Difference between revisions of "Make a Quesadilla"
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| − | + | This tasty dish has its roots in the Mexican cuisine and is typically made using cheese and chicken. However, you do not have to use the traditional ingredients; you can experiment with different ones. This first section of this article will show you how to choose your ingredients, while the other sections will show you how to make a quesadilla in different ways. | |
*''Prep time (Stove): 5-10 minutes'' | *''Prep time (Stove): 5-10 minutes'' | ||
*''Cook time: 10 minutes'' | *''Cook time: 10 minutes'' | ||
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* ½ cup (120 grams) filling of choice (meat, beans, vegetables, etc) | * ½ cup (120 grams) filling of choice (meat, beans, vegetables, etc) | ||
[[Category:Cheese Sandwiches]] | [[Category:Cheese Sandwiches]] | ||
| − | [[Category:Quesadillas]] | + | [[Category: Quesadillas]] |
== Steps == | == Steps == | ||
=== Choosing Your Ingredients === | === Choosing Your Ingredients === | ||
| − | #Choose a shredded, melting cheese. When buying cheese for your quesadilla, go for a softer one; it will melt easier than a harder cheese. You can use any of the of the following cheeses, or even a combination:<ref>Fine Cooking, [http://www.finecooking.com/articles/making-quesadillas.aspx Making the Best Quesadillas]</ref><ref>Epicurious, [http://www.epicurious.com/archive/holidays/cincodemayo/mexican-cheeses Mexican Cheeses]</ref> | + | #Choose a shredded, melting cheese. When buying cheese for your quesadilla, go for a softer one; it will melt easier than a harder cheese. You can use any of the of the following cheeses, or even a combination:<ref name="rf16356">Fine Cooking, [http://www.finecooking.com/articles/making-quesadillas.aspx Making the Best Quesadillas]</ref><ref name="rf16357">Epicurious, [http://www.epicurious.com/archive/holidays/cincodemayo/mexican-cheeses Mexican Cheeses]</ref> |
#* Any of the following non-aged cheeses: Asiago, Gouda | #* Any of the following non-aged cheeses: Asiago, Gouda | ||
#* Colby or Cheddar | #* Colby or Cheddar | ||
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#* Parmesan or Provolone | #* Parmesan or Provolone | ||
#* Romano or Queso Oaxaca | #* Romano or Queso Oaxaca | ||
| − | #Consider adding a fresh cheese to the mix. Fresh cheeses will be more difficult to melt in a quesadilla, but they can be mixed in with any of the melting cheeses. Here are some suggestions:<ref | + | #Consider adding a fresh cheese to the mix. Fresh cheeses will be more difficult to melt in a quesadilla, but they can be mixed in with any of the melting cheeses. Here are some suggestions:<ref name="rf16356" /> |
#* Goat cheese | #* Goat cheese | ||
#* Feta cheese | #* Feta cheese | ||
#* Fromage blanc | #* Fromage blanc | ||
#* Ricotta | #* Ricotta | ||
| − | #Add some vegetables. Quesadillas don't have to include meat. You can add a bit of color and flavor with both fresh and cooked vegetables. Here are some ideas:<ref | + | #Add some vegetables. Quesadillas don't have to include meat. You can add a bit of color and flavor with both fresh and cooked vegetables. Here are some ideas:<ref name="rf16356" /> |
#* Fresh vegetables: baby arugula, baby spinach, chilies, or diced tomatoes. | #* Fresh vegetables: baby arugula, baby spinach, chilies, or diced tomatoes. | ||
#* Cooked vegetables: chilies, diced eggplant, roasted bell peppers, and sliced mushrooms. | #* Cooked vegetables: chilies, diced eggplant, roasted bell peppers, and sliced mushrooms. | ||
#* Canned vegetables: Black beans, black olives (sliced), chilies, corn, pinto beans, and sun-dried tomatoes. | #* Canned vegetables: Black beans, black olives (sliced), chilies, corn, pinto beans, and sun-dried tomatoes. | ||
