Cheesy Quesadillas

Quesadillas

Quesadillas in Mexico is a fast-food item found outside movie theaters, stadiums, special events and many other places. "Queso" is cheese in Spanish and a Quesadilla is a toasted corn, wheat or flour tortilla with melted cheese inside. In addition to cheese, you can put practically anything in a Quesadilla which may include: sausage, chicken, ham, refried beans, potatoes, mushrooms, scrambled eggs, hamburger, etc. Salsas are added to spice up the flavor.

My version of Quesadilla is from the Mexican cookbook I have with me from which I tried the Empanadas. Quesadilla with ground chicken, cheese, salsa and some spices made a perfect evenning supper while watching a glimpse of the ceremonial inaugural dance of the Obamas.

List of ingredients:

1. 1 ½ cups ground chicken
   
2. 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro
3. 4 tablespoons salsa
4. ½ cup finely chopped onion
   
5. ½ teaspoon ground cumin
6. 8 flour tortillas
7. 2 cups shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese
   
8. 2 finely chopped green chillies
   
9. 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro
10. 1 tablespoon oil
11. ¼ teaspoon salt

Procedure:

1. In a pan, heat a tablespoon of oil a fry the onions. When they turn soft add the green chillies, saute for few minutes and add the chicken. Brown the chicken, stir in the salsa, cilantro and set aside.
2. Preheat oven to 400° F. Meanwhile evenly brush one side of 4 tortillas with oil. On cookie sheet, arrange tortillas, oil side down. Evenly top with half of the cheese, chicken filling, then remaining cheese. Top with remaining 4 tortillas, then brush tops with oil.
3. Bake 10 minutes or until cheese is melted.

To serve, cut each Quesadilla into 4 wedges. Serve with Salsa.

Tips: Let the Quesadillas cool for a minute or two before cutting for the least messy results. any ground meat or minced vegetables can be used. Pasta sauce can be substituted for the Salsa.