Veggie Quesadillas

Mexican Veggie Quesadillas Recipe with Red Onion, Tomato, and Cilantro

Region / culture: Mexico | Servings: 4

Introduction

Veggie Quesadillas are a delicious and satisfying dish that can be enjoyed as a snack or a meal. These quesadillas are filled with a flavorful mixture of vegetables, cheese, and spices, all wrapped in a soft tortilla and cooked until crispy and golden brown. They are perfect for a quick and easy lunch or dinner option that the whole family will love.

History

Quesadillas have been a popular dish in Mexican cuisine for centuries. Traditionally, they are made with a filling of cheese and other ingredients, sandwiched between two tortillas and cooked until the cheese is melted. The addition of vegetables to quesadillas adds a fresh and nutritious twist to this classic recipe.

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 cups 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 0.5 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 remaining tortillas.
Cut each quesadilla into thirds.
Garnish with salsa, guacamole, and sour cream if desired. Serve immediately.

Variations

Add black beans or corn to the vegetable mixture for extra protein and fiber.
Use different types of cheese, such as pepper jack or cheddar, for a different flavor profile.
Top the quesadillas with avocado slices or fresh herbs for a pop of color and freshness.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to cook the vegetable mixture until it is thickened to ensure that the quesadillas are not too soggy.

- Brushing the tortillas with Italian dressing before cooking adds extra flavor and helps them crisp up nicely.

- Feel free to customize the filling with your favorite vegetables and spices to suit your taste preferences.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Veggie Quesadillas with salsa, guacamole, and sour cream for dipping.

Cooking Techniques

Microwaving the quesadillas is a quick and easy cooking technique that ensures the cheese is melted and the tortillas are crispy.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use any type of tortilla you prefer, such as whole wheat or corn.

- Substitute the Italian dressing with your favorite vinaigrette or marinade for added flavor.

Make Ahead Tips

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

Presentation Ideas

Arrange the quesadilla slices on a platter and garnish with fresh cilantro or lime wedges for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Serve Veggie Quesadillas with a side salad or a bowl of soup for a complete and satisfying meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

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

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Veggie Quesadillas contains approximately 350 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Veggie Quesadillas contains approximately 30 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Veggie Quesadillas contains approximately 20 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Veggie Quesadillas contains approximately 15 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

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

Alergens

Veggie Quesadillas contain dairy and gluten.

Summary

Veggie Quesadillas are a balanced meal option that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, and minerals.

Summary

Veggie Quesadillas are a delicious and nutritious meal option that is easy to make and full of flavor. With a colorful and flavorful vegetable filling, gooey melted cheese, and crispy tortillas, these quesadillas are sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy them for lunch, dinner, or as a tasty snack anytime.

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the sense of anticipation I felt when I first discovered this recipe for Veggie Quesadillas. It was a warm summer day, and I had decided to visit my friend Maria, who was known for her delicious Mexican-inspired dishes. As soon as I walked into her kitchen, I was greeted by the mouth-watering aroma of sizzling vegetables and melted cheese. Maria was busy flipping quesadillas on the stove, her skilled hands moving with precision and grace.

Curious, I asked her what she was making, and she smiled and replied, "Veggie Quesadillas! A healthy and flavorful twist on a classic Mexican dish." Intrigued, I watched as she generously filled flour tortillas with a colorful medley of bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, and zucchini, before sprinkling them with a generous amount of shredded cheese. She folded the tortillas in half and grilled them until they were golden brown and crispy, the cheese oozing out deliciously.

As Maria handed me a plate with a piping hot Veggie Quesadilla, she explained how she had learned the recipe from her grandmother, who had passed it down through generations. The combination of tender vegetables and gooey cheese was a match made in heaven, and I knew I had to learn how to make it myself.

Maria kindly shared the recipe with me, and I eagerly went home to try it out. I gathered all the ingredients I needed – colorful bell peppers, sweet onions, earthy mushrooms, fresh zucchini, and of course, plenty of shredded cheese. As I chopped and sautéed the vegetables, the kitchen filled with the enticing aroma that I had first experienced at Maria's.

I carefully assembled the quesadillas, layering the vegetables and cheese between two flour tortillas before grilling them to perfection. The moment I took my first bite, I was transported back to Maria's kitchen, where I had first fallen in love with this delightful dish. The combination of flavors and textures was simply divine, and I knew that Veggie Quesadillas would become a staple in my cooking repertoire.

Over the years, I have made Veggie Quesadillas countless times, each batch reminding me of the warm summer day when I first learned the recipe from Maria. I have experimented with different vegetables and cheeses, adding my own twist to the classic dish. Whether I serve them as a quick and easy weeknight meal or as a crowd-pleasing appetizer at a party, Veggie Quesadillas never fail to impress.

As I reflect on the journey that led me to discover this recipe, I am grateful for the friendships that have enriched my life and the culinary traditions that have been passed down through generations. Cooking has always been a source of joy and creativity for me, and Veggie Quesadillas are a perfect example of how a simple dish can bring people together and create lasting memories.

I hope that someday, I will be able to pass on this recipe to my own grandchildren, just as Maria's grandmother did for her. Until then, I will continue to enjoy the delicious flavors of Veggie Quesadillas and the warm memories they evoke. Cooking is not just about following a recipe – it is about sharing love, tradition, and connection with those around you. And for that, I am truly grateful.