Spicy Quesadillas

Spicy Quesadillas Recipe from Mexico with Italian Dressing and Anaheim Chiles

Region / culture: Mexico | Servings: 4

Introduction

Spicy Quesadillas are a delicious and flavorful Mexican dish that is perfect for a quick and easy meal. These quesadillas are filled with a spicy vegetable mixture and gooey melted cheese, all wrapped in a soft tortilla. They are perfect for a weeknight dinner or a fun appetizer for a party.

History

Quesadillas have been a popular dish in Mexican cuisine for centuries. The word "quesadilla" comes from the Spanish word "queso," which means cheese. Traditionally, quesadillas are made with a tortilla filled with cheese and then grilled or fried until the cheese is melted. Over the years, many variations of quesadillas have been created, including this spicy version with vegetables and cheese.

Ingredients

6 Mission™ soft wheat flour tortillas
4 tbsp italian dressing
1 large red onion, diced
1 large tomato, diced
2 anaheim chiles, seeded and diced
1 tsp chile powder
0.25 cup chopped cilantro
3 cup grated jalapeño monterey jack cheese
salsa, guacamole, and sour cream

How to prepare

Combine 0.5 cup of Italian dressing, onion, tomato, chilies, and chili powder in a microwave-proof bowl or casserole.
Microwave at full power, uncovered, for 4 minutes or until vegetables are tender and mixture is thickened. Stir in cilantro.
Sprinkle 0.5 cup of cheese on half of each tortilla and top with 3 tbsp of vegetable mixture.
Fold tortillas in half and brush with the remaining Italian dressing.
Place 3 filled tortillas on a wax paper-lined plate and microwave on high for 1 minute or until cheese is melted. Repeat with the remaining tortillas.
Cut each quesadilla into thirds.
Garnish with salsa, guacamole, and sour cream if desired. Serve immediately.

Variations

Add cooked chicken, beef, or shrimp to the filling for added protein.
Use different types of cheese, such as pepper jack or cheddar, for a different flavor.
Add black beans or corn to the vegetable mixture for extra texture and flavor.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to use a microwave-proof bowl or casserole when cooking the vegetable mixture in the microwave.

- Be careful when handling hot ingredients, such as the vegetable mixture and melted cheese.

- Feel free to customize the filling with your favorite vegetables or protein, such as chicken or beef.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Spicy Quesadillas with salsa, guacamole, and sour cream on the side for dipping.

Cooking Techniques

Microwave the vegetable mixture to save time and ensure that the vegetables are cooked through.

- Use a non-stick skillet to cook the quesadillas on the stovetop for a crispy exterior.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use flour or corn tortillas instead of soft tortillas.

- Substitute green bell peppers for the Anaheim chiles if desired.

Make Ahead Tips

Prepare the vegetable mixture in advance and store it in the refrigerator until ready to assemble the quesadillas.

- Cook the quesadillas in advance and reheat them in the microwave or oven before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the quesadillas with fresh cilantro or sliced jalapenos for a pop of color. - Serve the quesadillas on a platter with a variety of toppings for guests to customize their own.

Pairing Recommendations

Serve Spicy Quesadillas with a side of Mexican rice and refried beans for a complete meal.

- Pair the quesadillas with a cold beer or a margarita for a refreshing drink.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover quesadillas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

- Reheat the quesadillas in the microwave or oven until heated through before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Spicy Quesadillas contains approximately 300 calories.

Carbohydrates

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

Fats

Each serving of Spicy Quesadillas contains approximately 15 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Spicy Quesadillas contains approximately 10 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

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

Alergens

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

Summary

Spicy Quesadillas are a delicious and satisfying dish that is relatively high in fats and carbohydrates. They are a good source of proteins and essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Spicy Quesadillas are a delicious and easy-to-make dish that is perfect for a quick meal or appetizer. Filled with a spicy vegetable mixture and melted cheese, these quesadillas are sure to be a hit with your family and friends. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was captivated by its simplicity. It was a warm summer day and I was visiting my friend Maria, who lived in a small village in Mexico. As soon as I walked into her kitchen, I could smell the delicious aroma of sizzling spices and melted cheese.

Maria greeted me with a warm smile and a hug, and then she pulled out a tray of sizzling quesadillas from the oven. The golden brown tortillas were filled with a mixture of spicy peppers, melted cheese, and tender chunks of chicken. I couldn't wait to try them.

Maria handed me a plate and a fork, and I dug in. The first bite was like an explosion of flavor in my mouth. The spicy peppers danced on my tongue, while the melted cheese melted in my mouth. The combination of flavors was like nothing I had ever tasted before.

I begged Maria for the recipe, and she laughed and said it was a family secret that had been passed down for generations. But she promised to teach me how to make them the next time I visited.

True to her word, Maria showed me how to make the spicy quesadillas the next time I visited. She explained that the key to their deliciousness was in the combination of spices – cumin, chili powder, and cayenne pepper – that gave them their fiery kick.

We started by sautéing onions and garlic in a pan until they were golden brown and fragrant. Then we added diced tomatoes and chopped jalapeños, letting them simmer until they were soft and juicy. Next, we added chunks of cooked chicken and a generous amount of shredded cheese, letting it all melt together into a gooey, delicious mixture.

Maria showed me how to assemble the quesadillas, spreading the spicy chicken and cheese mixture onto a tortilla and folding it in half. Then she heated a skillet and cooked the quesadillas until they were golden and crispy on the outside, with the cheese oozing out of the sides.

The first time I made the spicy quesadillas on my own, I felt a sense of accomplishment and pride. The kitchen was filled with the delicious aroma of sizzling spices and melted cheese, just like Maria's had been. I couldn't wait to share them with my family and friends.

Over the years, I have made the spicy quesadillas countless times, each time tweaking the recipe a little bit to suit my own tastes. Sometimes I add extra jalapeños for an extra kick, or swap out the chicken for ground beef or shrimp. But no matter how I make them, they always bring back memories of that warm summer day in Maria's kitchen.

I have shared the recipe with friends and family, passing it on just like Maria passed it on to me. And each time I make them, I think of Maria and the bond we share over our love of cooking and delicious food.

The spicy quesadillas have become a staple in my kitchen, a dish that I turn to whenever I want to impress guests or simply treat myself to a delicious meal. And each time I make them, I am reminded of the simple joy of cooking and the power of sharing a delicious meal with loved ones.

So the next time you're craving a spicy, cheesy treat, why not give my recipe for spicy quesadillas a try? I promise you won't be disappointed. And who knows, maybe one day you'll pass it on to someone special, just like I did. Happy cooking!