback Quesadillas are a delicious and easy-to-make dish that is perfect for any occasion. Packed with flavorful ingredients and baked to crispy perfection, these quesadillas are sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Enjoy them with your favorite dipping sauces and beverages for a satisfying meal.

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of discovering this recipe for the first time is a cherished one. It was a sunny afternoon in the early 1980s, and I was visiting a dear friend of mine who lived in the bustling city of Los Angeles. She was an avid football fan, and we had planned to watch a game together that evening. As we chatted in her cozy kitchen, she suddenly jumped up and exclaimed, "I have the perfect recipe for us to enjoy during the game – Quarterback Quesadillas!"

I had never heard of this dish before, but my friend assured me that it was a crowd-pleaser and perfect for football nights. She began rummaging through her pantry and fridge, pulling out ingredients like shredded cheese, diced onions, bell peppers, and cooked chicken. She explained that Quarterback Quesadillas were essentially a hearty and flavorful twist on traditional quesadillas, packed with the bold flavors of Mexican cuisine.

As she guided me through the recipe, I was captivated by the way the ingredients came together to create a delicious and satisfying dish. We layered tortillas with the savory filling, then topped them with more cheese before crisping them up in a hot skillet. The aromas that wafted through her kitchen were simply irresistible, and I couldn't wait to dig in.

When the quesadillas were finally ready, we sat down in front of the TV, eagerly awaiting the start of the game. As we savored each bite of the cheesy, spicy goodness, I realized that Quarterback Quesadillas were more than just a delicious dish – they were a symbol of friendship, fun, and the joy of sharing good food with loved ones.

After that memorable evening, I couldn't stop thinking about the recipe for Quarterback Quesadillas. I knew that I had to recreate it in my own kitchen and share it with my family. Over the years, I perfected the recipe, tweaking it here and there to suit my own tastes and preferences. I added a touch of cumin for warmth, a sprinkle of fresh cilantro for brightness, and a dollop of sour cream for creaminess.

Whenever I made Quarterback Quesadillas for my family, they were always a hit. My children would eagerly gather around the table, their eyes lighting up with excitement as they caught a whiff of the cheesy, spicy aroma emanating from the kitchen. And my husband, a die-hard football fan himself, would proclaim that these quesadillas were the perfect game day snack.

As the years passed, Quarterback Quesadillas became a staple in our household. They were our go-to dish for football nights, potlucks, and casual family dinners. I loved how versatile the recipe was – I could swap out the chicken for beef or shrimp, add extra veggies for a healthier twist, or even make mini quesadillas for a fun appetizer.

But no matter how I altered the recipe, the essence of Quarterback Quesadillas remained the same – a comforting and flavorful dish that brought people together and created lasting memories. I cherished the moments spent in my kitchen, mixing and layering the ingredients, knowing that I was creating something special that would be enjoyed by those I loved.

And so, the story of how I learned to make Quarterback Quesadillas became a treasured chapter in my culinary journey. It was a reminder of the power of good food to bring people together, to create moments of joy and connection, and to nourish not just our bodies, but our souls. As I continue to cook and share recipes with my family and friends, I always remember that sunny afternoon in Los Angeles, when a simple dish brought us all closer and filled our hearts with warmth and happiness.