Mexican – Quesadillas

Quesadillas are a traditional Mexican dish consisting of tortillas filled with cheese and other ingredients, which are then folded in half and cooked until the cheese is melted and the tortilla is crispy. The word “quesadilla” comes from the Spanish word “queso”, meaning cheese. Though cheese is the essential ingredient, quesadillas can be filled with a wide variety of fillings, both savory and sweet.

Key Features of Quesadillas:

Tortillas:
- Quesadillas are typically made with corn tortillas or flour tortillas, depending on regional preferences. The tortilla serves as the base for the fillings and is folded to create a half-moon shape.
Cheese:
- The most common cheese used in quesadillas is meltable cheese such as Oaxaca cheese (a stringy, mozzarella-like cheese), queso fresco, or cheddar. The cheese is essential for creating the melty, gooey center of the quesadilla.
Fillings:
- In addition to cheese, quesadillas can be filled with a variety of ingredients. Some popular options include:
  - Meats: Chicken, beef, pork, or chicharrón prensado (pressed pork skin).
  - Vegetables: Mushrooms, sautéed onions, spinach, potatoes, or zucchini.
  - Beans: Refried beans or black beans add a hearty filling.
  - Salsa: Salsa, guacamole, or sour cream is often added for flavor.
Cooking:
- Quesadillas are usually cooked on a comal (griddle) or in a pan. The tortilla is placed on the hot surface, and the filling is added to one half of the tortilla. The tortilla is then folded over and cooked until the cheese has melted and the outside is crispy and golden brown.
- Some variations are fried, making the quesadilla extra crispy and delicious.
Toppings:
- Quesadillas are often served with salsa, guacamole, sour cream, or lime wedges for extra flavor.

Cultural Significance:

Street Food: Quesadillas are a popular street food in Mexico, often made fresh to order by street vendors.
Casual Meal: They are a common dish for casual meals and are easy to make at home with a variety of fillings.
Regional Variations: Depending on the region, quesadillas may be prepared differently:
- In Mexico City, they are often filled with a wide range of meats, cheese, and other fillings, and are served with a variety of salsas.
- In Oaxaca, quesadillas may include more regional ingredients like tlayudas or mole as fillings.

Fun Fact:

Quesadillas are highly customizable, so they can be made to fit many dietary preferences. Some versions are vegetarian, while others include a wide range of meats and even seafood.