| − | #Use sliced or shredded meat. This will prevent the meat from creating too much bulk and tearing the tortilla. Make sure that the meat is cooked. Here are the following types of meat you can use:<ref | + | #Use sliced or shredded meat. This will prevent the meat from creating too much bulk and tearing the tortilla. Make sure that the meat is cooked. Here are the following types of meat you can use:<ref name="rf16356" /> |
#* Shredded chicken breast | #* Shredded chicken breast | ||
#* Pulled pork | #* Pulled pork | ||
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#Lend your quesadilla some flavor with herbs and onions. Onions and peppers can make your quesadilla taste spicier while herbs will give it a milder, more aromatic flavor. Here are some ideas: | #Lend your quesadilla some flavor with herbs and onions. Onions and peppers can make your quesadilla taste spicier while herbs will give it a milder, more aromatic flavor. Here are some ideas: | ||
#* Give your quesadilla a spicy kick with some crushed red pepper flakes or chopped smoked paprika. | #* Give your quesadilla a spicy kick with some crushed red pepper flakes or chopped smoked paprika. | ||
| − | #* Add some chopped fresh herbs, such as: basil, chives, cilantro, mint, oregano, parsley, tarragon, or thyme. You can also try adding some green onions.<ref>Adam's Heirlooms, [http://www.adamsheirlooms.com/recipes/fresh-herbs/fresh-herb-quesadillas/ Fresh Herb Quesadillas]</ref> | + | #* Add some chopped fresh herbs, such as: basil, chives, cilantro, mint, oregano, parsley, tarragon, or thyme. You can also try adding some green onions.<ref name="rf16358">Adam's Heirlooms, [http://www.adamsheirlooms.com/recipes/fresh-herbs/fresh-herb-quesadillas/ Fresh Herb Quesadillas]</ref> |
#* Chop up and sauté some garlic, leeks, onions, scallions, or shallots. | #* Chop up and sauté some garlic, leeks, onions, scallions, or shallots. | ||
| − | #Try combining different ingredients. Here are some suggestions:<ref>Today, [http://www.today.com/food/8-easy-new-quesadilla-recipes-buffalo-chicken-more-ideas-t22941 8 Easy New Quesadilla Recipes]</ref><ref>The Kitchn, [http://www.thekitchn.com/how-to-make-crispy-cheesy-quesadillas-on-the-stove-top-cooking-lessons-from-the-kitchn-188645 How To Make the Best Cheesy Quesadillas]</ref> | + | #Try combining different ingredients. Here are some suggestions:<ref name="rf16359">Today, [http://www.today.com/food/8-easy-new-quesadilla-recipes-buffalo-chicken-more-ideas-t22941 8 Easy New Quesadilla Recipes]</ref><ref name="rf16360">The Kitchn, [http://www.thekitchn.com/how-to-make-crispy-cheesy-quesadillas-on-the-stove-top-cooking-lessons-from-the-kitchn-188645 How To Make the Best Cheesy Quesadillas]</ref> |
#* For a classic quesadilla, mix equal parts of cheese and shredded chicken breast. | #* For a classic quesadilla, mix equal parts of cheese and shredded chicken breast. | ||
#* For a south-western twist, add black beans and corn salsa to your cheese. | #* For a south-western twist, add black beans and corn salsa to your cheese. | ||
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=== Frying a Quesadilla on a Stove === | === Frying a Quesadilla on a Stove === | ||
| − | #Choose your filling and mix it together in a bowl. You can use any combination of vegetables, meats, or grains, so long as you end up with ½ cup (120 grams). If you are using meat or vegetables, make sure that they are cooked. Here are some suggestions to get you started:<ref | + | #Choose your filling and mix it together in a bowl. You can use any combination of vegetables, meats, or grains, so long as you end up with ½ cup (120 grams). If you are using meat or vegetables, make sure that they are cooked. Here are some suggestions to get you started:<ref name="rf16360" /> |
#* For meat, try thinly-sliced steak, pulled pork, or shredded chicken breast. | #* For meat, try thinly-sliced steak, pulled pork, or shredded chicken breast. | ||
#* For vegetables, try sliced bell peppers, mushrooms, onions, or corn. | #* For vegetables, try sliced bell peppers, mushrooms, onions, or corn. | ||
