Today’s focus is on Quesadillas.

A quesadilla is a Mexican dish consisting of a tortilla that is filled primarily with cheese, and sometimes meats, spices, and other fillings, and then then fried or cooked on a griddle or stove. Traditionally, a corn tortilla is used, but it can also be made with a flour tortilla. The word quesadilla comes from the Spanish word queso, which means cheese.

To make a quesadilla, you fill a tortilla with cheese and other ingredients, fold it in half, and toast it until the cheese is melted and the tortilla is crispy. Quesadillas are often served with a side of salsa.

Quesadillas can be made with a variety of ingredients, including:

• Meat
• Beans
• Salsa
• Black olives
• Peppers
• Tomatoes
• Lettuce

Quesadillas are often served with a topping of guacamole sauce, sour cream, or salsa.

 

History

Quesadillas originated in the south-central regions of Mexico and were invented by the Aztecs. The word “quesadilla” comes from the Aztec word “quiltzadillia” which means “little ball of cheese”. The earliest form of quesadillas was described as an empanada, filled with ingredients and made to be portable.

The earliest mention of quesadillas is in a 16th century Italian cookbook. The earliest quesadillas were filled with ingredients and made to be portable. They were similar to fried Pop Tarts or empanadas. Quesadillas were introduced to Mexican cuisine in the 16th century. They became popular in northern and central Mexico when Spanish colonizers brought animals like cows, sheep, and lambs from Europe. The indigenous people added cheese to their corn tortillas, and the quesadilla was born.

Quesadillas were popularized in 1521 when Spanish colonizers brought animals like cows, sheep, and lambs from Europe. This meant that they also had access to cheese and other dairy products. The term “quesadilla” was created when cheese was added to the dish.

Quesadillas have changed and evolved over many years as people have experimented with different variations of it. Quesadillas are frequently sold at Mexican restaurants all over the world.

 

For the Record

The world record for eating the most quesadillas in five minutes is held by Sonya Thomas, a professional eater who ate 31.5 4″ cheese quesadillas in five minutes. The world’s largest quesadilla is a 30-foot diameter enchilada that weighs over 750 pounds. It was cooked on a large griddle with three tortillas, 175 pounds of cheese, 75 gallons of red chile sauce, and 50 pounds of onions.

The tallest stack of tortillas is 79.0 cm (32.10 in) and was achieved by Angel Zayas in Los Angeles, California.

 

Here is a Quesadilla Recipe for you to Try:

Ingredients:

• Large flour tortillas
• Grated cheese such as mild or sharp cheddar, or Monterey Jack
• Olive oil or butter

Optional Ingredients:

• Sliced mushrooms
• Green onions
• Sliced Black olives.
• Diced Fresh tomatoes.
• Chicken pieces
• Avocado
• Lettuce
• Apple cider vinegar
• Kosher salt

 

 

Instructions:

1. Heat the tortillas until air pockets form: Heat a large skillet (cast iron works great) on medium high heat. Add a small amount of oil (about 1/2 teaspoon) and spread it around the bottom of the pan with a spatula (you could use butter as well).
2. Take one large flour tortilla and place it in the pan. Flip the tortilla over a few times, 10 seconds between flips. Air pockets should begin to form within the tortilla.
3. Add the cheese and other ingredients: When pockets of air begin to form, take a handful of grated cheese, sprinkle over the top of the tortilla, making sure that the cheese does not land on the pan itself.
4. Add whatever additional ingredients you choose – green onion, sliced mushrooms, olives, tomatoes, etc. If you would like your quesadilla to be a chicken quesadilla, add some diced cooked chicken.
5. Take care not to layer on the ingredients too thickly.
6. Lower the heat and cover pan: Reduce the heat to low and cover the pan. The pan should be hot enough by now to have plenty of residual heat to melt the cheese and brown the tortilla. If the quesadilla begins to smoke too much, remove it from the heat.
7. After a minute, check to see if the cheese is melted. If not, return the cover and keep checking every minute until the cheese is melted.
8. Fold the tortilla over: When the cheese is sufficiently melted, use a spatula to lift up one side of the quesadilla and flip over the other side, as if you were making an omelet.
9. The tortilla should by now be browned slightly. If it is not browned, turn the heat up to high and flip the quesadilla over every 10 seconds or so until it gets browned.
10. Remove quesadilla from pan and cut into wedges: To make the lettuce to accompany the quesadilla, thinly slice some iceberg lettuce. Sprinkle some cider vinegar on it and some salt.
11. Serve with the lettuce, salsa, sour cream, and guacamole. Enjoy!

 

 

What the Health?

Quesadillas can be a healthy choice when they are part of a balanced diet. They are high in protein and calcium and are also a good source of fiber and iron. However, quesadillas can also be high in calories and unhealthy if they are made with unhealthy ingredients or are served in large portion sizes.

Quesadillas can be made healthier by adding vegetables, lean meats, and beans. You can also make your own quesadillas to keep the delicious taste while reducing most of the fat calories.

Cheese quesadillas are high in saturated fat, carbs, and sodium. However, they can be part of a healthy diet when eaten in moderation or as an occasional treat.

 

Celebrating Quesadillas

National Quesadilla Day is September 25. It’s the perfect time to make or at least eat a wonderful Quesadilla. Let us know in the comments how you like your Quesadillas.