Quesadilla Especial

Quesadilla Especial Recipe - Vegetarian Food from Mexico

Region / culture: Mexico | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 20 minutes | Servings: 4 |

Vegetarian diet

Introduction

Quesadilla Especial is a delicious and cheesy Mexican dish that is perfect for a quick and easy meal. This recipe combines the flavors of garlic, onions, chilies, and cheese in a crispy tortilla shell.

History

Quesadillas have been a popular dish in Mexico for centuries. The word "quesadilla" comes from the Spanish word "queso," which means cheese. Traditionally, quesadillas were made with just cheese and a tortilla, but over time, different ingredients have been added to create new and exciting variations.

Ingredients

5 medium cloves of garlic, unpeeled
1 tbsp of olive oil
1 medium red onion, thinly sliced
1 can of diced green chilies, drained
4 large flour tortillas
8 oz (227 g) of asiago cheese, thinly sliced

How to prepare

Heat a medium heavy skillet over low heat, then add garlic cloves and cook until the garlic skin is dark brown, approximately 15 to 20 minutes.
Remove from heat and let it cool, then peel and slice the garlic.
Heat oil in the same skillet over medium heat.
Sauté onions until slightly limp, then add garlic and chilies.
Remove from skillet and wipe out the skillet with a paper towel.
Place one tortilla in the skillet.
Arrange one fourth of the cheese on half of the tortilla, then top with one fourth of the onion mixture.
Fold the remaining half of the tortilla over the filling.
Cook on each side until light brown.
Remove from skillet and repeat with the remaining ingredients.
Cut each quesadilla into thirds.
Serve immediately.

Variations

Add cooked chicken, beef, or shrimp for a protein-packed version.
Mix in some black beans or corn for added texture and flavor.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to cook the garlic until the skin is dark brown to bring out its rich flavor.

- Use a heavy skillet to ensure even cooking and browning of the quesadillas.

- Be careful not to overfill the quesadillas, as this can make them difficult to flip and cook evenly.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Quesadilla Especial with a side of salsa, guacamole, and sour cream for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

Use a heavy skillet to ensure even cooking and browning of the quesadillas.

- Cook the quesadillas on medium heat to prevent burning.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use any type of cheese you prefer, such as cheddar, Monterey Jack, or pepper jack.

- Substitute flour tortillas with corn tortillas for a gluten-free option.

Make Ahead Tips

Prepare the onion mixture and cheese slices ahead of time for a quick assembly when ready to cook the quesadillas.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the quesadillas on a platter with a garnish of fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Quesadilla Especial with a cold beer or a refreshing margarita for a delicious combination.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover quesadillas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

- Reheat in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Quesadilla Especial contains approximately 300 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Quesadilla Especial contains approximately 25 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Quesadilla Especial contains approximately 15 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Quesadilla Especial contains approximately 12 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Quesadilla Especial is a good source of calcium, vitamin C, and iron.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy (cheese) and wheat (tortillas).

Summary

Quesadilla Especial is a balanced meal that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, and essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Quesadilla Especial is a flavorful and satisfying dish that is perfect for a quick and easy meal. With a crispy tortilla shell filled with garlic, onions, chilies, and cheese, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of finding this recipe for the first time brings a smile to my face. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl visiting my aunt in Mexico. I remember walking into her kitchen and being greeted by the delicious aroma of spices and sizzling cheese. My aunt was busy at the stove, flipping a quesadilla with expert precision.

I watched in awe as she added a secret ingredient to the mix – a pinch of cinnamon. I had never seen cinnamon used in a quesadilla before, but my aunt assured me that it was the key to making her Quesadilla Especial. She explained that she had learned the recipe from a local chef who had shared his culinary secrets with her.

I begged my aunt to teach me how to make the quesadilla, and she happily agreed. We spent the afternoon cooking together, mixing the ingredients and perfecting the technique of flipping the quesadilla just right. As we sat down to enjoy our creation, I knew that this recipe would become a special part of my culinary repertoire.

Over the years, I have made the Quesadilla Especial countless times for friends and family. Each time, I am reminded of that day in my aunt's kitchen, learning the recipe that would become a cherished tradition in my own home. I have made a few tweaks to the original recipe, adding my own twist with a touch of fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice.

I have shared the recipe with many people, passing down the tradition of the Quesadilla Especial to future generations. It has become a staple at family gatherings and celebrations, always bringing smiles to the faces of those who taste it.

The secret ingredient of cinnamon continues to be the key to making the Quesadilla Especial truly special. It adds a warmth and depth of flavor that sets this dish apart from any other quesadilla I have ever tasted. The combination of gooey melted cheese, crispy tortilla, and fragrant spices creates a mouthwatering experience that is truly unforgettable.

As I sit here, reminiscing about the origins of this beloved recipe, I am filled with gratitude for the experiences and people who have shaped my culinary journey. From my aunt in Mexico to the local chef who shared his secrets, each person has played a role in bringing the Quesadilla Especial into my life.

I look forward to continuing to share this recipe with others, passing on the tradition and creating new memories along the way. The Quesadilla Especial will always hold a special place in my heart, a reminder of the power of food to bring people together and create lasting connections. And every time I take a bite of that delicious, cinnamon-spiced quesadilla, I am transported back to that day in my aunt's kitchen, where it all began.