#* For beans, try black beans or pinto beans. | #* For beans, try black beans or pinto beans. | ||
| − | #Heat a lightly-greased 12 inch (30.5 centimeter) skillet over medium or medium-high heat. You will need only about ½ teaspoon of butter or oil; avoid using too much, or your quesadilla will become too soggy. If using oil, try going for a lighter oil, such as canola or vegetable oil; olive oil will give the quesadilla too strong of a flavor.<ref>Bon Appetit, [http://www.bonappetit.com/test-kitchen/common-mistakes/article/8-common-quesadilla-cooking-mistakes 8 Common Quesadilla]</ref> | + | #Heat a lightly-greased 12 inch (30.5 centimeter) skillet over medium or medium-high heat. You will need only about ½ teaspoon of butter or oil; avoid using too much, or your quesadilla will become too soggy. If using oil, try going for a lighter oil, such as canola or vegetable oil; olive oil will give the quesadilla too strong of a flavor.<ref name="rf16361">Bon Appetit, [http://www.bonappetit.com/test-kitchen/common-mistakes/article/8-common-quesadilla-cooking-mistakes 8 Common Quesadilla]</ref> |
#Place the tortilla on the skillet once the butter has melted. Make sure that the butter is spread evenly across the surface of the pan. At this point, you can start adding your fillings or you can flip the tortilla over and let it toast slightly on both sides; this will give you a crunchier quesadilla. | #Place the tortilla on the skillet once the butter has melted. Make sure that the butter is spread evenly across the surface of the pan. At this point, you can start adding your fillings or you can flip the tortilla over and let it toast slightly on both sides; this will give you a crunchier quesadilla. | ||
| − | #Spread ½ cup (50 grams) of shredded Cheddar cheese over the entire tortilla. If you do not like Cheddar cheese, you can use another type of shredded cheese, such as cheddar, Colby, Fontina, or Monterey Jack.<ref | + | #Spread ½ cup (50 grams) of shredded Cheddar cheese over the entire tortilla. If you do not like Cheddar cheese, you can use another type of shredded cheese, such as cheddar, Colby, Fontina, or Monterey Jack.<ref name="rf16360" /> |
#Add the rest of the ingredients, covering only one half of the tortilla. You will be folding the tortilla in half later. Avoid putting too many fillings in, or your tortilla will be too bulky and tear. | #Add the rest of the ingredients, covering only one half of the tortilla. You will be folding the tortilla in half later. Avoid putting too many fillings in, or your tortilla will be too bulky and tear. | ||
#Wait until the cheese begins to melt fold the tortilla in half. Slip the spatula under the cheesy side of the quesadilla and lift upwards, flipping it over onto the fillings. Gently press the quesadilla flat with the spatula. | #Wait until the cheese begins to melt fold the tortilla in half. Slip the spatula under the cheesy side of the quesadilla and lift upwards, flipping it over onto the fillings. Gently press the quesadilla flat with the spatula. | ||
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=== Baking a Quesadilla in an Oven === | === Baking a Quesadilla in an Oven === | ||
| − | #Preheat the oven to 400°F (205°C).<ref>Martha Stewart, [http://www.marthastewart.com/351779/spinach-and-mushroom-quesadillas Spinach and Mushroom Quesadillas]</ref> Make sure that there is nothing inside your oven, and that the baking rack is positioned in the center. | + | #Preheat the oven to 400°F (205°C).<ref name="rf16362">Martha Stewart, [http://www.marthastewart.com/351779/spinach-and-mushroom-quesadillas Spinach and Mushroom Quesadillas]</ref> Make sure that there is nothing inside your oven, and that the baking rack is positioned in the center. |
