Quesadillas

Quesadillas are a very versatile traditional Mexican dish that can be filled with a variety of ingredients according to taste and preferences. Here is a basic recipe for preparing quesadillas, with an Italian twist you can choose to add if you like.

Ingredients for 4 quesadillas:

• 8 flour tortillas (or corn, if you prefer)
• 200g of Cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
• 1 red bell pepper, cut into thin strips
• 1 onion, finely sliced
• Extra virgin olive oil, for sautéing
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• (Optional) Oregano or fresh basil for an Italian touch

*Italian variation: You could substitute the Cheddar cheese with well-drained mozzarella or sweet provolone, and add some ham cut into strips or sautéed mushrooms for a twist on the quesadilla that recalls the flavors of Italy.

Preparation

1. Heat a pan over medium heat and add a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil. Sauté the bell pepper and onion with a pinch of salt until they are tender and lightly caramelized. Remove the vegetables from the pan and set aside.

2. In a clean pan, place one tortilla and sprinkle over a portion of the shredded cheese, then add some of the onion and bell pepper mixture and a dusting of oregano or fresh basil, if desired.

3. Top with another tortilla and let the cheese start to melt and the bottom tortilla to brown, then carefully flip the quesadilla to brown the other side as well.

4. When the quesadilla is golden brown on both sides and the cheese is melted, remove from the heat and repeat the same process for the remaining tortillas.

5. Cut the quesadillas into triangles and serve warm.

Trivia

The name “quesadilla” comes from the Spanish word “queso”, which means cheese. It is a typical meal of areas in Mexico, but has spread in many varieties in the United States and is now reinterpreted with local ingredients in many parts of the world. The Italian version with mozzarella and ham is just one of the many possible variations that bring together two different culinary cultures.