#Lightly grease a tortilla and set it down on a baking sheet. Make sure that it is greased-side down. The grease will help make the quesadilla crispy. | #Lightly grease a tortilla and set it down on a baking sheet. Make sure that it is greased-side down. The grease will help make the quesadilla crispy. | ||
#Spread ¼ cup (25 grams) of cheese over the tortilla. You will be adding the rest of the cheese later; the two layers of cheese will help "glue" the quesadilla together. You can use Cheddar cheese, or any other type of shredded cheese. | #Spread ¼ cup (25 grams) of cheese over the tortilla. You will be adding the rest of the cheese later; the two layers of cheese will help "glue" the quesadilla together. You can use Cheddar cheese, or any other type of shredded cheese. | ||
#Add ½ cup (120 grams) of your chosen fillings and spread them across the entire tortilla. If you are using meat or vegetables, make sure that they are cooked most of the way though; the filling will cook only partially in the oven. | #Add ½ cup (120 grams) of your chosen fillings and spread them across the entire tortilla. If you are using meat or vegetables, make sure that they are cooked most of the way though; the filling will cook only partially in the oven. | ||
#Add the rest of your cheese. Make sure that it is spread evenly across the quesadilla. | #Add the rest of your cheese. Make sure that it is spread evenly across the quesadilla. | ||
| − | #Cover the quesadilla with another tortilla. Do not fold it in half. Instead, gently press down on your quesadilla with the back of your spatula; this helps "seal" it.<ref | + | #Cover the quesadilla with another tortilla. Do not fold it in half. Instead, gently press down on your quesadilla with the back of your spatula; this helps "seal" it.<ref name="rf16362" /> |
#Bake the quesadilla for 5 minutes. Place the baking sheet in the middle of the oven and close the oven. | #Bake the quesadilla for 5 minutes. Place the baking sheet in the middle of the oven and close the oven. | ||
#Flip the quesadilla over and return it to the oven. Take the baking sheet out and use a spatula to flip the quesadilla over. Be careful, so that the quesadilla does not fall apart. Once you have flipped the quesadilla, put it back into the oven. | #Flip the quesadilla over and return it to the oven. Take the baking sheet out and use a spatula to flip the quesadilla over. Be careful, so that the quesadilla does not fall apart. Once you have flipped the quesadilla, put it back into the oven. | ||
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=== Grilling Your Quesadilla Over a Grill === | === Grilling Your Quesadilla Over a Grill === | ||
#Choose your shredded cheese and other fillings, and put them into a bowl. You will need ½ cup (50 grams) of cheese and ½ cup (120 grams) of a filling of your choice, such as diced tomatoes, onions, shredded chicken breast, or beans. Gently toss your fillings together in a clean bowl. | #Choose your shredded cheese and other fillings, and put them into a bowl. You will need ½ cup (50 grams) of cheese and ½ cup (120 grams) of a filling of your choice, such as diced tomatoes, onions, shredded chicken breast, or beans. Gently toss your fillings together in a clean bowl. | ||
| − | #Turn your grill on and set the heat to medium. Avoid using too high heat; it will only make your quesadilla burn instead of cooking faster.<ref | + | #Turn your grill on and set the heat to medium. Avoid using too high heat; it will only make your quesadilla burn instead of cooking faster.<ref name="rf16361" /> |
#Put the tortilla on the grill. Make sure that the grill is clean, so that the charcoal doesn't transfer to the tortilla. | #Put the tortilla on the grill. Make sure that the grill is clean, so that the charcoal doesn't transfer to the tortilla. | ||
#Spread your toppings over half of the tortilla. Use a spoon to scoop the fillings out of the bowl and transfer them onto the tortilla. | #Spread your toppings over half of the tortilla. Use a spoon to scoop the fillings out of the bowl and transfer them onto the tortilla. | ||
#Fold the tortilla in half. Work quickly, so that the tortilla doesn't harden; if you wait too long, the tortilla will become crispy and break in half. Slip a spatula under the side of the tortilla that does not have anything on it, and lift upwards, folding the tortilla in half. | #Fold the tortilla in half. Work quickly, so that the tortilla doesn't harden; if you wait too long, the tortilla will become crispy and break in half. Slip a spatula under the side of the tortilla that does not have anything on it, and lift upwards, folding the tortilla in half. | ||
| − | #Gently press down onto the tortilla with the spatula and let it grill for 3 to 4 minutes.<ref>Real Simple, [http://www.realsimple.com/food-recipes/browse-all-recipes/grilled-chicken-spinach-quesadillas Grilled Chicken and Spinach Quesadillas]</ref> Be sure to watch your quesadilla so that it does not burn. | + | #Gently press down onto the tortilla with the spatula and let it grill for 3 to 4 minutes.<ref name="rf16363">Real Simple, [http://www.realsimple.com/food-recipes/browse-all-recipes/grilled-chicken-spinach-quesadillas Grilled Chicken and Spinach Quesadillas]</ref> Be sure to watch your quesadilla so that it does not burn. |
| − | #Flip your quesadilla over and let it grill for 3 to 4 more minutes.<ref | + | #Flip your quesadilla over and let it grill for 3 to 4 more minutes.<ref name="rf16363" /> Slide the spatula under the quesadilla and quickly flip it over. Be careful, so that it does not come apart and spill everything into the grill. |
#Take the quesadilla off the grill and serve it. Use a spatula to move the quesadilla from the grill to a plate. Cut it into wedges using a sharp knife. You can eat the quesadilla as it is, or serve it with toppings, such as salsa or sour cream. | #Take the quesadilla off the grill and serve it. Use a spatula to move the quesadilla from the grill to a plate. Cut it into wedges using a sharp knife. You can eat the quesadilla as it is, or serve it with toppings, such as salsa or sour cream. | ||
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#Cut the tortilla into wedges and serve it. Consider serving the quesadilla with some sour cream or salsa. | #Cut the tortilla into wedges and serve it. Consider serving the quesadilla with some sour cream or salsa. | ||
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== Tips == | == Tips == | ||
* A quesadilla can be made into a full dinner by adding many things such as chicken, beef, rice, or vegetables. | * A quesadilla can be made into a full dinner by adding many things such as chicken, beef, rice, or vegetables. | ||
* Do not use oil; this will cause the quesadilla to be soggy. | * Do not use oil; this will cause the quesadilla to be soggy. | ||
| − | * If you are making quesadillas for several people, store the already-made quesadillas in a warm over (200°F/94°C) while you make the rest. This will keep the quesadillas warm until you are ready to serve them.<ref | + | * If you are making quesadillas for several people, store the already-made quesadillas in a warm over (200°F/94°C) while you make the rest. This will keep the quesadillas warm until you are ready to serve them.<ref name="rf16360" /> |
| − | * For extra crunchy quesadillas, consider heating the tortilla on both sides in a buttered skillet. Once the tortilla turns golden-brown, you can us it in your recipe.<ref>The Pioneer Woman, [http://thepioneerwoman.com/cooking/2008/01/superbowl_sunday_idea_have_a_quesadilla_party/ Quesadilla party]</ref> | + | * For extra crunchy quesadillas, consider heating the tortilla on both sides in a buttered skillet. Once the tortilla turns golden-brown, you can us it in your recipe.<ref name="rf16364">The Pioneer Woman, [http://thepioneerwoman.com/cooking/2008/01/superbowl_sunday_idea_have_a_quesadilla_party/ Quesadilla party]</ref> |
== Warnings == | == Warnings == | ||
